Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata

Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
Full name Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
Nickname(s) El Lobo, Los Triperos, Mensanas, Basureros
Founded June 3, 1887
Ground Estadio Juan Carlos Zerillo,
La Plata, Argentina
(Capacity: 31,460[1])
Chairman Flag of Argentina Walter Gisande
Manager Flag of Argentina Leonardo Madelón
League Argentine Primera División
Clausura 2008 17th
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Away colours
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata (CGE or GELP, in English, "Gymnastics and Fencing Club of La Plata") is an Argentine sports club from La Plata, province of Buenos Aires. It was founded on June 3, 1887, as Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima. Its principal sport is football, and it competes in the Primera División Argentina, Argentina's premier league.

Its stadium is the Estadio Juan Carlos Zerillo, also known as the Estadio del Bosque, with a 31,460 spectator capacity.

Gimnasia y Esgrima was a champion of "División Intermedia" of Argentine football in 1915, of the Primera División in 1929, and was runner-up in 1924.

In the professional era, Gimnasia was champion of the Copa Centenario de la AFA in 1994 and of the Argentine 2nd division in 1944, 1947 and 1952; in addition, it was a runner-up in the Primera División on five occasions. It has been in the Primera División for 69 seasons, giving it the eighth longest participation at this level.

Contents

History

Main article: History of Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata

The "Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata" was founded on June 3, 1887 as a civil association, and thus is the oldest surviving football club in the whole of South America.[2] Its foundation came barely five years after the creation of the City of La Plata in 1882. The first sports offered to its members were, as its Spanish name indicates, gymnastics and fencing. Clubs supporting these sports were common among the upper classes at the end of the 19th century (cf. the prior foundation of Gimnasia y Esgrima de Buenos Aires in 1880). Later on, other disciplines were added, including track and field, football, basketball and rugby.

The institution changed name a few times: from April to December 1897 it was called a "Club de Esgrima" due to the fact that fencing was the only activity practised at that moment. On December 17, 1897 it returned to its original name: "Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima". From July 1952 to September 30, 1955, the club was named "Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima de Eva Perón", due to the fact that the city of La Plata itself had been renamed "Eva Perón" in 1952, after Eva Perón's death. The city returned to its previous name during the government of the "Liberating Revolution", and so did the club. However, it remained unduly identified legally as "Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata", a mistake that was corrected on August 7, 1964 after the new statute was approved.

Amateur era (1891–1930)

The colours of C.G.E.

Gimnasia had to abandon its original field at the corner of 13th and 71st streets, in 1905; at that time, it chose to discontinue the practice of football and to devote the club mainly to social activities. As a result, some members who were interested in playing football left and founded a club devoted principally to that activity: Estudiantes de La Plata. Later, in 1912, a group of football players who were in conflict with Estudiantes de La Plata joined Club Independencia, which later merged with Gimnasia y Esgrima in 1914, thereby returning to the practice of football. In 1915 Gimnasia y Esgrima joined the "División Intermedia", and won the championship and promotion to the Primera División Argentina. In that year, Gimnasia obtained two cups; "Competencia Adolfo J. Bullrich Cup" and "Campeonato Intermedia Cup".[3]

On April 27, 1916, Gimnasia played against Estudiantes de La Plata, its rival in the La Plata derby, for the first time. The match took place at the Estudiantes de La Plata' field (1st and 57th streets), where Gimnasia y Esgrima won 1–0. That year, Gimnasia finished the championship in fourth place, behind Racing Club, Platense and River Plate, with nine victories, nine ties and three defeats. In 1921 Gimnasia would again reach fourth place, behind Racing Club, River Plate and Independiente, as a result of 23 victories, six ties and nine defeats.

On April 27, 1924 the new stadium was inaugurated, located in La Plata's main park ("El Bosque", the Forest) at the intersection of 60th avenue and 118th street; it was named Estadio Juan Carlos Zerillo. Gimnasia y Esgrima remained undefeated in its new stadium for 15 months (from its first official meeting until July 1925).[4] On that year, Gimnasia achieved second place, behind San Lorenzo, with 15 victories, seven ties and one defeat.

Title of 1929

The team of 1929.

