The Annual Jamie Kotula Kick-Off Classic:

The 9th Annual Jamie Kotula Kickoff Classic will be held Saturday August 31st, and Sunday September 1st 2019 at Marywood University's Soccer Field.

Jamie Kotula died in January 2011 following a car accident.

“We always look forward to this weekend for a number of reasons,” Dodgson said. “It brings back memories of Jamie and the fun we had. He meant a lot to us and he always will. The tournament is a very important part of our program. I think it’s going to be another good classic.”

Competing in the boys bracket are:

Holy Cross, Riverside, Western Wayne, Dunmore, North Pocono, and Lakeland

Competing in the girls bracket are:

Holy Cross, Valley View, Lakeland, Wallenpaupack, and North Pocono

Each team is guaranteed at least two games.

The spirit scholarships won’t necessarily go to the best player, but rather the player with the best spirit. A good, hard-working, well-rounded individual

— like Kotula was.

“It’s not about goal scorers and wins and losses,” Dodgson said. “It’s about raising kids and making the right decisions and that’s what we’re trying to do

with this event.

“It’s amazing how much the other teams and referees want to take part in this tournament. We don’t have any trouble finding anyone to play or work. Everyone wants to win but we’re still very close friends and that’s the best part about it.”