After several years of planning & discussion, the Lower Merion Boy’s Soccer Hall of Fame became a reality in the spring of 2006. A special committee was formed to develop criteria, and categories, for induction.

1/ Coach:

* must have coached LM at the varsity level for at least 5 years, with an exemplary

   career  

2/ Player:

         * must have played soccer at LM for at least 3 years, with an exemplary varsity career

3/ Player/Coach:

         * must have met the criteria for both 1 & 2

4/ Special:

         * must have been a longtime supporter of LM soccer, and helped to contribute to the

            overall success of the program

     A. All inductees must have had some level of involvement with soccer after LM, and be

         known by his contributions to the community

     B. A person cannot be eligible for induction until at least 10 years after his involvement

         at LM

     C. After the initial class of inductees, there can be no more than 3 people elected in any

         given year

Lower Merion High School Soccer Hall Of Fame Inductees 

Inducted - November, 2006 (in chronological order)

1. Harold Helveston - Coach

2. Robert W. Robinson – Coach

3. Bob Davidson – Player/Coach

4. Jeffrey Rhodes - Player

5. Steve Davidson - Player

6. Drew Misher – Player

7. Jason DiLullo - Player

8. William Kohler - Player

Harold Helveston - Coach:

Harold (Hap) Helveston has long been deceased, but is still considered the founder of the Lower Merion High School Boy’s Soccer Program. Before coming to Lower Merion he graduated from Haverford College, and first taught night classes at Temple. When he came to Lower Merion he became a teacher in the math department. Harold was instrumental in helping to form the very 1st boy’s soccer team in 1924, and coached for 18 years until 1941. According to the archives, that 1st team had a record of 7-5-4. There is no evidence that Lower Merion played in a formal high school soccer league until 1931. But in the 1st 11 years of league play, Lower Merion, under coach Helveston, finished in 1st place 5 times, and in 2nd place the other 6. District playoffs did not begin until 1954, long after Coach Helveston had retired. His 18 year coaching record was 146-72-40. Upon retirement, in the early 60’s, Harold became a world traveler. He visited 49 of the 50 states, as well as every continent except South America.

The MVP award, which has been given out to the varisty’s most valuable player for the past 30+ years, is named in his honor.

Robert W. Robinson - Coach:

Robert (Robby) Robinson graduated from West Chester University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. In 1966 he accepted a teaching position in the Mathematics Department at Lower Merion High School. Ten years later Robby became the Chairman of the that Department.

He began coaching soccer at the J.V. level in 1967.  After one year he then became the head varsity coach.  In his first year as varsity coach, Lower Merion went 14-1-1, winning the Central League Title, the PIAA District 1 Title, and then defeated ELCO High School, from PIAA District 3, on corner kicks in Inter-District play.  Robby continued as the varsity soccer coach at Lower Merion for 23 more years, making him the longest tenured head varsity coach in the history of Lower Merion soccer.  During that time his teams had a combined record of 214-119-65, won 6 Central League Titles, 2 PIAA District 1 Titles, and 1 PIAA State Championship 1n 1987.  Lower Merion also played in two additional state championship games under the guidance of Robby in 1984 and 1988.  He was named the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1984.

In addition to coaching Lower Merion’s soccer team, Robby has also been involved in the growth of soccer on the local, state, and national level.  He is a co-founder of the Radnor Soccer Club.  He is also a co-founder, past treasurer, and past president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association.  In 1972 Rob founded the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (PSCA) and was their first Executive Secretary, serving in that position until 1979.  In this position, Rob was instrumental in creating the first All State Soccer Team (1972) and the PIAA state wide playoff system (1973).  Also in 1972, Rob was elected as Treasurer for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and thus began a long and involved connection that continues to this day.  Rob served on the NSCAA Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 25 years as Treasurer (1972-92), Vice President (1992-95), and President (1995).

Robby continues to serve the soccer community as the NSCAA’s Convention Manager where he oversees their Annual Convention. He lives in Wayne with his wife Kate and has 4 grown children.

Bob Davidson – Player/Coach:

Bob (“B”) Davidson played soccer for Lower Merion in the fall’s of 1961, 1962, and 1963. During that time the Lower Merion varsity went 30-9-4. In his senior year, the Aces went undefeated in league play, won the Surburban 1 Title, and went on to the District 1 finals, losing to Upper Darby 1-0. Bob led the team in scoring, and was chosen 1st-team All-League, as well as being elected to the Philadelphia All-Scholastic team.

