For nearly 30 years, Gardner-Webb Athletics Hall of Famer Dennis Puckerin, known as "Puck," to those at Gardner-Webb, has been involved with the Runnin' Bulldogs men's soccer program. Puck, who played for the only head coach in GWU soccer history, Tony Setzer, has served in a variety of roles over the years, but beyond coaching together, the two have developed a friendship that runs deep.
 
Puckerin first stepped foot on Gardner-Webb's campus in 1990 and spent two years in the red and black colors of Gardner-Webb.
 
"Dennis was at the College of Charleston, prior to coming to Gardner-Webb," said Setzer. "They went Division I in his sophomore year, and he was forced to transfer. Ralph Lundy was the coach at College of Charleston and called me about him. We talked a few times, and Puck said he was coming. It seems God had a plan, because not only did he put us on the map for soccer, but he became my best friend."
 
Setzer recalled that Puckerin did not receive a full scholarship, contrary to popular belief, but that he had an incredible work ethic to make ends meet, all while managing school and soccer in addition to two jobs.
 
"While he was playing, he would get up at 4:30 AM go to Hardees and make biscuits. He would leave there and go to class until around 1 p.m., practice from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and then he would work in the café until it closed."
 
Through it all, Puck led the Runnin' Bulldogs to 11 wins in two seasons, including a 4-3 mark in the South Atlantic Conference in 1990. For his efforts during the '90 season, which saw him become the single-season points (55) and goals (25) record holder at Gardner-Webb, he was named the SAC Player of the Year, an All-South Region First-Team member and was also selected to the NAIA All-District 26 Team.
 
A few memories of Puck's playing days still remain fresh in Setzer's mind. And, they all have to do with his incredible goal-scoring prowess.
 
"I remember when we played Mars Hill up on the road," Setzer said. "The fans were all over us – pelting little rocks at us, and they tied the game late to send it to overtime. Puck closed the team in and said, 'I didn't come all this way to lose! You all defend and just hit it long, and I will score.' He said this all the time with a gash in his head from when an opponent boot stuck, leaving a deep gash in his head. The trainer had wrapped his head like a mummy. Then, he goes on to hit the game-winner."
 
Following his playing days, Puck remained loyal to Gardner-Webb and became a staple around campus, assisting Setzer in numerous roles, including the past several seasons as the Director of Soccer Operations.
 
"You can't put a price on Puck," said Setzer. "He has a passion and drive that is contagious. He lives by what a man should be about: work hard, live by the rules and life will be good to you. That's what he has always done. There are two types of people, faucets and drains. Puck is a faucet because he understands life and its experiences. He can encourage you like no other. Also, life hasn't been easy, but he has always faced it with a smile and a laugh. He has always been about the team."
 
More than anything though, Setzer, who will enter his 32^nd year as head coach when the fall 2019 season begins, values Puck as a friend and a man who has stood beside him through thick and thin.
 
"Puck is my best friend," Setzer beamed. "Man, over the past 30 years we have shared a lot! We have seen birth of children, his and mine, passing of parents, wins and losses, but the overarching thing is that Puck is real. He can keep me grounded and has lifted me up when I was down. He is a man I admire, and I made him the godfather of my kids. I know that he has the same values that I want them to have one day. It is fantastic just to have him be a part of their life. I would say this sums up Dennis perfectly – The Godfather of Gardner-Webb Soccer"