David North
Class of 1974
Soccer
 
Education
Bachelor of Science in Earth Science
 
Athletic Bio
1971 All-SUNYAC Selection
Team Won Three SUNYAC Titles
NCAA Tournament Championship Game in 1972
Finished Career with 19 Goals and 19 Assists
 
Professional Bio
United Parcel Service, 1975-82
1982-86 – Formed Dave North Trio and played professionally throughout eastern United States performing Irish, British and American folk music
President and Founder of Nortstar Delivery and Distribution, 1986-present
 
Personal Reflections
In September of 1969, I was part of a youth team sponsored by the Buckingham Boys Club touring the states of New York and Pennsylvania.  Little did I know that this tour and a small town in Upstate New York would be life changing.
 
After spending a few days in Oneonta, I was completely overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality shown to us by both the students and residents.  This warm welcome was surpassed when Coach Stam inquired as to whether I would like to return the following year to play for Oneonta State.  I was thrilled and honored that I had been offered the chance to become a member of the Oneonta State team; I will always be grateful to Coach Stam for affording me the opportunity.
 
I take great pride in being part of the Oneonta State soccer legacy.  As a member of that team, I learned about the genuine meaning of teamwork and camaraderie.  I found that commitment to hard work is crucial in setting and achieving any goal.  To the present day, I continue to be blessed with the enduring friendships of many of my teammates as well as players from subsequent teams.  I attribute all of my good fortune to Coach Stam for making me a part of his world.
 
Throughout my years at Oneonta, I recall the victories and the disappointments.  Before the second game in my freshman year, a knee injury requiring surgery prevented me from playing for the rest of the season.  I experienced a compelling sense of guilt as Coach Stam invested in me and I felt I had disappointed him.  With his support and encouragement, I was able to recover and returned the following year.  Likewise, the loss to SIU in the NCAA finals was devastating because of the missed opportunities.  But the triumphs definitely prevailed.
 
The first official game between Oneonta and Hartwick was monumental.  The support both teams received from the whole community was so phenomenal that neither campus could host the game, so it was relocated to Damaschke Field in order to accommodate the ardent fans.  Not even the freezing temperatures could dissuade the enthusiasm that night.  That game and beating Army in double overtime the following year were two of the most unforgettable moments of my career.  At the end of my senior year, Oneonta State was ranked 7^th nationally in Division I.  I will forever be very proud and thrilled to have been part of the team that coach Stam assembled, which included outstanding players like Joey Howarth, Farrukh Quraishi, Desi Monroe and Alty McKenzie.
 
I cannot emphasize enough how coach Stam has influenced my life.  Without his belief and trust in bringing me to America and his guidance throughout my collegiate career I would not have been able to achieve the success I am endowed with today.
 
There have been so many remarkable people at Oneonta State that deserve recognition, one of them being Dr. Hal Chase.  His boundless support for the soccer program was appreciated by all.  I would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Jay Fleisher, who was my advisor, for his helping and inspiring me to attain my degree in Earth Science.
 
My time spent at Oneonta State was and is still one of the dearest memories I shall cherish forever.
 
North, along with three former student athletes and one Honorary Inductee will be part of the 18th SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Saturday, Sep. 17.  This year's class will bring the number of inductees to 131 individuals including 10 honorary inductees.  The induction will take place in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House and will begin at noon.  The induction is free and open to the public.