In 1929, Gimnasia y Esgrima obtained its only First Division title in the amateur era, after a campaign that included fourteen victories and three defeats. The championship of 1929 was organized along the Copa Estímulo format, that is, teams where separated in two zones ("even" and "odd"), the title being defined in a game between the winners of each zone. Gimnasia y Esgrima won the first place in the "odd zone", which included River Plate, Racing Club, Huracán, and Estudiantes de La Plata, among other teams. The "even zone" was won by Boca Juniors, that qualified thus for the final meeting.

The final took place on February 9, 1930 at the old stadium of River Plate (at the intersection of Alvear and Tagle in Recoleta). On that day, Gimnasia fielded: Scarpone, Di Giano and Delovo; Rusciti, Santillán and Belli; Curell, Varallo, Maleani, Díaz, and Morgada. After being down 0–1 at half time, the team turned the result and won 2-1 with two goals by Martin Maleani. That same year Gimnasia won the "Reserve" championship.[5] Consequently, Gimnasia y Esgrima became the first club of La Plata to earn a title in a competition organized by an Association recognized by FIFA.

The European Tour of 1930/1931

The team posing in Europe during the tour of 1931.

Between December 1930 and April 1931, Gimnasia's team, which later would be known as "El Expreso" (in English, "The Express"), toured Europe and Brazil. Gimnasia became the first Argentine club from outside Greater Buenos Aires to compete in Europe, and the first ever to play in Portugal, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Italy.[6] In the European portion of the tour, Gimnasia played twenty-two games, winning eleven and losing six.[7] On February 15, 1931, Gimnasia defeated Sportverein München 4-0 at Munich, in a game remarkable for being the first match played by an Argentine team on a snow-covered pitch.[8] On March 8, Gimnasia won 3-1 over AC Sparta Praha at Prague, a team that was arguably the strongest in Europe at the time, and that no South American team had yet defeated.[9] Gimnasia also won its matches against three of the most important European clubs: a 3-1 victory against Real Madrid (at Madrid, on January 1, 1931, first South American team to ever defeat Real Madrid at Madrid), 2-1 against FC Barcelona (at Barcelona, on January 6, 1931), and 1-0 against Benfica (at Lisbon, on March 29, 1931).

Professional era (1931–2008)

El Expreso of 1933

The team of 1933.

Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata entered into the history of Argentine football with a famous team known as "El Expreso" (The Express). The "1933 Express" comfortably won the first round of the First Division championship. In the second round, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata led the championship, until it faced Boca Juniors and San Lorenzo de Almagro. In these matches, it is claimed that Gimnasia was subject to openly biased arbitration.[10] In the latter game, the referee Rojo Miró favoured so blatantly San Lorenzo that the Gimnasia players famously refused to continue with the charade, and "went on strike." They simply sat on the field, while San Lorenzo scored unopposedly, before the referee terminated the game with a 7–1 outcome. The 1933 team ended in the fourth place (San Lorenzo was the champion) with a record of 21 victories, four draws and nine defeats.[11] However, the legendary Express had been born, and it never left the memory of its fans. The top scorer of The Express was Arturo "El Torito" Naón with 33 goals.

Governor Alende Cup (1960)

The team of 1960.

This Cup was disputed in 1960 and was organized by the club Estudiantes de La Plata. It was called "Gobernador de la Provincia de Buenos Aires Dr. Oscar Alende Cup", in honoring the governor Oscar Alende. The cup was an international quadrangular, comprising friendly matches between Estudiantes, Gimnasia, Club Nacional de Football and Club Atlético Peñarol, the latter being the two main football clubs from Uruguay.

Gimnasia won both meetings against the Uruguayan teams: 5–2 against Nacional and 1–0 against Peñarol. Estudiantes lost its respective games for 0–1 and 2–5.

In the last match, Gimnasia tied with Estudiantes 2–2. On February 13, 1960, Gimnasia was therefore crowned champion of the Gobernador Alende Cup, at the stadium of its archrival, located at the intersection of the 57 & 1 streets of La Plata.

La Barredora (1970)

The 1970 team, La Barredora de José.

One of the teams most remembered by Gimnasia fans is "La Barredora" ("The Sweeper"). After almost a decade alternating good and bad performances, the championships organized by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) were restructured.

