ksparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

The CMU soccer teams finished up the season with the annual Alumni Game on Saturday. With the soccer stars of Mesa’s past retaking the field, the current CMU teams got to see who preceeded them.

While it is all for fun, both teams were extremely competitive.

“It was fun to be able to get back out there and kick some [expletive],” said former CMU women’s soccer player Sophia Whigham. “It is always nice to be back on the field and playing with and against former teammates.”

Throughout the spring season, the teams had a fundraiser in which they had to sell raffle tickets. Traditionally, the funds help to buy new equipment and new uniforms for the teams. However this spring was different. During each match that took place Saturday, there was a chance to buy the tickets, and help raise money for “Team Johnathan.”

Johnathan Staats lived in Nucla, and was a child of CMU soccer alum, Kelly Husky. Johnathan was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of five. When he turned 10, the leukemia returned and Johnathan was trying to get well enough to receive a bone marrow transplant.

A Facebook page entitled “Team Johnathan” was made, where you could receive updates, as well as links for how to donate and buy shirts that had “Team Johnathan” on them in his support.

With a large crowd in attendance, both teams were rewarded with a keg and hot dogs (the keg reserved for the alumni and those of age). The women’s team and coach Erin Sharpe put a lot of value into reconnecting with the alumni. Before and after the game, they held a team bonding session, followed with a barbeque after the game.

“The alumni at CMU are very important to this team,” Sharpe said. “We want to make sure they always feel connected to the team and the University, and it is nice to have a fan base anywhere we go. It always helps to have them come back and play against the new faces of the team, and it’s part of fostering that connection.”

Johnathan passed this weekend. According to his aunt, the money raised throughout the season is now going towards the funeral and medical bills. The family is very supportive and thankful for the soccer teams, and everyone else involved in supporting and raising money for the cause.