Thursday, March 15, 2007
I ask anyone involved in refereeing in the United States to spare a moment today for Pat Smith, who will undergo surgery for blocked heart vessels. The doctors say that his prognosis is excellent; they expect him to be home in about a week. In the meantime, if you are a praying person, pray; if you believe we are all spiritually connected, then connect with him today; if you have known him personally, then reflect upon the experience, as I will after our thirty-five years of friendship.
I first became involved in refereeing in the United States in 1969, at a time when Pat was refereeing in the precursor professional league of the NASL. A couple of years later I began to run line in the NASL, and met him at pre-season meetings and training sessions. We have been friends ever since.
Pat has done everything. He has been President of the NISOA; National Instructor and Assessor for the USSF; Director of Officials for the ASL; Director of Assessment for the NASL; first-ever winner of the Eddie Pearson award (1979); member of the Soccer Hall of Fame. And despite all the honors and achievements, he has always been a down-to-earth friend and supporter of all referees. I could never have asked for a better supporter throughout my career as an official.
Read more about him, and see his smiling face in the center of the Hall of Fame photograph here.
I wish you well today and every day, Pat, and I'll talk to you soon to tell you the story of the beard.
hey hope it goes alright all be praying for you write me back when you get this!!!!hope you get well soon!!!!!
Posted by: hannah blaker | March 16, 2007 at 06:36 PM