Charles Messner

An All-Berks County soccer player, Charlie starred for the Red Knights of Reading High School and was the team captain (1966). As a collegian, he walked on as a sophomore and started for Penn State University for three years and was the team captain during his senior year (1970). He was Penn State’s MVP (Bill Jeffrey Award) in soccer in 1970 and was a Regional All-American (1969 and 1970 (first Team)). Also in 1970 he was selected to the National All-American team. After graduation, he played in the United Soccer League with the Harugari Soccer Club of Allentown. Charlie played for the Reading Amerks over the course of four decades with the team winning two Pennsylvania amateur titles during the 1980s. He continued his involvement with soccer by coaching at Mt. Penn/Antietam for 18 years. In addition, he coached the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League travel team for 12 years, the Keystone State Blue Mountain team for three years and was the director of the Berks Soccer Clinic for eight years. Charlie played basketball for the G&G Novelty team that won two Reading City league titles. Played in Reading and Berks softball leagues for 21 years and won three titles. He taught Business Ed. in the Antietam School District for 34 years and also served as its athletic director for 24 years. He was Berks County Athletic Director of the Year (2002-03). At the time of induction he served on the B.C.I.A.A. Board of Directors and was the Berk Boys Soccer Chairman.