The result was the creation of two championships: the "Metropolitano", played by teams affiliated directly to the AFA (and divided in two zones), and the "Nacional", played by the teams placed in the top positions of the "Metropolitano", in addition to teams from the leagues of the Argentine interior. The rest of the teams played the "Promocional" and "Reclasificatorio" cups. Other variants existed, whereby the "Metropolitano" was played as an all-team home-and-away round robin, and the "Nacional" in a two-zone competition.

In the first year, 1967, Gimnasia y Esgrima was champion of the "Promocional" tournament.

In 1970, Gimnasia y Esgrima finished second the zone "B" behind Chacarita Juniors, and qualified to the "Nacional" semifinal against Rosario Central, who had occupied the first position in the zone "A". At that time, a conflict developed between the players and the club's administration on a disagreement about performance remuneration. Unable to solve the issue, the President Oscar Venturino fielded the club's third division on the semifinal at Rosario. The final result was a 3–0 victory for Rosario Central.[12]

The typical eleven in that remarkable team were: Hugo Orlando Gatti; Ricardo Rezza, José Bernabé Leonardi, José Masnik, Roberto Zywica, Roberto Gonzalo; Héctor Pignani, José Santiago, Delio Onnis, José Néstor Meija, Jorge Castiglia. José Varacka was the coach.

The Return to First Division (1984)

After a bad campaign, Gimnasia y Esgrima is relegated to Primera "B" in 1979.[13] The team played in the Second Division between 1980 and 1984, the year in which it returned to the First Division. The team included football players such as Ricardo "El Pulpo" Kuzemka and Carlos Carrió; its coach was Nito Veiga.

In 1984 Gimnasia y Esgrima obtained the third place in the overall table, and thus qualified to dispute an Octogonal for the second promotion to First Division.[14] The other teams in the octogonal were Racing Club, Argentino de Rosario, Club Atlético Tigre, Defensores de Belgrano, Club Atlético Lanús, Nueva Chicago, and Deportivo Morón. Gimnasia reached the final, where it defeated Racing Club twice, first 3-1 in Avellaneda, and then 4-2 in La Plata on December 30, 1984. After these victories, Gimnasia returned to First Division in 1985 and has been playing there ever since.

Copa Centenario de la AFA (1993–94)

The AFA organized in 1993 a cup-style (elimination) tournament[15] named Copa Centenario ("Centennial Cup"), to celebrate its hundredth anniversary. Each first division team played its derby rival in two rounds in a double elimination system. Gimnasia eliminated its classic rival Estudiantes 1–0 with a goal by Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and qualified for the next round after a 0–0 tie in the return match. Then, Gimnasia successively eliminated Newell's Old Boys, Argentinos Juniors and Belgrano de Córdoba to win the "round of winners". River Plate won the "round of losers" and qualified for the final, with Gimnasia having home court advantage.

Gimnasia won the final 3–1 with goals by Hugo Romeo Guerra, Fernández and Guillermo Barros Schelotto. River's goal was scored by Villalba. Gimnasia's winning team included Lavallén; Sanguinetti, Morant, Ortiz, Dopazo, Fernández, Bianco, Talarico, Gustavo Barros Schelotto, Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Guerra.[16]

After winning this cup, Gimnasia was invited to participate on the Sanwa Bank Cup in 1994.

From Griguol to Troglio (1994–2007)

With veteran coach Carlos Timoteo Griguol at the helm, Gimnasia took second place in the 1995 Clausura tournament, repeating the performance in 1996 and 1998.[17][18] Also took second place in 2002 (coached by Ramaciotti).[19][20]

Gimnasia also obtained second place in 2005 under Pedro Troglio's management, after an excellent campaign that had them fighting neck to neck with Boca Juniors until the very end of the championship. These strong showings allowed Gimnasia to take part in the top club-level competitions in South America: the Copa Sudamericana during the 2006 and 2007 editions of the Copa Libertadores.

