Past, future of MV soccer come together in Alumni game

Former Mount Vernon standout Grant Doherty scores against current Wildcats midfielder Whitaker Hartman during the program’s first alumni game Friday, July 24, at Mount Vernon High School. Photo by Dennis Marshall

By Dennis Marshall

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. — A new tradition began as the Mount Vernon boys soccer program brought together generations of players who helped shape its history and those now tasked with writing the next chapter.

The Wildcats hosted their first alumni game on Friday, July 24, bringing former players back to the field alongside current members of the program for an evening that emphasized connection over competition.

The turnout exceeded expectations, according to assistant coach Xavier Angel, with former players, families and community members attending the event organized with help from the MV Soccer Booster Club.

“We were really happy with the turnout, especially for it being our first alumni game,” Angel said. “It was great to see so many former players come back and even more exciting to see families and community members come out to support it. It gives us a lot to build on.”

The night featured more than a matchup between former Wildcats and the current roster. It gave players from different eras an opportunity to share the same field, reconnect with old teammates and introduce themselves to the next group representing the program.

Angel, a Mount Vernon graduate and former standout who returned to the staff this year under new head coach Oluwatobi Ojo, said the event helped connect the program’s past with its present.

“It’s really special because it reminds our current players that they’re part of something bigger than just the season,” Angel said. “They get to meet the people who came before them and see that once you’re a part of this program, you’re always a part of it. That connection is something we want to continue growing.”

Fathers lined up against sons. Brothers competed against each other. Friendly pressure gave way quickly to conversations and shared memories once the final whistle blew.

“Seeing the smiles, conversations after the game, and former teammates reconnecting stood out to me,” Angel said. “There was lots of friendly competition on the field, but afterward everyone was catching up and sharing memories. We had fathers going up against their sons, and brothers competing against each other. That was something special. This event created a chance to celebrate the program and bring everyone together.”

Grant Doherty, the program’s career goals record holder and a 2024 graduate now playing at Hanover College, was among those who made the trip back. He still knows several current high school players and used the night to reconnect with older teammates while meeting the next group.

“I really enjoy just being around Mount Vernon,” Doherty said. “I still know some of the guys in high school and then being able to see some of the other guys I played with that are a little bit older, and just coming out with the community. It was pretty neat. I got to meet a lot of new people. Some older that I didn’t know, and reconnect with some other guys. Met some of the younger guys in high school now. It was a really good time.”

Doherty, who played alongside Angel during his own freshman year, also got a first look at the new coaching staff.

“I haven’t met the new coach very much, but he seems like he really knows what he’s doing, and from the players’ perspectives it seems like it’s going well,” Doherty said.

On the current side, rising senior holding midfielder Whitaker Hartman helped the Wildcats take both matches.

Hartman enjoyed the opportunity to compete against former players but also came away with a few areas the Wildcats can improve before the season.

“It was a lot of fun,” Hartman said. “I liked seeing all the old guys play again. Just the experience, being on the field with former players. It was a blast.”

Looking ahead to the season, Hartman kept the takeaways practical.

“We just need to work on passing a little bit,” Hartman said. “Sometimes we can try to be a little too flashy and try to show up a little bit. But I like how competitive we were. Just the overall positive attitude of the game.”

The alumni game also came as the Wildcats prepare for a new season after back-to-back difficult years. Mount Vernon finished 3-14 in 2024 and 2-16 in 2025, following a 13-4 campaign in 2022.

After the final match, the coaching staff was already evaluating the night.

“The response we got from everyone involved was overwhelmingly positive, and we’d love to make this an annual tradition,” Angel said. “It’s a great way to honor our alumni and strengthen the culture of our program. Hopefully it continues to grow every year.”