Bishop Gorman names new soccer field after Victor Arbelaez

Bishop Gorman High honored longtime soccer coach Victor Arbelaez on Friday by naming the school’s new soccer field Victor Park.

Arbelaez, who died on Oct. 11, 2007, coached Gorman’s boys and girls soccer teams for 22 years. He posted a 371-31-8 record and won 11 state championships.

Arbelaez’s son, Nick, now is the school’s boys coach. He said about 1,000 people attended Friday’s ceremony which dedicated the field to his father.

“It was really nice, a great celebration,” Nick Arbelaez said. “And I’m just grateful that they named it after my dad.”

Nick Arbelaez said his father left a strong legacy and big shoes to fill.

“You hear all the stories, the accomplishments and the time he put into the school,” Nick Arbelaez said. “It really is an honor to share the same last name as a legend.

“He’s laid the foundation, and now we just have to continue the legacy.”

The field is not yet ready for play. Nick Arbelaez said the girls team hopes to be able to play its final home game on the field on Gorman’s new campus, which opened in the fall of 2007.