America's River Classic to remember 'Mr. Soccer'

BY JIM LEITNER, Telegraph Herald Sports Editor

Dave Maiers' presence will forever be felt at the Dubuque Soccer Complex. And, this summer, his nickname will be attached to a popular adult tournament.

Entries are now being accepted for the eighth annual America's River "Mister Soccer" Classic, to be held Aug. 2-3 at the Complex. The tournament includes competition in the Open, Over-30, Over-40, Women's and Co-ed divisions.

"Dave Maiers was not only a fixture of the Dubuque Soccer Complex but also an icon in Dubuque's soccer history," tournament organizer Chuck Isenhart said. "It sounds trite, but the Complex simply won't be the same without him. The America's River Soccer Classic tournament would not have gotten off the ground or succeeded without his encouragement and support. You could always count on Dave to cover your back.

"Naming this year's event the America's River "Mister Soccer" Classic is the least we could do to recognize his past sponsorship. It also gives all those players and teams from outside of Dubuque who never had a chance to salute him an opportunity to come back and to toast his memory."

Maiers, the groundskeeper and concessionaire at the complex for years, passed away Nov. 8 after a brief illness. He played a pivotal role in the success of the Dubuque AYSO, Dubuque Soccer Club, Dubuque Soccer Alliance and sponsored the America's River tournament.

At the tournament, a permanent memorial will be unveiled at the Dubuque Soccer Complex and a token of gratitude will be presented to Dave's family in the name of all the teams and players of the America's River Soccer Classic. Representatives of the Iowa Soccer Association have also been invited to commemmorate Dave's induction into the Iowa Soccer Hall of Fame.

GRASSROOT SOCCER and KICKAIDS