Mayo renames part of stadium to honor Rochester soccer great
ROCHESTER, Minn. (BVM) – A part of Mayo High School’s stadium has been newly named as “Dr. Charles Abboud End” in honor of the legendary coach who had a major part in expanding soccer in the Rochester area.
Dr. Abboud founded the Spartan boys soccer team at Mayo HS in 1985. He retired at 81 years old from head coaching before the start of 2020’s COVID-19-impacted season. In 34 seasons, he managed a winning record of 457-113-43. He also worked with other youth soccer teams in the Rochester area. Notably, he was the first President of the Rochester Youth Soccer Association – which later led to his Minnesota Youth Soccer Associate (MYSA) Hall of Fame induction.
The former longtime boys soccer coach was honored for his legacy before the Mayo versus Austin soccer match on Tuesday. The Spartans’ perfect win, 3-0, made the day even more special.
“Impossible to put his impact into words, but this was my childhood coach who shaped me most as a player and person,” tweeted Ruth Brennan Morrey – a two-time Olympic Trials marathon runner – on the night of the recognition ceremony.
Dr. Abboud was visibly touched during the ceremony and got emotional speaking to the crowd of his former athletes.
“It’s not only the athletes that I have coached for 34 years,” Dr. Abboud said. “It’s not only their parents, it’s not only my family but the Mayo High School and its athletic directors and its athletic office. All of these have left an indelible mark in my soul.”
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