ROANOKE MEN'S SOCCER ALUMNI QUESTION & ANSWER
PETE KAMINSKY '61
Where are you originally from?
Long Island, N.Y.
Why did you choose to attend Roanoke College?
I was "pre-med"- my high school advisor suggested RC because it had a good reputation for getting into medical school.
Where are you now/what are you doing?
I am retired, living in the DC area.
Last time you touched a soccer ball/where?
Maybe ten years ago - with my granddaughter who played high school and competitive club soccer.
Highlight/favorite soccer memory from your time at Roanoke?
You know- I just liked my teammates many of whom are still close friends. When I arrived, 70 or 80% were on scholarship so we were pretty good. The scholarship deal ended and we became a bit average, or slightly better. Despite playing and beating big schools like UVA and UNC, my big thrill was playing archrival Lynchburg where my mark was Helmut Werner. He was an All-American, national leading scorer and national player of the year (if memory serves). We kept in touch long after college - he became a soccer coach and athletic director at Randolph-Macon.
When is the last time you were back on campus? Do you get back often?
I was last there 2 years ago. I used to visit more frequently - getting old.
Favorite non-soccer memory from your time at Roanoke?
Just the people - most of them - the Don Kerr's, Morris Cregger's, Olympian Dick Emberger, the best RC athlete ever- Harry Clegg, athletes, and non-athletes, just fun people.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope alive.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Well, two things -
- I coached very competitive girls' soccer for 15 or so years - (Bethesda Soccer Club) - my teams were national runners up, regional champions and produced about 10 or 12 NCAA Division I scholarship players plus one national teamer. I also coached the MD ODP State team which went 6-0 at the USYSA Region I tournament.
- Career-wise I started and built a computer consulting firm that I sold to a public company, and where I stayed for several years, as Senior VP.
What advice do you have for the current Maroons about life after college?
This sounds trite- time does fly- keep your friends, be nice, enjoy your family- enjoy your occupation- it eats up a lot of time so don't let it control your enjoyment of the moment.
