Dallas Sidekicks to Retire #8 for Wes McLeod
Published on September 16, 2003 under Major Indoor Soccer League 2 (MISL 2)
Dallas Sidekicks News Release
DALLAS - The Dallas Sidekicks will retire jersey number eight in honor of Wes McLeod during a halftime ceremony Saturday January 24, 2004 when the Sidekicks host the Baltimore Blast at Reunion Arena.
McLeod totaled 74 goals, 69 assists, 143 points, and 630 blocks in eight seasons as a defender and midfielder with the Sidekicks. His block total is second only to current assistant coach Michael Powers, who finished with 904 blocks in 15 seasons. McLeod set the franchise and original MISL record with 14 blocks in a game versus the St. Louis Storm at Reunion Arena April 21, 1990. His 154 blocks during the 1989-90 season is also a franchise and original MISL record.
"I was elated getting the call that my jersey was being retired in Dallas," stated McLeod. "There have been a host of great players go through the Sidekicks organization over the years and to be honored in this fashion was beyond my expectations. I am really fired up about getting back to the "Big D" in January for the ceremony. Many thanks to Coach Jago and all my former Sidekick teammates and Sidekicks fans for making this possible."
McLeod, now a mortgage broker for Harborside Mortgage in Tampa, Florida, played for the Sidekicks from the 1984-85 season through the 1991-92 campaign. McLeod signed with the Sidekicks as a free agent on February 25, 1985 after the New York Cosmos withdrew from the MISL. McLeod played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies from 1978-84. Then Sidekicks head coach Gordon Jago had been hired from the Rowdies and helped bring McLeod to Dallas when he became available.
"It's a great honor for Wes to have his jersey retired," says Jago. "He had a really distinguished career with the Sidekicks and gave tremendous service to me in Tampa and Dallas. Wes was a fierce competitor and his leadership was reflected in the whole team during the 1987 championship run. This shows the appreciation of the team and the fans to Wes for everything he contributed to the Sidekicks over the years."
Sidekicks current head coach Tatu played alongside McLeod for three seasons in Tampa and eight seasons in Dallas.
"Wes was the ultimate professional," said Tatu. "He was an extremely skillful player with unbelievable touch. Wes was so steady; his performance was there every night. As time went by, I really missed him being part of the team. I remember in 1987, his leadership and experience as a veteran were a tremendous asset to the team."
REMINDER:
The Sidekicks open the season at Reunion Arena Saturday October 4 at 7:05 p.m. vs. the Monterrey Fury.
Major Indoor Soccer League 2 Stories from September 16, 2003
- Dallas Sidekicks to Retire #8 for Wes McLeod - Dallas Sidekicks
- MISL Transactions - MISL 2
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
