The Mandiballers
A victory four years in the works, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) soccer team, the Mandiballers, won the Spring 2013 BU Intramural Men’s Indoor Soccer Championship in a decisive 4-0 victory over the Phohang Red Catatadiamonds on April 7.
The Mandiballers was formed as a team four years ago by a core group of DMD 13s. Patrick Moore designed their logo, the team members made some uniforms, and the Mandiballers have been playing ever since. While they have been successful overall, they have lost in the semi-finals or championships in all previous years. Winning the Championship in the core group’s final year is, thus, a special triumph.
The current Mandiballers are (photo: top row, left to right) Blake Rogers DMD 13, Erik Engelbrekston DMD 13, Thomas Hernon DMD 13, Eamon Chory DMD 15, Colin Brady DMD 13 (Coach/Captain), Greg Hein DMD 14, Ben Irzyk DMD 14, (photo: bottom row, left-to-right) John Greiner DMD 13, Joe Bousaba DMD 13, Chris Bickford DMD 13, Chris Connell DMD 15, Aadil Shamji DMD 13, and Patrick Moore DMD 13.
The goals in the final were scored by Ben Irzyk, Spencer Holland (BU Law), John Greiner, and Erik Engelbrekston. Team coach and captain Colin Brady reports that “defense was held down all season by a three man rotation of Pat Moore, Aadil Shamji, and Eamon Chory” and that “goal keeping was performed by Chris Bickford.” According to Brady, Bickford has “been incredible all four seasons.”
Brady believes that the addition of the DMD 15s (Chris Connell and Eamon Chory) was what gave the Mandiballers “the extra edge to get over the championship hump.”
Mandiballers captain Brady offers many positive words about his team: “It was just a great group of guys that really developed into a tremendous team both on and off the field. It was really nice to see a group that was so passionate about reaching a goal finally conquering it…even if it was just an intramural soccer championship. We’re hoping the tradition continues next year, as Irzyk will be taking over the reins as captain.”
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter said, “Congratulations to the Mandiballers on their championship win. I commend them on their perseverance, team spirit, and hard work. All of these qualities are valued at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.”