The great Bob Smith headlines GAK Soccer Hall of Fame Class
There have been many great soccer players on display over the years in Mercer County, and for many it all began with the German American Kickers, simply known as GAK.
Based on its storied past of players, coaches and heralded teams GAK could have a Hall of Fame Induction every month as so many giants in the game have donned the jersey.
One of those being inducted this year is the legendary Bob Smith, who has achieved so much and is revered as one of the best to ever play the game.
“Those years I played at GAK set me up for all that I was able to achieve,’’ said Smith, who played for GAK for five years.” I would not have been drafted if it has not been for playing with the German American team and winning a state championship. GAK was huge to me.’’
The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony this year will take place as part of the annual GAK Dinner/Dance which will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 6 p.m. at 215 Uncle Pete’s Road in Hamilton Township, NJ at the German American Society of Trenton.
Tickets are $45 each and are available by contacting GAK President Paul Bette at (609) 284 — 5059 or sending email to fcgak1992@gmail. com. Tables of 8 to 10 people can be accommodated.
Smith will be inducted along with the late Joseph Thiel and Nick Weiner Jr.
Smith is a member of the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame, the New Jersey State Hall of Fame and the United States National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Smith played at Steinert High and Rider College before his professional career saw him suit up for the Philadelphia Atoms, New York Cosmos, Dundalk (Ireland) and the US National Team.
He was an outstanding player and contributor to the GAK 1972 South Jersey League champions and NJ State Champions, National Amateur Cup.
“Looking back on things it doesn’t seem like GAK is mentioned very much,’’ stated Smith. “But to me without GAK I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere there at all.’’
Thiel was a former Trenton Liederkranz and GAK player, a GAK Coach and longtime GAK Secretary and GAK Sports Committee member and is a welcomed addition.
Weiner is a lifelong GAK Youth and Men’s team player and coach. Weiner played for the University of Maryland and Temple University and was inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame. He is the honorary GAK Sports Committee Chairman.
“Nick is now running things and it’s great that they have kept it going,’’ said Smith. “I love going over there, because it’s like a shot of the past.’’
A very memorable and exciting past for Smith.
“I can remember going down Uncle Pete’s road and pulling into their driveway and going into the locker room and it was like going into a town in Germany, it was so cool,’’ said Smith.
The experience got even better when he and his GAK teammates took the field.
“The field was surrounded by fans and because we were their team they loved us,” said Smith. “I later found out that was the way all over Europe, you have to town team and the whole town supported it.’’