Gig was All State in soccer and set many southern New Jersey scoring records becoming the All-Time leading scorer in South Jersey history. He broke the southern New Jersey scoring records that were once held by Cleve (Cleveland) Lewis who is the older brother of the Olympic track stars Carol and Carl Lewis. He started varsity soccer his freshman year in college at Bucknell and transferred to American University which was 7th in the nation and later 2nd. Gig’s college athletic career ended due to an injury and lack of interest.
In 1995 Gig was inducted into the southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame and said that he was extremely honored, particularly since all of the other player inductees in his 1995 election year played professionally.
The following is edited text from the Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame program:
Gig Schmidt, ushered in a new era in South Jersey soccer, the era of the super scorer. As a four-year starter for Moorestown Friends in the old Colonial Conference, Schmidt established new school, Parochial and South Jersey records for points in a season (99), goals in a season (45), points in a career (212) and goals in a career (87). In 1978, Schmidt’s high school achievements culminated with his selection to the All-South Jersey first team, the All-Area first team, and the All-State team. As a junior and senior, Schmidt, also a four-year starter in basketball and tennis, received the Herman Magee Award which honors the outstanding athlete at Moorestown Friends School.
Click here for a list of members in the Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame
Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction speech, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995
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Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction class, Gig is back row standing 3rd from the left, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995
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Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction, class presentation with significant others, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995
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Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction, family and friends, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995
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Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction, introduction and acceptance, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995
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Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction, post ceremony interviews, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995
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Southern New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame induction, high school soccer and basketball coach and physical education teacher, The Woodbine Inn, Pennsauken, NJ, November 19, 1995