There were many numbers and colors represented on the Robert C. Byrd soccer field on May 20, but they were all playing for number 8, the number Zack Hardman wore in the state championship game in 2016 when he led his team to state runner-up.  It was a day when school rivalries faded into the background and players aged 14 to 40 gathered on the field to honor the memory of their friend by playing his favorite sport.  Among those, three Bridgeport teams participated in the tournament.

 

For 15 years, Robert C. Byrd High School Alumnus Zack Hardman poured his heart and soul into the game of soccer.  Starting at just four years old, he grew to be one of the area’s premier players, eventually serving as team captain for RCB High School.   Tragically, he was killed in an automobile accident on May 13 while in Louisiana. 

 

With little time to plan, Hardman’s former teammates Nathan Fubio and Ben Linger organized the tournament with the help of RCB Soccer Coach Ron Williams, the RCB Boosters, Athletic Director Scott Davis and RCB Teacher Greg Phillips.

 

“We knew we wanted to do something to honor Zack and to help his family with funeral expenses,” said Fubio.  “I created a Facebook and Twitter page to spread the word of the tournament and players from all over Harrison County and beyond responded and wanted to be involved.”

 

The group raised over $3000 on the day of the tournament, with more donations to come.  The admission to the tournament and the food was all based strictly on donations and the generosity of those attending reflected how much Zack was loved.

 

The Bridgeport teams who participated included the Class of 2017, coached by Padraig Kirkwood, the U18 Rec Team, coached by Olivia Oldaker, and the current Bridgeport Girls Soccer Team, including Madison Ware, Emma Perine, Braelynne Sandreth, Mackenzie Randolph, Jenna Montgomery, Madie Wilson, Brooklyn Barnes, and Rory Marple.  There were two teams of MSSC players, one team of South Harrison alumni, three teams of RCB alumni, one current RCB team, one team of current Alderson-Broaddus players, one team of Mountaineer Middle girls, and a team of current and former RCB girls.

 

“It was a single elimination tournament with the team from Alderson-Broaddus winning it all,” said Fubio.  “We had people from all over Harrison County and some from other counties attend to cheer on the teams and support the cause.  I had the honor of playing soccer with Zack in the U12 team and continued through middle school and high school and it was very moving to see so much support.”

 

Fubio plans to make the tournament an annual event to raise money for a scholarship in Hardman’s name.

 

“I consider him my brother,” said Fubio.  “He was a very kind kid and loved by many.  I know he is with God now. We didn’t say goodbye, we said, ‘See you later.’  It was wonderful to be able to honor him on the field that brought him so much joy.”