The Commonwealth University-Lock Haven community honored the legacy of former men's soccer player Michael Bobby '83 during a celebration held on Sunday, Oct. 27, in Thomas Fieldhouse. The event marked the official naming of the head men's soccer coach's office in Bobby's name - the first such office naming in Lock Haven Athletics history.
The tribute also recognized the creation of the endowed Michael Bobby '83 Memorial Scholarship. More than $40,000 was raised to make these honors possible, thanks to the Bobby family, friends and his Phi Mu Delta fraternity brothers.
Approximately 20 attendees gathered for the unveiling of the Michael Bobby '83 Men's Soccer Office, while also sharing memories over lunch. A tailgate was also held at Charlotte Smith Field, formerly McCollum Field, the former home of Lock Haven's soccer team and the field where Bobby played.
A ceremony in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center provided an opportunity for key speakers, including CU-Lock Haven's athletic director, Albert Jones '99; men's head soccer coach, Patrick Long '08; Bobby's longtime fraternity brother, Chuck Levengood '84; classmate and friend Barbara Nichols,'84 and others, to share words of gratitude and admiration for Bobby's contributions to Lock Haven's athletic legacy, as well as the lasting impact his memory will have on current and future student-athletes.
"The official naming of the men's soccer office has special meaning; notably, as the first Lock Haven athletics office ever to be named," Long said. "Michael Bobby was a tremendous athlete who had tons of success, but more importantly, just an incredible person who touched so many lives. His legacy will live on forever."
Current Lock Haven student-athlete and senior goalkeeper, Brady Freiwald - the scholarships first recipient - also spoke at the event, expressing appreciation and respect for the opportunity to honor Bobby's storied Lock Haven legacy.
"It's truly an honor to have my name mentioned alongside a Lock Haven soccer legend like Michael Bobby," Freiwald said. "Representing our program and its rich history is something I feel very honored to be a part of. The support I've received as the first recipient of Michael's scholarship makes me even more proud to be a Bald Eagle."
As a student-athlete on Lock Haven's 1980 National Championship team - inducted in 2015 as members of the inaugural class of Lock Haven's Athletics Hall of Fame - Bobby distinguished himself as a formidable force in goal, helping the team to a flawless 21-0-0 record. Known for his commitment to excellence, Bobby's achievements on the field rank him second in program history with 275 career saves. His 20 career shutouts also place him among the all-time leaders in both Lock Haven and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference history. These accomplishments have forever etched his name in Lock Haven athletics lore as a member of Lock Haven Men's Soccer All-Century Team.
In addition to honoring Bobby's past, this event symbolizes a commitment to future generations of student-athletes. The endowed scholarship will support Lock Haven soccer players in perpetuity, reflecting Bobby's dedication to the program and his desire to give back to the university that meant so much to him. With each gift, donors expressed their admiration for Bobby's contributions and their pride for the scholarship's impact on students striving for excellence on and off the field.