Photo Information

Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region,makes the first kick during the San Diego Sockers' military appreciation night at Del Mar Arena, Del Mar, Calif. Dec. 17. John P. Kentera, general manager, Sockers, exclaimed the great respect the Sockers have for the military and that an appreciation night can be expected every year.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla

SD Sockers hosts military night

17 Dec 2011 | Lance Cpl. Eric Quintanilla Marine Corps Training and Education Command

The San Diego Sockers indoor soccer team hosted a military appreciation night during their 8-3 win over the Tacoma Stars at the Del Mar Arena, Del Mar, Calif., Dec. 17.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego was given the opportunity to have their youth soccer players take part in the pregame ceremony. During the pregame ceremony, the youth soccer players lined up in two rows allowing the Sockers players to run throug

h the center of them as their entrance on to the field. “I could feel my adrenaline pumping being on the field,” said Michael Gautane, 13, MCRD youth soccer player. “It was pretty exciting because this was my first game. I’m looking forward to the Sockers winning.”

MCRD filled other roles throughout the pregame ceremony as well. Tracy Hairston, spouse of Lt. Col. Reginald Hairston, commanding officer, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, sang the national anthem. To start off the game, Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general MCRD San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, made the first kick.

“We wanted an event that could bring a lot of people together to honor the military and what they do,” said John P. Kentera, general manager, San Diego Sockers. A

lthough the Sockers recognized the military last year, this is the first time they included them in the event. Two Socker’s players have been making contributions to the depot’s soccer program by mentoring the youth teams on base.

“[The kids] are most excited about coming out to support Kraig and Anthony,” said Mary Young, special events coordinator, Marine Corps Community Services.

In addition to playing for the Sockers, Kraig Chiles, forward, spends time coaching, as well as serving as the Champions Sports Academy soccer director. The Hall of Champions works closely with MCRD to support their sports programs. Anthony Medina, midfielder and forward, also volunteers his time as a coach.

Chiles was recognized during the halftime ceremony by Master Sgt. Clifton Goodman, WRR operations chief, and Angela LaChica, Hall of Champion’s vice president with a plaque for his contributions.

“He’s marvelous, he puts a lot of confidence in the kids,” said Young. “His focus is on having a good time and skill development.”

This is the first time the children have been to a game as a group, according to Gina Woolgar, military youth sports coordinator, who is embedded with the Hall of Champions.

“They are pretty excited to represent MCRD soccer and glad to have the chance to see a game,” said Chief Petty Officer Anthony Gautane, who has four children playing MCRD sports.

Kentera exclaimed the great respect the Sockers have for the military and that an appreciation night can be expected every year.

Service members looking to attend a Sockers’ game are able to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster with a military discount.


Marine Corps Training and Education Command