The idea came about shortly after the passing of former Rising Sun High soccer standout Ryan Hartnett. It gained some steam when the Tigers' 2005 state finalist team was honored at a game last month. On Saturday, November 28 at 1 p.m., the wish becomes a reality. The inaugural Ryan Hartnett Rising Sun High School Alumni Scholarship Soccer Game will be played on the artificial surface field at Calvert Regional Park thanks to Cecil County Parks and Recreation.
Hartnett, who joined the Air Force after graduating from Rising Sun High in 2011, died in a vehicle collision in November, 2012. Current Rising Sun boys soccer coach Ken Ulrich is helping to organize the event along with former Tigers player Mike Seydell. Ulrich said soon after Hartnett's passing, friends decided they would find a way to remember him. The idea for an alumni soccer game was discussed when members of the 2005 team reunited. "It all came together," Ulrich said. "The guys were excited so we ran with it." Seydell said they are hoping to have 40 players participate; 17 had confirmed as of last week. The alumni game is open to anyone who has earned a boys soccer varsity letter at Rising Sun. There is a public Facebook page established for people to sign up or learn more information – "1st Annual Ryan Hartnett RSHS Alumni Scholarship Soccer Game". Players will make a $10 contribution to the scholarship fund. Donations also will be collected at the game. All proceeds benefit the Ryan Hartnett scholarship fund. As for the game, neither Ulrich nor Seydell knows what to expect. Seydell suspects some of the former Tiger players might not be in game shape. "It will be comedy, drama, and action/adventure," Ulrich joked. Seydell says the RSHS boys soccer program plans to make the alumni game an annual event. "This is a feeling out year," he said. "We want to do it annually. We want it to get bigger. With the support we're getting from the guys, that's where we're headed." Ulrich said the Hartnett family continues to be active in Cecil Soccer. Ryan's older brother, Johnny, played for the Tigers and is an assistant coach. "Our goal is to create an annual Alumni Game which will commemorate Ryan and other past soccer players who have passed, promote Rising Sun soccer, raise money toward the scholarship, and establish an alumni community which is proud and excited to participate each year." Anyone wishing to make a donation to the scholarship fund should make their check payable to Rising Sun High School and must put "Ryan Hartnett Scholarship" on the memo line. RSHS boys soccer graduating seniors will be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Comments are closed.
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