Jack Huckel leaves the National Soccer Hall of Fame, resolution still ‘far away’
Posted on 17. Dec, 2009 by in News
Jack Huckel (right) poses for a photo with National Football Museum general manager David Pearson. Photo: National Soccer Hall of Fame
Jack Huckel, the Director of Museum & Archives at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, has left the organization. In an email sent out to friends and colleagues, Huckel broke the news:
“It is with a heavy heart I write to note that Friday, December 18 will be my final day at the National Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum. For the past almost ten years I have worked with you in some capacity to celebrate the history, honor the heroes, inspire the youth, and preserve the legacy of soccer in the United States. With the severe financial recession in the tourism industry and our inability to fill the rapidly emptying treasury with donated funds, the Board of Directors has made a decision to change from the operations as they currently exist. With this decision came an inevitable end to my work.”
Huckel said in an interview with TheCup.us back in September, when it was announced that the Hall of Fame was closing its doors, that the board of directors were aiming to have a decision on the Hall’s future by Thanksgiving. The holiday has come and gone and according to Huckel, “discussions continue and, sadly, a resolution seems as far away today as it did [when the announcement was made in September].”
Huckel will remain involved in the game of soccer as he will move on to work with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).
How very unfortunate. Jack (and the rest of the employees at the NSHoF) are wonderful people. It’s a shame that someone with such knowledge of and passion for the game has to take a step back from it.
I am sorry to hear about the closing. Please tell me how and when my ball, yearbook, and books will be returned to me. Hope you survive all this. Paul Harris, 707-445-9000 148 Old Forest Ln. Eureka, CA 95503