In Memory of Matt Stauffer...

Matt Stauffer, a two-time Academic All-NESCAC selection and an All-NESCAC midfielder in soccer in 1994, lost his battle with leukemia in January of 1998, but not before he inspired his teammates to win the 1995 NCAA title.

Starting in Janaury of 1999 his teammates, friends, and family have returned to campus to remember Matt.

SEE: The 25th Consecutive Matt Stauffer Gathering story from the Williams Record

SEE: "REMEMBERING TO NEVER FORGET."

On a sunny September 13, 1998, the memorial tree and stone marker commemorating the memory of Matt Stauffer were officially dedicated before a large gathering of Matt's friends and teammates. The tree and marker sit on top of the hill, next to Cole Fieldhouse, overlooking the Ephs' fall and spring practice and game fields. As part of their conditioning drills the men's soccer team often runs up the hill, finishing now in front of Matt's memorials.

Head men's soccer coach Mike Russo talked of Matt's indomitable spirit and his commitment to excellence in fitness and ball skills. Russo also told the gathering that in addition to the stone marker and tree, Matt's number 10 would be retired from men's soccer at Williams. The home and away jerseys were hung in the Stauffer tree for the ceremony before being returned to the men's soccer team room in Cole Fieldhouse.

Coach Russo introduced assistant coach Tom Demeo who announced that a five-point conditioning segment to be known as the Stauffer Stars would be incorporated into the team's workouts forever more.

Hoff Stauffer, Matt's dad, spoke next and gave thanks to all of Matt's friends at Williams. Hoff noted that the Stauffer family was appreciative of how supportive the Williams teammates and friends had been throughout and how much it meant to Matt and his family. Hoff pointed out that Matt's sister Emily was unable to attend as she was playing a game for Harvard against Penn State that day. Hoff's wife Julie and Matt's youngest sister Hannah were on hand.

The ceremony was followed by the annual Williams men's soccer alumni game that ended in a 1-1 tie.

See Matt Stauffer 1996 Class Day Speech

Coach Mike Russo addresses current and former players from Matt's marker.	Matt's creed: "Run for yourself and run for your mates."
Coach Russo tells the gathering that #10 is retired in honor of Matt	A moment of reflection
Teammates (l. to r.) Greg Locraft, Brian Greenfield & Seth Morgan	Hoff Stauffer addressing the gathering from beside the marker.
Garret Asbury, Kirsten Paquette, Hannah Stauffer, Aileen Keenan, Nikki Strauss, Heather Genovesi, Katie Walsh, Leigh Olmsted, Jenny Powers, Courtney Stokes, and Becky Kummer.	Former teammates Brian Greenfield (with ball), Seth Bair, Mike Cotter, Steve Ginsberg, and Erin Sullivan.
Hannah and Hoff Stauffer	Julie Stauffer (holding blue jacket) and Hannah visit with Williams friends.