by Dave Kinworthy
staff editor

At halftime of the men's and women's soccer games, members of previous Rivermen/Riverwomen teams were honored in the UM-St. Louis Soccer Alumni Day.

The event was part of the group effort led by the Development Officer of Athletics, Mike Meyer, to get the alumni more involved at UM-St. Louis. Meyer stressed the importance not to lose touch with those players that move on from the University.

"It is not unusual for former athletes not to be really contacted by their former teams," Meyer said. "We are trying to get people back and help support our programs. We have over 10,000 lost alumni, but it is getting a lot easier to follow them through other contacts."

Arlene Allmeyer, who played for UM-St. Louis from 1981-82 and was part of the Riverwomen's team that advanced to the Final Four that season thought the event was a success and enjoyed it.

"I thought it was great that they made the effort to bring the alumni back together," Allmeyer said. "It is great rekindling old friendships."

Beth Ernst, a 1997 alumni, thought the idea worked well and wishes more success down the road.

"I think it is a great idea," Ernst said. "It is important for the program and for the alumni. I was kind of disappointed that more people did not show up, but they are headed in the right direction."

Recent alum Trent Woodrick, still misses the action, but believes the program is getting stronger.

"It is very difficult especially when you played ball with these guys who you played with last season," Woodrick said. "With a weekend like this and when they honored the national champion team from 1973, it is what makes being an alumni fun."

The alumni event will be held for each respective sport throughout their season of play.

The men's and women's basketball alumni game will be held Dec. 11.