After Lower Merion, Bob went on to become a 3-year varsity starter for East Stroudsburg University, leading the team in scoring all three years and into the NCAA Division 1 Tournament his Junior year. He was chosen to the All-Conference team all three years, and named the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Player in both his junior & senior years. As a Senior co-captain, Bob was named to the NCAA Regional All-America team.

Upon graduation, Bob took a job teaching physical education in Lower Merion School District. He also coached soccer at Lower Merion High School for a total of 23 years, at the J.V., Assistant Varsity, and Head Varsity levels. During that time his Lower Merion teams had a total combined record of 269-73-74, won 4 Central League titles, 1 District One title, and a PIAA State title. In his 14 year tenure at the varsity level, the Aces qualified for the State Playoffs 5 times, and the District Playoffs every year but one. He also founded the Lower Merion Soccer Alumni Association, that boasts a membership of over 300 former Aces’ players.

In 1978, while working for the Lower Merion Township Recreation Department, Bob began an extensive township soccer program that still exists today. It included youth summer soccer clinics, youth winter indoor soccer clinics, as well as high school & open division summer soccer leagues and winter indoor soccer leagues. He also coached for 6 years in the Delco Soccer League, as a club coach as well as a Select coach. He recently retired and is living in Haverford Township with his wife Mary Ann. He has 3 grown boys, who, oddly enough, are all accomplished soccer players.

Jeffrey Rhodes - Player:

Jeffrey played varsity soccer for Lower Merion in the fall’s 1962, 1963, and 1964.  During that time Lower Merion posted a 41-6-1 overall record, winning the league title all three years.  During his senior year, Jeffrey was named All-League 1st team, and to the Philadelphia All-Scholastic Team.  In the annual game between the Philadelphia All-Scholastic Team and the New York All-Scholastic Team, held at Randall’s Island Stadium in New York, Jeffrey was honored as the game’s Most Valuable Player.  In addition, Jeffrey played lacrosse in his junior & senior year and was named to the Pennsylvania and Delaware All-State Lacrosse Team.

Jeffrey continued to play soccer and lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania.  During his career, Jeffrey was a leading scorer in both soccer and lacrosse at Penn, and in the Ivy League, making the All-Ivy Teams in both sports, as well as playing in the NCAA Soccer Tournament during his senior year.  While pursuing his MBA at The Wharton School, Jeffrey continued to play club soccer and lacrosse, and later served as the assistant head lacrosse coach at Yale while pursuing additional post-graduate work.

Jeffrey serves on the Board of Overseers at Penn and is active on the advisory committees for both The Real Estate School at Wharton and the Penn Athletic Department.  Through his continued generosity to the Penn soccer program, the soccer stadium was named Rhodes Field in 1990.  In recognition of the Century of Soccer at Penn, Jeffrey was also honored in 2005 when he was named to their 1965-1974 All-Decade Team.

During his 37 year career, Jeffrey has worked for some of the largest and most prominent real estate development companies in over 25 cities.  Best known projects include Copley Place in Boston, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Pebble Beach, Aspen Skiing Company, and One Logan Square and the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.  Jeffrey is currently president of The Rhodes Company and returned to Lower Merion Township from Seattle 7 years ago with his wife, Katie, and their twins Nicolas & Lauren.

Steve Davidson - Player:

Steve (“S”) Davidson played varsity soccer for Lower Merion in the fall’s of 1963, 1964, & 1965. During that time the Lower Merion varsity posted a 41-4-2 overall record, went undefeated in league play all three years, and won the District 1 Title in 1965. Steve was an all-league 1st team pick in both his junior & senior years, as well as captain, and a Philadelphia All-Scholastic selection in his senior year. His boy’s varsity scoring records at LM of most career goals (64), and most goals in a single season (31) still stand today. In 1999, LM’s girl’s varsity soccer star Leah Greenspoon broke Steve’s school record with her 65th career goal, which ironically was assisted by Steve’s daughter Findley. Both of Steve’s children played soccer for Lower Merion; Findley was a four year starter on the girl’s varsity team (1996 thru 1999), and Todd a two year starter on the boy’s varsity team (1994 & 1995). Both were All-League selections in their senior years.