On September 10, 2006, during the halftime of a match against Boca Juniors, club president Juan José Muñoz confronted (and allegedly threatened) referee Daniel Giménez, who called off the match immediately, with Gimnasia leading 1–0. Muñoz was reprimanded by the football association and temporarily removed from its executive committee,[21] although he was confirmed as Gimnasia's President by the club's board. A few days later, Gimnasia was eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana by the Chilean champions Colo Colo, following a quarter final match where a player of Gimnasia was injured by a piece of cement thrown by Chilean supporters.[22]Due to Gimnasia's physical play in the second leg of the quarter finals in Argentina, Argentine Football Association's president Julio Grondona wrote a personal letter to the president of the ANFP (the Chilean football federation) apologizing for the "roughness" of the Gimnasia players.[23]

The pending second half against Boca Juniors was played on November 8, 2006. Boca Juniors scored four goals and won the match. After the match, Troglio and some of the players hinted that the team had received death threats from some supporters, who wanted to benefit Boca in its championship bid against Gimnasia's archrivals Estudiantes. Nevertheless, Estudiantes obtained the title at the end of the Apertura 2006.[24]

La Plata District Attorney Marcelo Romero opened an investigation and cited some players and club officers to testify, but the entire affair was soon dismissed. Player Marcelo Goux refused to participate in the next match and quit the team soon afterwards,[25] as did fellow players Martín Cardetti and Ariel Franco. Many articles condemned Muñoz's handling of the situation, accusing him of lying to the press, and of treating violent fans as his protégés.[26]

2007–08: New management

After a string of losses in the local championship and the Copa Libertadores, there were renewed calls for Muñoz to resign. Coach Troglio felt the burden of responsibility and quit his post on April 2, 2007.[27] Gimnasia hired first famed Colombian trainer Francisco Maturana, and then Julio César Falcioni, both with limited success.

In the December 2007 election, Muñoz did not run, and the candidate he supported lost to the opposition. New club president Walter Gisande hired former player Guillermo Sanguinetti as team coach and tried to convince former players, notably Diego Alonso and Guillermo Barros Schelotto, to return to Gimnasia. Only Alonso, who was playing in China, made the leap.

The new management also campaigned for a return to its traditional ground at El Bosque. Starting April 2008, the stadium underwent a structural engineering evaluation after all security measures requested by authorities were put in place[28]. On June 2008, Gimnasia was allowed to play again at El Bosque; the return took place in a match against Lanús, the last game of the Clausura 2008 championship. Mayor Pablo Bruera has indicated that the city will let Gimnasia buy or lease some city-owned lands for erecting a sports complex.

Records and curiosities

Carlos Dantón Seppaquercia, 1979.

Clásico Platense

See also: La Plata derby

The Clásico Platense (La Plata derby) is the nickname given to the match between La Plata's two main football teams: Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata.

The first official derby took place as part of the Asociación Argentina de Football First Division Championship on August 27, 1916. On that occasion, Gimnasia won 1–0 over Estudiantes, with an owngoal of Ludovico Pastor.[36]

The first derby of the professional era took place on June 14, 1931. Since then, they have played 142 official matches in tournaments organized by the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino. To date, Estudiantes has won 48 times, with 207 goals, and Gimnasia has won 44 times, with 190 goals. There have been 50 draws.

Between August 12, 1932 and September 9, 1934, Gimnasia won 5 derbies consecutively. On June 25, 1963 Gimnasia obtained a 5–2 victory, this being the best result so far against Estudiantes. On the other hand, its worst result was a 7–0 defeat on October 15, 2006.

A curiosity among the derbies occurred on April 5, 1992, when Gimnasia won over Estudiantes 1–0 at the latter's stadium. On that date, as the stands erupted and Gimnasia's fans shouted in celebration at the goal being scored, the seismograph of the local Astronomical Observatory registered a low-intensity seismic event. That goal was scored by the Uruguayan José Perdomo on a freekick, and it has been known ever since as "El gol del terremoto" ("The earthquake goal").[37][38]

Presidents

Saturnino Perdriel 1887.
See also: Presidents of Club Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata

Throughout more than 120 years of history, the Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata has had 55 Presidents, elected individuals who took on the responsibility of steering the Institution. Many of them contributed to the growth of the club over the years. Some of them have remained more vivid in the fans' memory for their achievements or outstanding works.

Saturnino Perdriel was the founder and first president of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. Mr. Perdriel was a merchant during the first few years of the city of La Plata, in addition to being a civil servant at the Treasury Department of the Province of Buenos Aires. He died prematurely in 1888, after one year as Club president.

Nowadays, the President of Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata is chosen by its associates, by means of general elections that take place every three years.[39] Any club member over 18 years of age, and with at least three years membership of the Club, have a right to vote. Members with over seven years membership have a right to be elected to the Club governmental body, the Management Commission or "Directory".

