Howie Hawver

San Diego Soccer News: Soccer Legend Howie Hawver Has Died.

TRBUTE TO A GREAT COACH AND A BRAVE MAN.  

For more current comments and information, please visit Howie Hawver on Facebook.

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Howie Hawver, San Diego’s legendary soccer coach has passed away, according to San Diego Referee Dee Mata.  Hawver, a long time youth and college soccer coach, continued to pursue his coaching duties at Patrick Henry High despite being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in 2008.

Well known and beloved by the thousands he coached during his days as a youth coach, Hawver was with Grossmont College for more than 15 years where here earned more than 200 soccer victories.  Hawer, who also coached for many other teams including the San Diego Spirit, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable neurodegenerative disease more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2008.

A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 26, 2010, at 2:00pm at St. Andrews Lutheran Church on Lake Murray Blvd and Jackson. Reception celebration to follow. Lianne requests that this information be passed on this information to those who knew Howie. 

There is a wonderful series of comments and reflections on Howie Hawver's Facebook page.  It is clear from reading only a few comments, Howie will always be remembered and missed dearly. SN Readers are also encouraged to send their tributes to SN and we will add your special words of remembrance to this article.

Coach Gary Rossi said "Although I did not work with Howie a great length of time, he inspired me as a coach with the wealth of information he knew about the game. Howie never hesitated to help and assist in bettering his own players or those within the clubs he coached. His strongest attributes came not from the soccer pitch but from his experience with ALS. Howie never waned, he never gave up, he was the model of tenacity and perserverance in the face of adversity. He will be in our thoughts and hearts for always." 

Matt Robertson, coach for San Diego United said "I coached soccer against Howie for several years at Club, High School and College level, he had a great soccer mind, developed several high quality levels who went on to play in college and beyond, and really connected with kids. A very personable man who will be very missed."  Robertson had assisted in fundraising efforts to offset Hawver's medical expenses.

"Howie was always there to teach the game of soccer as long as players where there to learn. Howie took my daughter, Starr De Alba CSC 96-97, onto his team and molded her into a good, smart soccer player.  He told her, 'You play the way I teach you to play and you will always have a spot on my roster'. Every time I see a black floppy hat I will remember Howie Hawver," said Tanya De Alba.

Jason DeMuth said, "I found out that Howie had passed, and it was an extremely sad day for me, as well as one of peace ... for knowing what Howie faced each day for the past 2 years, is no longer. I had the opportunity to be one of the coaches under Howie when he was the girl's coaching director for the San Diego Spirit.   I also played soccer with and against him for over a decade. He was a great teammate, an absolute professional and a worthy and gracious opponent. Howie would play you with everything he had for 90 minutes and be the first to offer a handshake after a victory or defeat. He will be missed.  Howie was able to witness his legacy, in all it's splendor, over the last two years. God has you now Howie, you are home."

Jason L. Aldous, Director of Soccer Operations, San Diego Spirit Soccer Club, said, "For a lot of coaches Howie was a mentor and a teacher, but he was also a true friend.  He never settled for a good game he always wanted the best you could give.  He didn't have to say much, you just looked in his eyes and his winning presence inspired you.  Most importantly though, was his ability to teach children how to win, not just on the field but in life.  I wish we could see now how many accomplishments the kids he coached have made, all because of his belief in himself and anyone who came in contact with him. Howie was, is and will always be an inspiration for us."

According to the San Diego Spirit Soccer Club website, the club "took a gut punch today when we learned that Howie Hawver passed away early this morning. We are all deeply saddened to lose such a vibrant member of the soccer community and a person who was absolutely in love with the game. Anyone who knew Howie knows that he was a true inspiration. He was passionate about winning, but even more passionate about developing players. Its been said that a person’s true character is revealed not in the good times but during the extremely difficult times."

According to research on Google, Coach Howie Hawver was the first coach featured on the old XK San Diego Soccer website. From all the onlne tributes, it is easy to tell Hawver set a true example of leadership and bravery as he battled Lou Gehrig's disease. He inspired many and will be deeply missed.

Our prayers and sympathy are with his family, friends, players and colleagues.  

Here is a link to the blog site: Howie Hawver with a great story by Karen Pearlman, of the UNION-TRIBUNE written February 19, 2010 on Hawver.

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Note:This article will be updated with quotes as they are sent in.  If you wish to comment, please email News@SoccerNation.com