The founding of the Acropolis
The Acropolis/Marathon soccer team was birthed from a water cooler conversation between John Polis and Jim Allen. Both were working for ADS Systems a software company subsidiary of Orbanco, parent company of the Oregon Bank. John was doing PR work for ADS and was the KPTV – Channel 12 commentator for the new soccer team in Portland called the Timbers. Jim had left his job with the Burroughs Corporation to work as a Regional Sales Representative for ADS. The year was 1977.
Jim, having lived in Portugal in his younger years, had grown up playing the game. John being one of the first American TV commentators was on a fast track of learning all he could about the game between live broadcasts. That common interest led to hours of hall way conversations on Monday mornings after Saturday night Timbers games between John and Jim. Eventually John suggested that the two of them invite some friends out for a “kick around” at one of the few fields that had soccer goals. The site was Portland Community College. The few kick arounds included Rick Hobson, Jerry Schuette, Tim Ackerson, George Middleton, Leon Simpson, Jim Brinkman, Mike Gehlen and John along with Jim.
One Saturday morning a few guys had gathered at the other end if the field. After both groups had played respective half-field games John Alkire approached the other mates and suggested we go full field and scrimmage each other. John’s group included Don Murray, Andy Chenowith, Glen Gee, Mike Lehner, and John himself. After several summer Saturdays of getting to know each, a few beers afterwards, a developing comraderie there seemed be a jelling of the two squads. As the fall approached the idea to form a team and register with the OYSA to play in the adult men’s league got some interest so we hustled out to SE 72nd and Foster St OYAA office register the team and get official ID cards for all players.
Thus the birth of a soccer team. But we needed a name. We leaned on John Polis, who knew much more about the game than the rest of us yanks. John suggested Wolves FC. John’s connection with the Timbers, (which prove later to be instrumental in inviting our loved and respected coach/manager Mick Hoban to come out and “clinic us”) suggested we call ourselves the Wolves FC with uni’s of “wine and white”. It was after a year of post Timber game gatherings at the Acropolis that we approached Gus and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – all we want is an occasional free pitcher. And the rest is more history
My introduction to soccer at 30 years old.I was driving by Eastmoreland Park in Milwaukee and saw a bunch of guys playing soccer. I parked saw Jim Allen on the field he invited me to join them. I knew nothing about the game, 3 minutes on the field someone kicked the ball I stopped with my face.A little stunned for a second I thought I like this game. Later I joined what become the Acropolis team and had many years of good times with a bunch of great guys …Arnie
