Lunn Leaves Soccer HOF

Doug Willies, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "Will has played an instrumental role in helping build the Hall of Fame. His vision, passion and energy engaged and mobilized local, state and national resources. The synchronization of those disparate resources is what has enabled the Hall of Fame to evolve into the institution we are all so proud of. While no one person is indispensable, I believe it is fair to say that the Hall of Fame would not be what it is today without Will. Although he will be missed, we are well positioned and anxious to build upon the solid foundation that has been laid."

Will Lunn said, "I am very proud of what we have accomplished during my tenure and, in particular, of the board and professional staff it has been my honor to work with. The combination of their dedication and the generous support we received from so many enabled us to exceed most expectations. I leave the organization debt free, with a beautiful museum, committed partners, a national board of directors, and a talented staff who continually garner credibility and praise for the institution.” Lunn added, “The Hall's continued success is very important to me and I will do everything possible to ensure the transition goes smoothly.”

Will Lunn served the Hall of Fame for 16 years the last 10 of which were as its president. Prior to that he was an executive in the regional airline industry. A search committee for the new president is being formed. In the interim, Board Secretary and Hall of Famer George Brown (Class of 1995) will serve as Acting President.

The National Soccer Hall of Fame, located in Oneonta, NY, opened its 40,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art museum in 1999. The new Hall of Fame tells the story of soccer in America and features World Cup as well as greatest moments in international soccer. The Museum features an extensive interactive, youth oriented Kicks Zone where visitors have fun kicking, heading and video soccer games. The VideoWall features greatest moments and greatest goals as well as live soccer action with World Cup, MLS, and U.S. Soccer international matches. Unique and rare artifacts on exhibition range from the Women’s World Cup won by the USA in 1999. Pele and Mia Hamm’s uniforms, Kristine Lilly’s golden shoes, NASL championship rings, MLS championship trophy – it’s all at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. In addition to the interactive Museum, the National Soccer Hall of Fame complex boasts the Kicks Hall of Fame Museum Store, a research library, four world-class soccer fields and office/meeting facilities. For Museum information contact Jack Huckel at the National Soccer Hall of Fame 607/ 432-3351 ext. 209 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it