The current President of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata is Mr. Walter Gisande, who won the 2007 elections over Mr. Gabriel Pellegrino for 16 votes.[40][41][42]

Management board 2008

Last update: April 14, 2008

Anthem

The official anthem of the club was written in the year 1915 by the popular poet born in Magdalena Délfor B. Méndez and the music was composed by the master Juan Serpentini, who was composing versions of the National Argentine Anthem and "El tambor de Tacuarí", with Rafael Obligado's letter.

The official anthem of Gimnasia was intoned by the first time on July 9, 1915 on the occasion of the reception that was given to the delegation of the club River Plate of Uruguay. In 1967 the official anthem was recorded by the musical ensemble of the Buenos Aires Police.[43][44]

Shield

The shield of the Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata is a wreath in which top part is outlined a helmet with a heraldic crest. At the center, on enamel and with the colors of the club (white and navy blue), the club monogram appears in relief. In the top cantons, like a guard, there appear the hilts of a saber and a foil, with their sharp points emerging at lower part of the shield. To the sides of the center a rama of laurels spreads the helmet, for every side.[45]

Since its inception, the club shield has undergone some modifications. From 1887 until 1928, the shield used was devised by Emilio Coutauret, and it was characterized by a handcrafted and adorned design. In 1964, following a reform of the foundational statute, Gimnasia's shield adopted a simpler form, while still keeping the essence of the original one. This is the logo in current use, and often displayed on the team's jerseys.

There have been some minor changes introduced in the past few years. During Héctor Domínguez's presidency, the abbreviation at the center of the shield was changed, replacing the historical CGE (Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima), for the GELP (Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata), modification that persisted during the mandates of Gliemmo and Muñoz. Since the beginning of Walter Gisande's presidency, it was decided to return to the original abbreviation of 'CGE'.

Kit

The official historical uniform of Gimnasia y Esgrima is based on the colours displayed in the club shield, as established in the institutional statute.

Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Titular
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Alternative

Kit evolution

In the first years of the institution, the colors adopted were white and light blue, seeking of this form to highlight the fact that it was an Argentine club. The first vest used by the team had vertical white and light blue stripes.

Later, in 1905, it was decided to change the colors to make it distinct from Racing Club. This resulted in a vest with vertical stripes of white and navy-blue color.

Finally, from 1910, the design was modified, changing the vertical stripes into the horizontal band of navy-blue color over a white jersey, which has been used ever since.[46]

Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
1903
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
1905
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
1910–present

Apparel and sponsors

Last updated: June 1, 2008

The following table details chronologically the providing companies of apparel and the sponsors that it has had Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata from the years 1980 and 1990 respectively:

Apparel
Period Supplier
1980-1984 Topper
1985-1993 Adidas
1993-1998 Hummel
1998-2001 New Balance
2001-present Puma
Sponsor
Period Sponsor
1990-1992 Pegamax
1992 Diario El Día
1992-2001 Banco Municipal de La Plata
2001-2002 Fideos Manera
2002 Ticket Vip
2003-2004 Suin
2004 Liderar Seguros
2005 Medical Hair
2006 Crown Mustang
2007-2008 Motomel
2008-present La Nueva Seguros

During the year 2008, the apparel of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata will be provided by the company "Puma", the one who will provide from uniform sports up to the extra-sports clothes. In turn, jersey will be supported by the company "La Nueva Seguros", of which it will take the name written in the principal band.

Supporters

Fan base

Within the city of La Plata and its environs, Gimnasia's fan base used to be identified with the working class, in contrast with the mostly middle class Estudiantes' constituency. This characterization is no longer true. Most of Gimnasia y Esgrima fans are from the Greater La Plata area.

The fans' collective name for itself is "La 22", after 22nd street in La Plata where many famous fans lived, notably Marcelo Amuchástegui. Known as Loco Fierro, Amuchástegui was famous for his exploits, such as hanging a 100-meter Gimnasia flag in the Bombonera stadium. He was shot to death by Rosario police in a murky episode on May 28, 1991, allegedly during an armed robbery.

