|
 ...when he was
inducted for playing an important role in soccer history as a
member of a leading ASL team, the Philadelphia German Americans,
and the 1936 US Olympic squad in addition to the 1934 World Cup
team. The Hall of Fame kept regular contact with Harker
until two years ago when the letters were returned without
explanation. Harker who is 95 years old, currently resides at the ManorCare
Nursing Home in Camp Hill, PA.
On December 20, 2005, Jack Huckel
received an e-mail from Kurt Krusin, a veterinarian and a
long-time soccer fan, stating that he found a member of the Hall
of Fame. At his regular indoor league game, Krusin had
heard about Harker from a ManorCare employee. Being a soccer
enthusiast, Krusin made a visit to the nursing home to find out
more and to meet Harker. As soon as he realized it was
Albert Harker of the 1934 World Cup team, he contacted the Hall
of Fame. Excited and surprised by the news, Jack Huckel
and Kathryn Dailey, directors at the National Soccer Hall of
Fame, went to the nursing home to reunite with Harker and
present him with his Hall of Fame medal.
This event was not only important
for Harker and the Hall of Fame; Harker's family also came from
miles around to celebrate the occasion. Two local TV
stations were also on-site to witness this remarkable event and
to share it with the local community. Harker and the Hall
of Fame shared photographs and stories from soccer history.
Huckel stated, " The most unexpected moment about the visit was
when we saw that Albert was wearing his championship ring from
the 1933 National Amateur Tournament." Harker has been
wearing his ring for years without his family and friends
knowing what it represented. "Halls of Fame treasure
moments like this," Huckel said, "it's like rediscovering a part
of soccer's legacy." |
