Influential players, coaches honored

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - The difference between the average soccer player and those recognized by the Old Timer's Association and the Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame is simple. The legends give back.

“I think it's huge,” inductee Joe Barger said about the importance of giving back to the youth levels of soccer. “I will continue to give back to soccer for the rest of my life because I've been so blessed in my life with what I've gotten out of it.”

As chosen by the Old Timers Soccer Association of Maryland, Barger, Desmond Armstrong, Tom Giordano, Kevin Healey, Tony Kondratenko and the late Thomas Warga will be inducted tonight at Columbus Gardens in Fullerton.

“It’s certainly an honor,” said Healey, the president/general manager of the Baltimore Blast. “I know a lot of the people that are in the hall of fame, including my dad [F. Patrick Healey, a 1988 inductee]. I love the game of soccer. I have a passion for it. Everything I've done is because of my love for the game.”

Barger and Armstrong played for the Blast, and like Healey, Barger's father, George, was a mid-1980s inductee.

“He's a special person for me,” Healey said of Barger. “I coached him at the youth level, senior amateur level and the professional level. A tremendous competitor on the field and a tremendous person off the field.”

Armstrong, a product of the powerhouse Soccer Association of Columbia, also continues to give back.

“He made it to the top of the game,” Healey said. “He represented our country in the World Cup. I remember him as a youth player. ... Any local player you see reach those levels, you're rooting for.”

2007 MARYLAND SOCCER HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Thomas Warga » Played from 1920s-40s locally, including for APSL's Baltimore Americans. Warga passed away in 1980.

Tony Kondratenko » Patterson High, Essex C.C. player was a two-time JUCO All-American before earning All-ACC honors at Maryland.

Kevin Healey » Current Blast president/GM, Healey was a member of Loyola College's 1976 national championship team.

Joe Barger » Fallston High standout captained the Loyola College team before starring with the Bays and Blast.

Tom Giordano » Archbishop Curley standout was a top defender on an undefeated Loyola College team before returning to Curley as a coach. Remains a high-level referee.

Desmond Armstrong » Three-time All-ACC player at Maryland, Armstrong went on to play professionally in South America and starred for the U.S. national team.

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