The reach of Massachusetts Maritime Athletics is becoming an international one, as Buccaneer Pride extends from Buzzards Bay to mainland China.

2/C Jon White, who serves as a tri-captain on the Massachusetts Maritime men’s soccer team, is one of several cadets who are spending the Spring 2010 semester abroad at Shanghai Maritime, and he is bringing the “Buc” way to the soccer pitch at our sister campus.

White, a native of Lynnfield, Mass., was a guest at Shanghai Maritime’s Football Association opening ceremonies in late March after playing soccer on campus with other students, after which he was introduced to the Football Association’s president.  Shanghai Maritime conducts a three-month intramural/league tournament that attracts 15 teams and over 500 students to competition, and White spoke to the participants as a distinguished guest.

“It’s incredible how sports (soccer) can unite people and build relationships,” White said of his experience.  “And I wore BUC gear for my speech!”

White, who serves as secretary of Massachusetts Maritime’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, helped lead the Buccaneers to seven victories last fall and will be a key returnee for Head Coach Greg Perry’s squad this fall.