Falcon Flashback | George Mauser
The 90s at O'Neal was a special time full of fun and history-making achievements. Former Head Soccer Coach and Upper School Teacher George Mauser reflects on his time at O'Neal.
Thanks for doing this, Mr. Mauser. Let’s start with your O’Neal bio. When were you at O’Neal and in what roles?
I believe I was at O'Neal from the fall 1986 until the spring of 2001. I taught math and coached the boys and girls teams the entire time I was there. Probably forgotten is that I taught German for several years before giving that up to concentrate on the math courses. I even dabbled a few times in computer science, although what I taught is now obsolete. I also fondly recall several spring break trips to Europe and even a backpacking trip to Alaska one summer. Lot of smiles and grins as I think about these past experiences. And yeah, I met Dana (Patenaude) at O'Neal in 1992 and we were married in 1993. After 30+ years, we’re still laughing together.
I believe I was at O'Neal from the fall 1986 until the spring of 2001. I taught math and coached the boys and girls teams the entire time I was there. Probably forgotten is that I taught German for several years before giving that up to concentrate on the math courses. I even dabbled a few times in computer science, although what I taught is now obsolete. I also fondly recall several spring break trips to Europe and even a backpacking trip to Alaska one summer. Lot of smiles and grins as I think about these past experiences. And yeah, I met Dana (Patenaude) at O'Neal in 1992 and we were married in 1993. After 30+ years, we’re still laughing together.
It's hard to believe it’s been 23 years. What have you been up to since you left O’Neal?
I went to the Los Angeles area and taught for 1 year at Aquinas HS in San Bernardino CA. Not being a good fit for me, I went to Oakwood School in North Hollywood CA, where I taught until 2016. It was a surreal experience in many ways, from the celebrity parents to the travel past the Hollywood sign or the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I enjoyed my time there, as I was blessed with great colleagues. I also love the fact that I could get to countless National Parks in a day’s drive.
In January of 2004 and November of 2005, my two sons, Andreas (AJ) and Kurt were born. They are all grown now with AJ entering the University of Maine this fall after a post-graduate year at the Wells Cathedral School in Wells England. I think it was a 50-50 proposition of him returning to the US! Kurt also enjoyed a PG year at a prep school and is now playing junior hockey in Manchester NH.
They are also the reason for my most recent move to the Nichols School in Buffalo NY. They were going to enter middle school, and the local middle schools did not have the best of reputations. Combining that with the fact that my commute was 4 hours round trip every day, it was time to leave LA. (No, 4 hours is not a typo!) Nichols has an O'Neal vibe, just with snow instead of pine straw. It also allowed my sons the ability to attend a private school for which I am very grateful.
My love of travel has been joined by the opportunity to serve communities in Kenya, Peru, and Sierra Leone. I've travelled to Africa on 4 different occasions and once to Peru. The work done was difficult but very rewarding. And the simple game of soccer allowed me to meet people who I would otherwise never know. It's a universal language and it gave me access to situations unavailable to most. Ever meet with 15 other soccer coaches in Kenya for two days?
The people want to know… Do your sons play soccer???
Both of my sons were pretty good athletes. I failed miserably with AJ though, as he ended up as a soccer goalie! How did that ever happen? He also played hockey and baseball but learned to play cricket during his year in England, leading his team as a batter. Kurt played soccer, hockey, and baseball all 4 years of his high school career plus during his PG year. He's concentrating on hockey now, playing juniors in NH, hoping to play in college next year.
You coached a lot of great soccer teams during your time at O’Neal and had a ton of success. Do you have a favorite game, a favorite team or a favorite memory from those years?
I have so many memories from the soccer teams. I can't possibly name one event as "the best." But I'll share two stories that came to mind immediately. The first is the first time that the boys team beat Wesleyan 2 - 1. It was a home game and I can still picture Jeff Haarlow jumping to head in the winning goal. I think he was 10 feet in the air on that one.
I have so many memories from the soccer teams. I can't possibly name one event as "the best." But I'll share two stories that came to mind immediately. The first is the first time that the boys team beat Wesleyan 2 - 1. It was a home game and I can still picture Jeff Haarlow jumping to head in the winning goal. I think he was 10 feet in the air on that one.
And I remember the last game I was involved in with O'Neal, a state playoff semifinal with the girls. We lost 4 - 3 in a wild game and everyone was heading to the bus. I remember hanging back and watching everyone leave the field with a genuine sadness in my heart. So many wonderful players, so many thrilling games, so many memories.
Last one, and this could be controversial. Who is on your Mount Rushmore of O’Neal Soccer from your time as Head Coach?
That’s a loaded question. The first distinction I would make is that I have to include a Mt. Rushmore for the boys and one for the girls. Should I base this on soccer ability alone or a player from various time periods?
That’s a loaded question. The first distinction I would make is that I have to include a Mt. Rushmore for the boys and one for the girls. Should I base this on soccer ability alone or a player from various time periods?
So here are some possibilities:
Soccer ability only:
Boys (in no particular order): Brian Cox, Chris Imfeld, Corey Rice, and Curt Pryor. They were teammates for two years and produced remarkable soccer. Corey Rice had roughly 120 career goals, with Chris scoring an incredible 50 goals in his senior year. Brian was a rugged defender who I wouldn't want to face. Pryor was a great midfielder/defender. Every good team has an excellent number 6, and he was it.
Girls (no order): Robin Bradbury was perhaps the best goalkeeper produced at O'Neal. (Sorry Vanessa) Robin went on to play in college. Melissa Carr was a member of the early girls teams and really helped develop the eventual culture of the team. Leslie Smith was one of the most competitive players as a defender, and finally (I'm cheating here), both Ginny and Roberta Quis. They were the best offensive talents at the time.
Through the years:
Boys: Matthew Whitman was a great athlete and the leader of the team in my early years. Jeff Haarlow is another multisport athlete and a fierce competitor on the field. And I remember Hudson Shelby who grew 6 or 7 inches between his freshman and sophomore years. He also grew as an athlete eventually leading the defensive core in his last two years. Ted Hassenfelt was a great player with an oversized personality. And I can’t forget the Kershner brothers!
Girls: Everyone on my first team in 1986/87. If I remember it correctly, our record was 0 - 8 and we scored 3 goals all year. And yet, they hung in there. And I think that includes only 13 girls.
My apologies to everyone else not mentioned. Believe me, you're not forgotten.
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About the author:
Jared Lina '97 is presently an O'Neal Trustee who is passionate about O'Neal and its Falcons.
Want to contribute to Falcon Flashback? Email: alumni@onealschool.org.
_____________________________________________
About the author:
Jared Lina '97 is presently an O'Neal Trustee who is passionate about O'Neal and its Falcons.
Want to contribute to Falcon Flashback? Email: alumni@onealschool.org.
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