'For Len Oliver, this month’s Homecoming was 58 years in the making.
A member of the national champion Temple men’s soccer teams in 1951 and 1953, Oliver still is actively involved in the game as Director of Coaching for the 5,000-member Washington, D.C. Stoddert Soccer League. He has trained over 4,200 coaches the world over and is a member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame. Now, finally, Oliver got the call he had waited over half a century for.
This month, Oliver and 12 other members of the Owls’ national championship soccer teams from 1951 and 1953 will be enshrined into our Athletics Hall of Fame, joining 253 other Owls representing our myriad of sport programs. Each Hall of Famer, including Oliver, has a unique story and memory of Temple. While I don’t envy the job of our Hall of Fame committee, which must sort through literally dozens of nominations and recommendations each year, the committee has assembled a fine class this year: Oliver and his teammates, plus baseball’s Les Roos (1968), gymnastics’ Jim Van de Zilver (1993) and field hockey/lacrosse’s Chrissy (Muller) Poplawski (1987).
Happy Homecoming, Len and teammates, Les, Chrissy and Jim … we celebrate and salute you!
Beyond remembering past glories, Homecoming is a time to cherish our present and discover new things we can love about Temple. Our football Owls stand 3-2, including a spotless 3-0 mark in MAC play. While we’re not quite midway through our conference schedule, you cannot deny the many good things happening on the field and the continued growth of Coach Al Golden’s program. Keep in mind that our renewed on-field “swagger” is matched by – more importantly – equal success in the classroom and community, where the mark of a true champion is made.
If you’ve not been to a game at the “Linc” yet, what are you waiting for? We are writing a compelling national story this season and you’re invited to take part. After the Army (Homecoming) game Oct. 17, we have two more home contests remaining: Thursday, Nov. 5 vs. Miami (Ohio) and Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Kent State. Stop what you’re doing and buy tickets online!
Here’s a fall sports note Len Oliver and his teammates would be proud of: Senior midfielder J.T. Noone made history at Ambler Sports Complex Sept. 20, eclipsing the Temple all-time assist record in the soccer Owls' 2-0 victory over Albany. Noone’s 21st career assist leaves him at the top of a prestigious list of TU passers. He now ranks ahead of Peter Dicce (1982-85), Scott Rieber (1987-90), Ray DeStephanis (1995-98), and Tony Donatelli (2002-05) for first all-time. Noone’s total will be difficult to top for a long time. He beat out some really quality players, and he has really meant a lot to our program.
Finally, our volleyball Owls are in the thick of another competitive season and on Sept. 18, welcomed two-time defending national champion Penn State to McGonigle Hall. Thanks to all those that came to the match – you helped set a Temple volleyball attendance record with 2,719 fans packing the rafters! Unfortunately, the Nittany Lions extended their record 73-match winning streak that night, but the support shown to volleyball and our other Olympic sports programs this fall has been remarkable.
Question: With a variety of games and events especially during this busy fall season, how can you stay on top of the action? Answer: Right from your own computer with the “Owl All-Access” feature of our new athletics website, OwlSports.com.
“Owl All-Access” is the official video broadband channel of Temple Athletics. Offering live streaming video and audio of football, basketball and most every other home Temple sporting event, More features are on the way, too, which will provide you the chance to re-live your favorite Temple memories from the comfort of your own home or office. Think of your own personalized Homecoming whenever you want it!
Owl All-Access is available on a yearly basis ($79.95 for unlimited content), a monthly basis ($9.95) or for 24 hours (perfect for viewing a single game) for just $5.95. Learn more and register now!
As always, we are thankful for the broad participation of our alumni, fans and friends. With your continued loyalty, we shall achieve. Go Owls!
Upcoming Events
October 21: Young Alumni Happy Hour – Calling all recent graduates, former student-athletes and even the “young at heart:” join us at Ladder 15 (1528 Sansom St., Center City) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. October 21 for what promises to be a great time. Our Young Alumni Happy Hour is open to Temple alumni, fans and friends with an emphasis on fun. Join fellow former Owls and current coaches and staff – and participate in the growth of your athletics program! RSVP at www.MyOwlSpace.com anytime or contact the Owl Club at (215) 204-CLUB for details.
October 28: Cherry & White Night – While formal practice begins October 16, we are excited to publicly tip off the basketball season with our 3rd Annual Cherry & White Night, which will provide a night of fun and games for our students and fans. This action-filled event will feature the band, cheerleaders, Diamond Gems dance team, and will be highlighted by intrasquad scrimmages involving the basketball teams. Additionally, one lucky fan will have the opportunity to win $10,000 cash! The event will once again be held in McGonigle Hall, admission is free to all, and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. (Doors will open at 6:00).
November 4: Temple Tip-Off – Two first-class head coaches will introduce their first-class team captains and discuss their first-class schedules and visions of first-place finishes (of course!) on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in a first-class venue…Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in Center City. Join us at 6 p.m. as Coaches Fran Dunphy and Tonya Cardoza meet, mingle and give their season previews while unveiling their team captains. Event sponsors of at least $500 are invited to join the head coaches for an exclusive private dinner at Del Frisco’s following the reception. RSVP online at www.MyOwlSpace.com and indicate sponsor intentions by contacting Dan Gale at the Owl Club, (215) 204-CLUB.
November 10: Basketball Season Ticketholder Reception – All men’s and women’s basketball season ticketholders are invited to join Head Coaches Fran Dunphy and Tonya Cardoza at the Draught Horse on Cecil B. Moore Ave. near campus. This event is an opportunity to interact closely with the coaching staffs and players from each team, and to hear some insights on the upcoming season. Additionally, season tickets will be made available for pick-up at the reception. Complimentary food and soft drinks will be provided to all season ticket holders. If you have not done so already, please RSVP to Vicki Miles at (215) 204-6710. 
