Years with the Lancers: 1967-1974 (Public Relations, Business Manager and Sportswriter)
Born: Brazil
Known as the “Dean of Soccer”. Born and raised in Brazil from a Ukrainian heritage, came to the US in 1958. Played soccer at Edison Tech High School (a 3-time All Scholastic selection), St. John Fisher College and for club sides Ukrainian-Americans, Kiev SC and Dnipro. Began working at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle at age 16 and was the original sportswriter for the Rochester Lancers from 1965-71. Also contributed to the sports pages of the nationally published Ukrainian Weekly newspaper.
Was the first Rochester reporter to cover the FIFA World Cup, traveling to Mexico in 1970. Served under American Soccer League President Charlie Schiano as the league’s Director of Public Relations in the late 1960’s. Served as both Director of Public Relations and Business Manager for the Lancers in the early 1970’s.
A fixture on Rochester radio covering soccer on “Kick This – The Soccer Sam Show” and “The Bob Matthews Show” for over 2 decades. Was the co-host of “Talking Soccer”, a local Rochester TV show. Very active in the Rochester area Ukrainian community and Special Olympics.