MCLA set to host CIAO Classic
The MCLA Men’s Soccer team will be hosting the CIAO Classic September 5th and 6th at Ron Shewcraft Field. The 2009 tournament will feature the host institution as well as Norwich University, Western Connecticut State University, and Cobleskill. The first game is scheduled for noon on Saturday.
The MCLA Men's Soccer team will be hosting the CIAO Classic September 5th and 6th at Ron Shewcraft Field. The 2009 tournament will feature the host institution as well as Norwich University, Western Connecticut State University, and Cobleskill. The first game is scheduled for noon on Saturday.
The event is sponsored by the CIAO (Community Italian-American Organization). The CIAO was established in the fall of 1999 with the purpose of creating a social club for men and women of Italian American heritage. The organization began with 14 members. Currently, there are 54 members. Over the years, the organization has grown to add "charity" and "service" to the original concept of creating a social atmosphere. The most recognizable growth came in 2005 when the CIAO established the Berkshire County Soccer Hall of Fame. The CIAO used the Hall of Fame as a springboard for local high school soccer players. The money raised by CIAO has been used to create scholarships for Berkshire County male and female student athletes. To date, CIAO has awarded over $58,000 in scholarships around the county. There are also 67 recognized Hall of Fame members.
Looking for another area to branch out and spread its purpose, CIAO has partnered with MCLA Athletics and the Men's Soccer team in hosting the annual tournament. All proceeds from the weekend tournament are used to help the CIAO reach their goals for the 2010-2011 academic year.
2009 CIAO Classic Game Schedule: Ron Shewcraft Field
Saturday September 5th:
Noon- MCLA vs. Norwich
2:00pm- Western Connecticut vs. Cobleskill
Sunday September 6th:
Noon- MCLA vs. Western Connecticut
2:00pm- Norwich vs. Cobleskill
2010 CIAO Hall of Fame Candidates:
Christine Curry- 2000 PHS Jenna Giardina- 2002 Taconic
Carrie Holland- 2003 St. Joe Chrissy Holland- 1998 Mount Greylock
Mary Lyon- 2002 Taconic Sara Mead- 2002 Monument
Suzy Potter O'Connor- 1987 Mount Greylock Scott Beauchemin- 2001 Hoosac Valley
Winston DiNicola- 1974 PHS Matt Naventi- 2000 Lee High
Rob Negrini- 1975 Monument Charlie Plungis- 1968 Monument
Scott Pudlo- 1986 Wahconah Liam West- 1995 Wahconah
Coach Nomination: Sean Flynn- Monument/Lenox
Mike Powell- Monument
Official Nomination: Bob Gauthier