As it is the case with some other clubs in the Argentine First Division, the fans celebrate with a large party and outside gathering the "Worldwide Day of Gimnasia's Fans" on each December 10.[47][48][49]

Nicknames

Since the 1960s, Gimnasia has been known as El Lobo (short for "El Lobo del Bosque", Spanish for "the wolf in the Forest") after the story of "Red Riding Hood", since its historical football field is located in the middle of La Plata's main park, known as El Bosque ("the forest"). Many other Argentine clubs also called "Gimnasia y Esgrima" adopted later the nicknames of "El Lobo" after the La Plata team.[50][51]

Another nickname, mensanas, derives from the Latin motto used in the shield: Mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body).[52]

An original nickname was (and still is) triperos ("tripe" or "gut-handlers"). This name has its origin in the fact that many of Gimnasia's original supporters worked in the meat-processing plants of nearby Berisso. In newspaper caricatures from the early 1900s, Gimnasia was accordingly depicted as a "butcher", instead of the current "wolf". Yet, still today, Gimnasia is often greeted into the stadia by its fans with a resounding "Tripa corazón!" (Spanish for "Heart of tripe!"). Curiously, the same nickname is applied when referring to the population of Porto in Portugal, although the meaning of the nickname in Portuguese is closer to "tripe-eaters".

Another nickname is basureros ("garbage or waste collectors"), acquired during the presidency of Mr. Venturino in the 1970s, who also managed the private company dealing with trash pickup in La Plata.[50]

Stadium

The Juan Carlos Zerillo stadium, known as El Bosque (Spanish for "the forest", because it is located in the La Plata park of the same name) has a capacity of 31,460 and was used continuously until 2005.

When a new city stadium was built for La Plata, both Gimnasia and Estudiantes initially chose to stay at their respective fields, but this arrangement collapsed when both fields were closed down due to new security regulations. In the 2006 Clausura tournament, Gimnasia began to use the city stadium for home games.[53]

Beginning on March 2008, Gimnasia made various reforms to its old stadium, seeking to secure the permit for its use at selected games. Finally on June 2008, the "El Bosque" grounds were reapproved for First Division competitions. On Saturday June 21, 2008, on the occasion of the last game of the Clausura 2008 championship, Gimnasia returned to its old home in a match against Lanús.[54][55]

Club statistics

Players

See also: Cat:Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata footballers

Throughout its 121 years of history, they were more than 800 the Football players of the Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata that they have dressed the vest of the first team. Jorge San Esteban, nowadays in activity, with more than 400 disputed meetings is the one who more times illuminated the vest albiazul. In turn, Arturo Naón with 95 goals in 97 meetings is the maximum scorer of the history of the club.

The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino allows to the soccer teams of Argentina to have in its squads a maximum of four foreign football players; Gimnasia y Esgrima historically has formed its squads with football players of the local football but also with foreigners, being the Uruguayans who prevail in the preferences, with 49 football players.

From its low divisions they have arisen a great quantity of football players of national and international renown, as being Guillermo and Gustavo Barros Schelotto, Mariano Messera, Lucas Lobos, Roberto "Pampa" Sosa, Andrés Guglielminpietro, Sebastián Romero, Lucas Licht and Leandro Cufré, among others.

Current squad

As of October 30, 2008
No. Position Player
1 Flag of Argentina GK Gastón Sessa
2 Flag of Argentina DF Jorge San Esteban
3 Flag of Argentina DF Patricio Graff
4 Flag of Chile DF Álvaro Ormeño
5 Flag of Argentina MF Reinaldo Alderete
6 Flag of Argentina DF Ariel Agüero
7 Flag of Argentina FW Juan Cuevas
8 Flag of Argentina MF Ignacio Piatti
9 Flag of Uruguay FW Diego Alonso
10 Flag of Argentina MF Mariano Messera
11 Flag of Argentina MF Diego Villar
12 Flag of Argentina GK Pablo Bangardino
13 Flag of Argentina DF Abel Masuero
14 Flag of Argentina DF Hugo Iriarte
15 Flag of Argentina MF René Lima
16 Flag of Argentina MF Miguel Ángel Juárez
17 Flag of Argentina MF Sebastián Romero
18 Flag of Argentina MF Roberto Sosa
19 Flag of Argentina MF Esteban González
No. Position Player
20 Flag of Argentina FW Juan Neira
21 Flag of Argentina MF Fabián Rinaudo
22 Flag of Argentina FW Franco Niell
23 Flag of Argentina MF Nicolás Medina
24 Flag of Argentina DF Marcelo Cardozo
25 Flag of Argentina DF Cristian Piarrou
26 Flag of Argentina DF Daniel Romero
27 Flag of Argentina GK Fernando Monetti
28 Flag of Argentina MF Luciano Aued
29 Flag of Paraguay DF Rubén Maldonado
30 Flag of Argentina MF Jonathan Chávez
31 Flag of Argentina FW Nestor Martinena
32 Flag of Argentina MF Pablo De Blasis
37 Flag of Argentina FW Sergio Valenti
39 Flag of Argentina DF Lucas Landa
40 Flag of Argentina GK Carlos Kletnicki
41 Flag of Argentina MF Agustín Domenez
42 Flag of Argentina DF Federico Quiroga

