On Friday night this past weekend, the fourth LW3 Benefit Soccer Game was held at the Athletics Complex. The teams involved were the “Dream Team” (comprising of military personnel, family and friends of Wounded Warriors) and a team of Longwood faculty and staff.
Associate Professor of Communication Studies Jeff Halliday was the master of ceremonies for the event.
Before the game started, Army Capt. Shane Adcock, Marine Sgt. Donald Lamar and Army Sgt. Andrew McConnell, Longwood students who lost their lives serving in the military, were honored by having their stories shared with the crowd.
“It was an honor to pay tribute for those who have served, especially those who have come to Longwood,” said Women’s Soccer Head Coach Todd Dyer, who played on the Dream Team and contributed to his team by scoring a goal in the second half.
Longwood faculty and staff got on the scoreboard first from a goal coming from Kate Keagins, women’s lacrosse assistant coach.
The first half was evenly matched with both teams going into halftime tied at 1-1.
The halftime show was provided by the Psychology Club and consisted of several games for the crowd to participate in.
The games played included a three-legged race and Longwood trivia, where a few students were tested on their knowledge of the history of Longwood and a few fun facts about the school.
The faculty and staff dominated the second half, scoring four more additional goals against the Dream Team, who countered with one goal, ending the game 5-2.
“This is the fourth year we have hosted this event, and playing in this game was a lot of fun and went toward a great cause,” said Director of Athletics Troy Austin.
Dr. Sarai Blincoe, assistant professor of Psychology, played for the faculty and staff team and scored two goals.
“I was happy to play out there in this game. This is my second year at Longwood, and we have such great faculty and staff,” said Blincoe.
The women’s soccer team attended the event and was very vocal with their cheering and encouragement toward their coach and professors.
“It was an awesome event to see all the families of the troops who were honored and faculty getting together as a community and playing soccer,” said freshman forward Ashley Weidner.
Freshman forward and midfielder Natalie Fry said, “It was pretty funny watching the game, but … it was [also] awesome being part of a noble cause.”
This game was just one part of Wounded Warrior Weekend, which also featured a 5K walk/run on Saturday morning and a women’s soccer game on Saturday afternoon, where the Lancers beat Charleston Southern 3-1.
