Waldschmidt, Jim (Waldo) 2020

As a St. John Vianney graduate, Jim (Waldo)  Waldschmidt down deep he knew he wanted to go to school and play soccer.  As a placekicker for the Vianney football team, Jim was an All-District and 2^nd Team All-Metro football player.  Coach Dan Devine at Mizzou, was somewhat interested in Jim, but his decision to stay close to home and start his education at Meramec was an easy answer.  It turned out to be a good call, Jim was a part of the National Junior College Championship team of 1973.  He received Junior College All-Region Honors and All-American Honors in 1973 and 1974.  Even though Jim was a defender, he was known as one of the fastest players on the field.  The second choice Jim needed to make was where should he continue his college education, and that was to attend a university that only started their soccer program the year before in 1973, Indiana University.  In 1974, Indiana University made their first appearance at the NCAA Post Season Tournament.  Voted by his teammates as their MVP, Jim also received MVP Honors at State College Tournament and was recipient of the Balfour Award for distinctive service and honor to IU.  Drafted by the Chicago Sting in the NASL, Jim would stay with the team for the 1976-77 season before returning to St. Louis to play in the senior league with State Farm and Pasta House.  Continuing his love and competitive nature for the game, Jim was a member of the 2011 Over 55 Scott Gallagher Team that won the Veterans Cup that year.