AYSO Mini Reunion in Austin
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Author: Judy Walker
Released 12 November 2007
From 1978 until 1986 Aramco young people were privileged to have George Merrin as one of their sports coaches. George coached in Dhahran both with the Aramco Youth Soccer Association (‘football’ as he would say) and swim teams and he bravely accompanied Aramco brats on soccer tours around the globe. George has been coaching ‘Down Under’ in Australia since 1986, but occasionally crosses the ocean for a USA Tour to see the sights and visit with his former Aramco sports enthusiasts.
Bill and Judy Walker hosted a mini reunion for George’s Aramco friends in the Austin area on September 15th, 2007. What fun we had watching the Brats introduce their children to Coach Merrin and share stories of their lives. George is still a favorite of young and old alike.
Aramcons sharing in the day included annuitants, Fred and Martha Goff and Mario and Yolanda Salazar. The brats and their families included Matt Goff with his children Nicholas and Sofia, Eddie Saba with his daughter Yasmeen, Mario and Deanne Salazar with their children Ezekiel, Giselle, and Gigi, Jorge and Michelle Salazar with their children Savannah, Gabriella, and Aidan, Ward Cleaver and his friend Betty, Bill Walker with his children Brenna, Liam, and Braden, and Keith and Karen Walker with their children Adam and Sara.
The Salazars were instrumental in organizing an informal soccer match at the local elementary school--amazingly, there were no major injuries. No one reported who won or lost, so it was a victorious match for everyone. When the players returned hot and tired, a dip in the pool was a welcome way to cool off. Fred and Martha Goff provided sliced oranges in the AYSO tradition, and snacks and pizza whetted our appetites for Martha’s brownies and Karen’s chocolate mousse. Yum! Aramcons always seem to do a good job of eating.
On this part of his USA Tour 2007, George stayed in the homes of Bill and Judy Walker and Fred and Martha Goff. We enjoyed exposing him to some Texas culture with Friday night high school football, boating on Lake Travis, touring the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, and visiting the German community of Fredericksburg.
George will be in the USA until the 23rd of November. You can send greetings and see if he’s visiting a town near you by sending an e-mail to gwdmerrin@hotmail.com.
Yours in sports, ma’asalama, and G’day to Y’all.
Front: Bill holds Braden Walker. Children around and on bench: Savannah Salazar, Gigi Salazar, Sofia Goff, Nicholas Goff, Giselle Salazar, Brenna Walker, Liam Walker Back two rows: Deanne Salazar holding Aidan, Martha Goff, Fred Goff, Mario Salazar, Jorge Salazar, Keith Walker holding Sara, Michelle Salazar, Karen Walker, George Merrin, Bill Walker, Matt Goff, Yolanda Salazar holding Gabriella Salazar, Mario Salazar (Sr.), Ezekiel Salazar