Argentine teams are limited by the AFA to have a maximum of four foreign footballers in primera división squads. At the moment, this quota is not covered in its entirety.

List of famous players

  • Flag of Argentina Carlos Barisio (1975)
  • Flag of Argentina Guillermo Barros Schelotto (1991–1997)
  • Flag of Argentina Gustavo Barros Schelotto (1992–1997, 2004)
  • Flag of Uruguay Jose Batlle Perdomo (1992)
  • Flag of Argentina Diego "Paco" Bayo
  • Flag of Argentina Alberto "Maestro cordobés" Beltrán (1980s)
  • Flag of Uruguay Pablo Bengoechea (1992)
  • Flag of Argentina Carlos "Charlie" Carrió (1980s)
  • Flag of Argentina Leandro Cufré (1997–2000)
  • Flag of Argentina Carlos "Maestro" Della Savia
  • Flag of Italy Attilio Demaría (1931)
  • Flag of Argentina Walter "Loco" Durso
  • Flag of Argentina Claudio "Caio" Enría (2000–2003, 2004–2005)
  • Flag of Argentina Hugo "Loco" Gatti (1969–1974)
  • Flag of Argentina Andrés "Guly" Guglielminpietro (1995–1998, 2006)
  • Flag of Argentina Ricardo Kuzemka
  • Flag of Argentina Lucas Lobos (2002–2005)
  • Flag of Argentina Andrés "Hombre" Madrid (2001–2004)
  • Flag of Argentina Alberto "Beto" Márcico (1996–1998)
  • Flag of Argentina Mariano Messera (1998–2002, 2008-present)
  • Flag of Argentina José María Minella (1928–1934)
  • Flag of Argentina Arturo Naón (1931–1934, 1939–1943)
  • Flag of Colombia Carlos "Mono" Navarro Montoya (2005–2006)
  • Flag of Argentina Enzo Noce (1989–2003, 2004)
  • Flag of Argentina Delio Onnis (1969–1971)
  • Flag of Argentina Alfredo "Tanque" Rojas (1962–1964)
  • Flag of Uruguay Guillermo "Topo" Sanguinetti (1991–2003)
  • Flag of Argentina Jaime Sarlanga (1949–1954)
  • Flag of Argentina Facundo "Colorado" Sava (1997–2002)
  • Flag of Uruguay Santiago "Tanque" Silva (2006–2007)
  • Flag of Argentina Roberto "Pampa" Sosa (1995–1998, 2003, 2008-present)
  • Flag of Argentina Pedro Troglio (1996–2002)
  • Flag of Argentina Francisco "Pancho" Varallo (1928–1930)
  • Flag of Uruguay Gonzalo "Turbo" Vargas (2004–2006)

Managers

Main category: Cat:Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata managers

Since the beginning of the professional era, the Club Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata has had a total of 63 managers (coaches). The first one was Emérico Hirschl, a Hungarian who trained the team between 1932 and 1934. The current coach (since January 3, 2008) is Guillermo "Topo" Sanguinetti, a former-soccer player with distinguished trajectory in the club during the 1990s.[56]

Manager squad 2008

Achievements

Amateur era

National official tournaments

Winners (1): 1915[60]

National friendly tournaments

Professional era

National official tournaments

National friendly tournaments

International friendly tournaments

Other sports

Volleyball

GELP has a female volleyball team. They are the only one of the nine founder clubs from the Federación de Voleibol y Pelota al Cesto[66] [67] , still playing volleyball and in the highest division. The federation is now Federación Metropolitana de Voleibol (FMV).[68]