After graduating from Lower Merion, Steve went to Princeton, where he became a three year varsity starter on the Tiger’s soccer team. He was an All-Ivy League selection all three years, chosen to the All-East team as a junior & senior, and, as a senior, was the Captain of the team and chosen to the NCAA All-America Team. He also won the team’s Most Valuable Player award as a senior. His scoring records for career goals (43), and most goals in a single season (20) still stand at Princeton.

Upon graduation, Steve taught at The Haverford School for two years. He then got involved with Home Box Office as an Account Manager, and rose through the ranks to his current position of Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales. He currently resides in Lower Merion Township with his wife Ollie.

Drew Misher - Player:

Drew Misher was a 3 year varsity starter for Lower Merion’s soccer team in the fall’s of 1985, 1986, & 1987. The team’s record during his 3 years was 57-8-11, and, in all 3 years, the Aces won the Central League Championship. LM also qualified for the District & State Playoffs all 3 years, and in Drew’s senior year, the Aces won the PIAA State Title. As a senior tri-captain, Drew was chosen to the All-Central League 1st team, the All-State team, and was the 1st soccer player in Lower Merion history to be named to the National Soccer Coaches Association High School All-American team, which began in 1972. He also led the team in scoring with 22 goals & 7 assists, despite playing out of the center midfield position. For his career he had 40 goals & 13 assists. His biggest goal was the State Championship game winner in overtime against Fox Chapel, his final game in an Ace’s uniform. 

After Lower Merion, Drew played varsity soccer at William & Mary, where he received a degree in International Relations. He then went on and earned an MBA from Temple. He became a partner in a consulting firm called Silver Oaks Partners. He now lives in the Lower Merion area with his wife Lisa and their 3 children, and is active as a coach in the community soccer program.

Jason DiLullo - Player:

Jason DiLullo was a 3 year varsity goalkeeper for Lower Merion’s soccer team in 1986, 1987, & 1988. The team’s record during his 3 years in goal was 61-7-14, while winning 2 Central League Championships, a District 1 Title, and a PIAA State Crown. Jason was voted the team’s outstanding defensive player in his Junior & Senior years, as well as being elected to the All-Central League team both years. Jason still holds the school record of 17 shutouts in a single season, but his 30 career shutout record fell in 2006 to another outstanding LM goalkeeper, Drew Cotler.

After Lower Merion Jason went on to play 4 years for Brown University, which has now become a perennial NCAA division 1 contender. He graduated in 1993 with an AB in Organization Behavior & Management (with honors) as well as International Relations. He has worked in the mergers & acquisitions department of global banks his entire professional career. He now lives in San Francisco with his wife of 5 years and his young son. He has still stayed active in soccer, playing in recreational leagues, and is now doing some youth coaching.

William Kohler - Player:

William (Will) Kohler was a 3 year varsity starter for Lower Merion’s soccer team in 1990, 1991, & 1992. The team’s record during his 3 years was 40-13-10, and in all three years the Aces qualified for the District 1 Playoffs. After being chosen to the All-Central League 2^nd team as a sophmore, Will became one of the most dominant players in the Central League in his Junior & Senior years. He led both the team, and the league, in scoring both years, totaling a combined 46 goals and 36 assists. He was chosen 1^st team All-Central League as a Junior and a Senior, and was named the league’s MVP his Senior year. He also made the All-State team each year as well. In addition, Will was named to the NSCAA High School All-America team both years, being only one of two Lower Merion players ever to achieve this honor.

While in High School Will also played for the U-17 National Team, and participated in the Junior World Cup held in Italy. Upon graduation he attended Harvard University, where he was a 3-year starter and an All-Ivy selection all three years. As a Senior he was named the Ivy League’s Player of the Year. In 1997 Will was drafted 14th overall in the MLS draft by the New York-New Jersey Metrostars.

After graduating with honors from Harvard, with a B.A. in economics, Will was a co-founder of a facilities-based communications provider called Pointe Communications. Currently he works at Prism Venture Partners in Boston, MA, and lives in Duxbury, MA with his wife Devon and his 18 month old daughter.

Lower Merion High School Soccer Hall Of Fame Inductees

Inducted - January, 2007 (in chronological order)

1. Tom Farr - Player

2. Robert Hill - Coach

Tom Farr - Player:

Tom Farr played soccer for Lower Merion from 1971 – 1973 under Coach Rob Robinson.  After graduation he went on to play for Dr. John McKeon at East Stroudsburg State College from 1974-1977.  After college he played with numerous clubs in the area up until 2006, which includes the Lower Merion Recreational league, the Philadelphia Cricket Club, the United League, Berks United and West Bradford.

