The Name’s the Same by Emily Fricker

Many of our members are fathers and sons and have been such over the years.  

According to our past presidents list in our 100th Anniversary Book, our sixth president was Michael J. Stumpf. He was president from 1934 to 1936. I do not really know much about him, but he was alive when I was a young girl and I do remember him. His son, also Michael Stumpf, was a musician, a violin player and his orchestra often played for events at the club at Second & Norris Streets. Mike also played at our present club, often for A Night In Vienna.  

Tenth on the list is Frank Follmer serving from 1946 to 1949. He was also one of the founders of the United Soccer League and the league’s first president. His son, also Frank Follmer played soccer as a youth and participated in the Sport Club Dance Group. I remember a friend of mine telling me, “Oh yeah! We had to go every week and see Frankie Follmer play. He was really good.” Frank is still a member of our club and we appreciate his support. 

Werner Fricker was president from 1968 to 1976 and we do not have to say much about him since so much has been written about him in the past and probably will be in the future. His son, Werner Fricker, Jr. was president from 1998 to 2004. Both played soccer at our club, held many positions, and danced with the Sport Club and/or the Cultural Group. Werner Fricker III, son and grandson, is presently a dancer with our groups, the House Chairman and the General Manager of your Major Soccer Team.  

Andrew Weyershaeuser became president in 1980 and served to 1986. Andy was involved in many club areas including cultural, soccer and social. His son Andrew J. Weyershaeuser has been our Vice president for sixteen years, Soccer Director for many years, played soccer with our teams and was a dancer in our groups. His son Andrew R. Weyershaeuser also participated in our Cultural Group and continues playing soccer for our teams. 

John Blank followed Andy as president in l986 serving until 1990 when his son John M. Blank took over the presidency. Both Blanks held many positions at our club as John began as a teenager in both soccer and cultural activities while John M. began as a young boy in both activities. Both were involved in many areas and some of their grandchildren are involved at our club. Their son and grandson John M. Blank, Jr. participated in our youth soccer program and in our Cultural Group Program until his move to Vail, Colorado where he has been living for 11 years.  

This article began as “Fathers and Sons” but as I wrote more and more, I realized that the name is not always the same and that many families have been active throughout the years, not only as presidents but also in many important positions. We continue 

Next month. 

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