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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Soccer Rain or Shine! Quinn indoor soccer field breaks ground

The groundbreaking for the new Cris Quinn Indoor Soccer Field was held July 16 at the Cris E. Quinn Memorial Soccer Complex on Dishman Road in Beaumont.

According to Glen Morgan, chairman of the Cris Quinn Memorial Foundation, the new indoor field is being constructed with the assistance of the Cris Quinn Memorial Foundation and the Beaumont Foundation of America.

The facility will be named in honor of Cris Quinn who was an attorney and partner with the Reaud, Morgan & Quinn law firm.

Cris Quinn was an avid supporter, donor, fundraiser and volunteer for the Beaumont Youth Soccer Association. Many remember Cris Quinn as a man who worked tirelessly in his free time to ensure the fields and facilities at the complex were in the best condition possible.

The young lawyer was shot and killed eight years ago at his Beaumont law office by a would-be client. Shortly before 9 a.m. June 12, 2002, Vidor resident Richard Gerzine, 79, asked to see Quinn and after entering the lawyer's office took out a shotgun he had concealed in a cardboard box as a fishing pole.

Gerzine fired two shots at Quinn, striking him in the chest. A lawyer in the next office rushed in and held Gerzine until the police arrived.

Quinn was only 47 and the father of five children.

Gerzine said he was angry with Quinn, a senior partner at Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, for refusing to file an asbestos case on his behalf. Quinn had told Gerzine that the case did not have merit.

Gerzine was sentenced to life in prison for the murder, and died in prison in 2005.

The new indoor soccer field will provide a fun and exciting opportunity for youths and young-at-heart adults. Indoor soccer is played on a smaller field and in a different format than traditional outdoor soccer. The boundary walls of indoor fields are plexiglass.

The ball is almost always in play and the fast-paced nature of the game allows all of the players to continually participate during play. The climate controlled indoor fields will also allow for play regardless of outside weather conditions.

Contributions can be made to the Cris Quinn Memorial Foundation, 801 Laurel, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

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