Title: Former William and Mary Men's Soccer coach publishes book
Author: Becky Koenig
Publisher: The Flat Hat
Date: 4/12/10
The College's long-time men's soccer coach, Al Albert '69, has published a book, entitled "William and Mary's Men's Soccer."
The book chronicles the 45-year history of the team with 200 photographs.
Among the images are several of Jon Stewart '84, who played for the team. Stewart wrote the book's foreward.
Albert was the Head Men's Soccer Coach at the College for over 33 years, from 1970 to 2004. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Athletic Development.
According to Arcadia Publishing, Albert said he hoped his book would "serve as a 45 year history of the W&M men's soccer program and the lasting influence it has had on the development of soccer in our area at all levels."
The book is available at www.tribeclub.com, www.arcadiapublishing.com, and area bookstores for $21.99. All proceeds benefit the College's men's soccer team.
Title: OFFSIDE REMARKS
Author: Michael Lewis
Publisher: Big Apple Soccer
Date: 4/9/2010
This must be William & Mary week for one Jon Stewart.
On Thursday night's show he joked about his picture being on the school's website with the new college mascot, the griffin.
In the mail today came the new book about William & Mary men's soccer called, well, William and Mary Men's Soccer. It was published by Arcadia Publishing. The author was Al Albert, the long-time men's soccer coach at William and Mary before he hung up his clipboard after 33 years of coaching the team in 2003 to take an "inside job" (associate director of the athletic department).
Anyway, this is how Stewart began his foreword:
"When Coach first approached me in the fall of 2009 about an idea that he had been working on. I thought . . . how much is this going to cost me? As it turns out, he only wanted my time to contribute to the foreword of the book he was writing on Tribe soccer . . . and some money . . . and some signed books for a local auction. But you never mind doing a little something for Coach because you know he is doing it for someone else. The story of Tribe soccer really is the story of Coach Albert's determination and tenacity, creating a tradition and legacy for a program that had no business being successful as it has ultimately turned out to be. I call the story of Tribe soccer: "Coach Albert,: How the Tallest Jew in Southeastern Virginia make Good."
And I think I'll leave it at that.
If you want it, you can buy a copy of the book. You can get it at www.tribeclub.com, www.arcadiapublishing.com and Barnes & Noble, among other places. It costs $21.99.
I've only had the opportunity to skim through the book yet, but haven't had the time to read it yet. But I will, hopefully this weekend.
One thing I can say: more college coaches should compile the history of their soccer programs. It certainly will put things into perspective. I can remember seeing at least two books about college soccer: One about the University of North Carolina women's program, and another about the University of Virginia, called Arena Ball (Bruce Arena, once the UVA coach, now doing his thing with the Los Angeles Galaxy).
With Albert, I know that the 128-paqe book, which is well illustrated, was a labor of love for him.
And about Jon Stewart, Since Stewart's popularity has gone through the roof and that Stewart was given an honorary All-American status at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention in 2006, Albert once jokingly lamented that he gets introduced a lot as Jon Stewart's college soccer coach.
But I think Albert realizes he certainly could be known for worse. Stewart's commentary and parody about Washington politics and the rest of the world is cutting edge humor and insight about a process (the governing in general, not comedy) that has become a sad joke unto itself. Besides, Albert is secure with his legacy with William & Mary and with the National Soccer Coaches Association (past president). And now he has a book.
As for this story and website. Hmmm. Perhaps it will get Jon Stewart's attention and get mentioned on Monday's The Daily Show. LOL! (man, what a cheap and tawdry way to get publicity. Hmm, maybe I can convince the show's producers to get interview about the World Cup).
Title: How soccer got a twofold kick
Author: John Harvey
Publisher: The Virginia Gazette
Date: 3/24/2010
Al Albert has worn many hats during nearly 40 years at William & Mary.
From player to coach, and now administrator, the "Father of Soccer in Williamsburg" has added author to his repertoire.
His new book, "William and Mary Men's Soccer," outlines the meteoric growth on campus and in the community.
"The experience of putting this book together was a chance for me to go back and honor everyone who has had a part in the development of William and Mary soccer," Albert said in an interview Monday. "I am sure I slighted someone, but the book was a lot of fun and a good feeling to know that this is out there now for everyone to enjoy and remember."
He describes in 128 pages the modest beginnings of a club team that eventually became a perennial NCAA tournament contender.
Albert compiled 401 career wins in 33 seasons at W&M, which ranks eighth all-time for soccer teams in the NCAA. The Tribe won six Colonial Athletic Association championships and made 12 NCAA tournament appearances. He retired in 2003 and now serves as W&M's associate director of Development.
The book outlines the careers of several standout players, among them Major League Soccer stars Adin Brown,
Wade Barrett and Steve Jolley. Another former player, Jon Stewart, became better known as host of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."
"Jon was gracious enough to write the foreword and allow us to have his name on the cover, which will obviously add some hype to the promotion of the book," Albert said.
There's also a chapter dedicated to Albert's work with the growth of youth soccer through the Williamsburg Soccer Club, now known as the Virginia Legacy.
One chapter documents the success of the women's soccer program at W&M under legendary coach John Daly.
Albert not only provided the narrative for the book, but most of the artwork as well.
"I had assembled materials every year in a binder for each team — clippings, posters, pictures. When I retired, they all went into a trunk in the equipment room. This was a chance to get them out and do something constructive. I have since given everything to the William and Mary Library archives."
Want a copy? "William & Mary Soccer" will be available beginning April 5 at tribeclub.com or arcadiapublishing.com. Retail price is $21.99.
