2010
Elders Respect Each Other
from the Klein Sun
KC soccer makes a global impact
from the Klein Sun
2008
Passback program returns Friday
from the Houston Chronicle
Klein, Klein Collins play to a tie
from the Houston Chronicle
KCHS men’s soccer raises $1,000 for cancer research
January 4, 2008
SPRING, TX – The annual Alumni Game is always a special night for the Klein Collins men’s soccer program, but the 3rd annual gathering was an extra special night for the Tigers.
The KCHS men’s soccer program used it’s the 3rd Annual Alumni Game on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 to raise $1,000 for cancer research. There was no charge to attend the games, but instead an open donation was taken. The Tiger soccer program will be donating the money raised to the American Cancer Society.
“It was a wonderful night and we’re really excited about the money raised,” said KCHS men’s soccer head coach Richard Elder. “Despite the cold weather, we were able to meet our goal of $1,000 and more importantly show our support for some wonderful people.”
The Tigers are raising the funds in recognition of three strong supporters who have been affected by cancer – Ken Karpf, Mike Konicki and Margarita Assi.
Ken Karpf lost his battle with cancer in September. Both of his sons were goalkeepers for the Tigers and they both played in the Alumni Game. Alex graduated in 2005 after an award-winning career at Klein Collins. He then went on to the Colorado School of Mines. Leeland is currently a senior at KCHS and the starting keeper for the Tigers. Last year, he was instrumental in the Tigers’ run to the regional semifinals as he earned 1st team All-District 16-5A, TASCO All-Region II, and NSCAA All-Southwest Region honors.
“One thing you have to say about Mr. Karpf was that he truly cared about and supported his boys,” said KCHS men’s soccer head coach Richard Elder.
Prior to the start of the game, a moment of silence was held in honor of Ken Karpf.
Coach Konicki is the athletic director and head football coach at Klein Collins. Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, Coach Konicki has been a solid supporter of the Tiger soccer team and all of Klein Collins athletics. He did not miss a single playoff game last year and has been very supportive of Tiger soccer. He was also present at the Alumni game.
“Coach Konicki has been a strong supporter of this program as a whole,” said Elder. “He has personally helped me as a coach and been there when I needed him despite all that he has gone through.”
All of Margarita Assi’s children have played soccer at Klein Collins including her sons Mo and Ahmed Assi. Ahmed is currently a junior in the program while Mo graduated in 2006. Both Mo and Ahmed played in the Alumni game. Mo had an award-winning career with the Tigers before going on to Centenary where he currently plays college soccer. While battling cancer, she has helped support the program in numerous ways.
“Mrs. Assi has been a tremendous supporter of our program,” said Elder. “She has lent her talents as a photographer to take pictures of each and every player who has worn a Klein Collins uniform in the last several years. She has devoted her time to putting together a year-end review presentation of pictures for the annual banquet that is always one of the highlights of the banquet.”
Mrs. Assi was also present at the game and, as usual, was busy taking photos from the sidelines throughout the night.
As for the game, the current Tigers fell behind early 1-0 before rallying to defeat the alumni 2-1. The Tigers avenged their 3-1 loss to the alumni in the 2007 game to take a 2-1 lead in the overall series.