Tom was Lower Merion High School Varsity Assistant coach in 1978, he coached the Drexel Hill Junior High team from 1979 – 1981, Upper Darby Freshman Soccer team in 1982 – 1983 and since 1984 has been the Head Soccer Coach at Upper Darby High School.  His current overall Varsity record is 184-201-53.  His Upper Darby team has won numerous Central League sportsmanship awards since the inception of the award 12 years ago.  Under Tom, the Upper Darby team won the Central League title in 2004 and has appeared in the PIAA District One play-offs in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2007.  Tom currently serves as the Mathematics Supervisor for Upper Darby School District.

Along the way Tom has been very active in community soccer.  He has been involved in numerous soccer camps, including the Delco Soccer Camp, the Delco Select Soccer Camp, the Marlton NJ girls’ soccer camp, and the Lower Merion recreation soccer camp.

He was also the Lower Merion Indoor league Director from 1985 – 1987 and the Lower Merion Outdoor league Director from 1985 – 1989.

In addition, Tom has been involved in soccer at both the State and National Levels in the following capacities:  he is a member of both the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America; he is currently the Central League Representative to the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association; and is also the Central League Boys soccer chair.  He has been Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (1993 – 2003), the Vice President of the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association (2004 – 2006) and is presently the President of the Pennsylvania Soccer Association.  In the years 1999, 2002 and 2006 Tom was the Local Committee co-chair of the National Soccer Coaches Association annual convention when it was held in Philadelphia.  From 2000 to the present he serves at the National Soccer Coaches Association Assistant Program Coordinator.

Tom has been married since 1992 to Kim, who teaches Spanish at Academy Park High School.  They have two daughters.  Darri is a sophomore at New York University and Hallie is in pre-kindergarten.

Robert Hill - Coach:

Robert (Bob) Hill has long been deceased, but is still considered one of the most successful coaches in Lower Merion High School Boy’s Soccer history. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he began his tenure at Lower Merion as a teacher in the math department. He first served as assistant coach to Harold Helveston for several years in the late 30’s and early 40’s, then Bob took over the head job in 1942. He coached boy’s soccer for 17 years, from 1942 to 1959, and accumulated an overall record of 225-51-46 while winning 11 Suburban 1 League titles (including 7 straight) and 2 District 1 titles. He then passed the baton to Charles Kerner, another math teacher, in 1960. When Mr. Kerner took emergency leaves in 1962 & 1965, Bob came back and coached the team in his absence, winning another League & District title in 1965 when his team went 17-1. I had the pleasure of playing for Coach Hill in ’62, and my brother Steve played for him in ’65. This brought his total record at Lower Merion to 231-55-48, and to this day, Bob remains the winningest boy’s soccer coach in the history of the school.

Bob had three daughters, one of which, Mina, married longtime Lower Merion physical education teacher and coach Bud Cantigalli. Soccer continues to be a part of the Hill family tree as just recently Bob’s great granddaughter Jocelyn, also a soccer coach, was inducted into the girl’s soccer Hall of Fame, ironically enough, at Central Dauphin High School.

Lower Merion High School Soccer Hall Of Fame Inductees

Inducted - January, 2008

1. Jon Hanks

Jon Hanks:

Jon was the very first freshman who played boy’s varsity soccer at Lower Merion High School, and was a 4 year starter from 1991 thru 1994. The team’s record during those 4 years was 50-22-14, while qualifying for the District 1 playoffs each year. Over those 4 years Jon accumulated 55 goals & 32 assists, putting him in the top 3 scorers in Lower Merion boy’s soccer history. In both his junior & senior years he was the team’s captain, the league’s high scorer, chosen to the All-Central League first team, as well as being an All-State selection. He is also one of only 3 Aces players to be chosen to the High School All-America team as both a junior & senior.

After graduating from Lower Merion, Jon went on to play soccer at Lafayette University, where, as a freshman, helped lead them to their first ever NCAA tournament birth. Quite an accomplishment for the smallest Division I program in the country. As a result of his stellar play and leadership qualities, Jon was named captain of the team in both his sophmore & junior years, before injuries ended his college career short of his final season.

Currently, Jon is a working as a contract attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Philadelphia, and is an active member of the Pennsylvania bar association.