The Milwaukee men’s soccer team recently secured a 1-0 victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies, claiming the LeWang Cup for another year. This match marked the 50th anniversary of the rivalry, which began in 1981. The annual game is played to honor John LeWang, a former assistant coach at Milwaukee who later became head coach at Northern Illinois before his untimely death in a car accident following the 1980 season.
Milwaukee head coach Kris Kelderman expressed how meaningful it is to win this particular rivalry game. “We have three Cups each season that are on the line, and that is pretty cool,” Kelderman said. He emphasized that having something tangible like a trophy adds significance to their victories. “In the game of soccer, a win is a win, but if you have something to take possession of, take pictures with after a victory, that means so much more.”
The LeWang Cup serves as more than just a competition; it commemorates LeWang’s contributions and keeps his memory alive within both college programs he was associated with. “It’s important to keep his memory alive and keep the tradition going and handed down to the next generation of coaches and players,” Kelderman noted.
Kelderman also highlighted how this game provides additional motivation for his players while maintaining focus on their performance. “We try and emphasize being the best we can be every time we step on the field,” he stated. The Panthers’ recent triumph allows them to retain possession of the trophy for another year.
The cup not only symbolizes victory but also serves as an enduring tribute to John LeWang’s legacy in college soccer.
