Michael Herrin Memorial Soccer Tourney continues to grow

SALINE COUNTY - One of the region's premier soccer tournaments continues to grow, which makes it a success for all of Saline County, its founder says.

Dr. Roger Herrin, a retired Harrisburg podiatrist, founded the soccer tournament in memory of his son Michael Herrin, who died in a car accident in 2001.

"It took us a few years to get it going, but it's been well-received and continues to grow each year," Herrin said. "I think this year it was an extremely successful tournament."

The two-day soccer tournament, held in Harrisburg over the Veterans Day weekend, also featured a tribute to veterans on Sunday.

"I think the most moving thing was during the opening ceremony Sunday, which was Veterans Day, the kids walked out with all the veterans," Herrin said. "There were about 30 veterans there, and they were lined up. They played a couple of songs, and then stepped forward as their names were called, then stepped back. Each kid shook every veteran's hand. I teared up on that."

This year, 41 area teams participated in the tournament, Herrin said. He said the economic impact of such an event helps bolster Saline County.

"We had about 1,800 people out there. It's one of the bigger events here, and it's growing every year," Herrin said. "Right now, it's a big event for this community, and we'd like to see everyone support it."

He noted the city of Eldorado has been a particularly engaged supporter of the soccer tournament.

"The whole town of Eldorado really supported this," he said. "It was on every marquee, on the city hall marquee, it was everywhere."

He said continued community support for the event will, in turn, benefit Saline County.

"As long as we can do that, it will help the schools, the community and the businesses here," he said. "I hope to continue to do that, with even more support next year."