Original Tulsa Roughnecks To Be Honored Friday Night

The Tulsa Roughnecks Football Club will honor members of the original Roughnecks team Friday night at ONEOK Field.

The original Roughnecks were part of the North American Soccer League from 1978 until the league folded in 1984. The team played at what was then called Skelly Stadium at the University of Tulsa, where they routinely drew some of the best attendance in the NASL.

On Friday, July 31, 2015, the new version of the team, called Tulsa Roughnecks FC, is hosting Roughnecks Legend night. 

It says a number of original Roughnecks will be at the match and will be honored during a halftime ceremony. The Roughnecks' 1983 North American Championship Trophy and Southern Division Championship Trophy will be on display in the Roughnecks Team Store.  

Alex Skotarek, a player and coach for the team, said he plans to attend.

"We're definitely looking forward to it," he said. Skotarek had played professionally in Belgium and Holland in the early 70s when he signed with the Chicago Sting in the NASL. He also played for the U.S. Men's National Team, and was eventually traded to Tulsa in 1978.

5/21/2015: Related Story: Tulsa Roughnecks Legend Alan Woodward Dies

He was with the team when it won the Soccer Bowl by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps in 1983. Friday night's game is against the Whitecaps 2 team.

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Skotarek said he spent time with former goalkeeper Winston DuBose when he visited Tulsa early this summer. He said he's looking forward to seeing former teammates he hasn't seen in a long time.