Family, Friends, Alumni Take Part In First Annual Devin K. Webster Memorial Alumni Soccer Game

By: Ed Weaver  /  August 6, 2024  /  Photo: Sarah Wagaman

Sixty-five players, most of whom were Wellsboro alumni, took part in the first annual Devin K. Webster Memorial Alumni Soccer Game at the Wellsboro Community Athletic Complex on Saturday, August 3.

All eight of Devin's senior year teammates participated in the game, one coming as far as Texas.

What started as an overcast, cloudy day eventually turned to rain early in the afternoon. But right before game time, the skies cleared and the sun came out. It was as if Devin was looking down over Wellsboro at that moment, and knew his friends had something planned for him.

"It means a lot to have Devin's name remembered in so many ways and through all of the players that came back today," Devin's father Craig said. "I know some of them came from quite a distance.

"He loved his soccer team. It was really nice to see the players come out. We didn't think we'd get the numbers we ended up having. It was nice seeing all of Devin's old friends. Its nice to see his friends moving on with their lives and just seeing everyone again."

Devin's brother, and former teammate, Nick, added, "It's been a tough year but its been great to see the community come together and see all the people that meant something to Dev, or who Dev meant something to, come out and show their support. It was a lot of fun getting back out on the field. It shows me how out of shape we all are. I maybe played a total of 10 of the 80 minutes, but it was a really fun time."

The idea of a memorial game was presented to some of Devin's friends, and it grew to include a picnic gathering to follow the game. With Jo Yungwirth providing her culinary expertise and oversight, and with the generous support and kindness of so many, the day was a huge success for bringing people together to celebrate Devin's life and raise funds for the annual Devin K. Webster Memorial Award.

The game was open to all former Wellsboro alumni and family and friends of Devin's. Two teams were formed, the green team was made up of even numbered graduation years while the white team had members of odd graduation years. Players were asked to donate $20.00 to the Devin K. Webster Memorial Award and Scholarship fund. Throughout the afternoon there were t-shirt sales, small snacks and/or drinks available to purchase, and a 50/50 drawing, with all proceeds raised going towards the fund.

The white team won 4-1 during game play, getting goals from Zach Singer (2), Brett Rudy, and Kaeden Mann. Dalton Prough scored the lone goal for the green team.

"The neat thing about small towns is how people rally around each other when there is a need or an opportunity to offer support," Boys Soccer head coach Todd Fitch said. "That is what this event was about and and that is what happened to make it the success it was. Ultimately, there was an overwhelming number of people who volunteered their time and were so generous with their monetary donations that the Devin K. Webster Memorial Award will continue for many years to come."

Donations can be made to the Devin K. Webster Scholarship Fund and Memorial Award by sending a check to: Wellsboro High School, Attention: WHS Boys Soccer, 225 Nichols Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Checks should be made payable to Wellsboro Area School District" with "Devin K. Webster Memorial Fund" in the memo.