Achievements
Competition Country Year Position
Copa Morgan FMV Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 1951 Champions
Torneo Evita Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 1954 Champions
Torneo Lola Berta Flag of Venezuela.svg Venezuela 1955 Champions
Torneo Cuadrangular Flag of Chile.svg Chile 1972 Champions
Torneo Cuadrangular Flag of Chile.svgChile 1975 Champions
Cuadrangular Náutico Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay 1976 Champions
Banco República Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay 1976 Second
Liga Argentina de Clubes Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 1998-1999 Third
Liga Argentina de Clubes Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 1999-2000 Champions[69][70]
Federación Metropolitana Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2000 Champions[71]
Torneo Sudamericano Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 2000 Fourth
Liga Argentina de Clubes Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2000-2001 Champions
Federación Metropolitana Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2000-2001 Champions[72]
Liga Argentina de Clubes Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2003 Champions
Liga Metropolitana (FMV) Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2004 Champions
Liga Argentina de Clubes Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2005 Second
Torneo Int. Norma Rimoldi Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 2005 Champions[73]

Basketball

Metcalfe in front of Cadillac during a match in 1979.

Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata is also known for several excellent campaigns in basketball. The GELP basketball team peaked during the 1978 and 1979 campaigns, when they won twice in a row Argentina's premier basketball championship (Metropolitano titles). In both cases, they prevailed over favorite Obras Sanitarias, Argentina's powerhouse at the time. The team included players such as "Gallego" González, "Finito" Gehrmann, Peinado, as well as some Americans: Michael Jackson, Lawrence Jackson Jr., and the team leader and star, point-guard Clarence Edgar Metcalfe, chosen as the league MVP in 1979. The twice-champions were coached by Rolando Sfeir.[74]

Gimnasia were runners-up in the 2003/04 Argentine league tournament, when GELP was defeated by Boca Juniors 4–2 in the final series.[75][76] In the following season, the team was relegated to the TNA (Second Division) after president Juan José Muñoz decreased substantially the basketball budget, thereby causing the loss of its principal players.[77] Nowadays, Gimnasia's first team of basketball plays in the TNA.[78]

Former sports

In addition to the aforementioned sport activities, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata participated in other disciplines throughout its history. The following sports are no longer practiced in the club:[79]

Other activities were available at the club at various periods, namely: water polo, boxing, cycling, pétanque, auto racing, judo and tennis, among others.

References

  1. ↑ "The Football Stadiums of South America". Fussballtempel. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  2. ↑ Hasta El Gol Siempre article
  3. ↑ "Final Tables Argentina Second Level 1937–2000". RSSSF (2000). Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  4. ↑ Clerici, Ángelo. "Estadio "Juan Zerillo"". Gelp.org. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  5. ↑ The "Reserve", previously known as "the Third team", is the team composed of club players who do not participate regularly in the First Division.
  6. ↑ Abrodos, Roberto. ""Un puñado de deportistas que hizo conocer la ciudad de La Plata en Europa" ("A small group of players put La Plata on the map of Europe")". Agencia NOVA. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  7. ↑ Statistics of the 1930/1931 Tour of Europe.
  8. ↑ Comments on the 1930/1931 Tour of Europe (in Spanish).
  9. ↑ European tour of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, 1930-1931.
  10. ↑ Gimnasia's Place in the glory (Pagina/12 Newspaper, in Spanish)
  11. ↑ Clerici, Angelo. "El Expreso de 1933". Los Triperos. Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  12. ↑ Clerici, Angelo. "El equipo del 70". Los Triperos. Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  13. ↑ RSSSF, Argentina - Domestic Championships 1979
  14. ↑ RSSSF, Argentina Second Level 1984
  15. ↑ Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (2007). "Asociación del Fútbol Argentino". Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  16. ↑ "Copa Centenario 1993". RSSSF (1999/2005). Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  17. ↑ "Argentina 1995/96". RSSSF (1996). Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  18. ↑ "Argentina 1998/99". RSSSF (1999). Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  19. ↑ Ciullini, Pablo (2005/2007). "Argentina 1994/95". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  20. ↑ "Argentina 2001/02". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-06-01.
  21. ↑ "Muñoz, suspendido por seis meses". Diario La Nación (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  22. ↑ "Colo Colo Fans Banned From Copa Sudamericana Return Leg". Blog Soccergolazo (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  23. ↑ "Julio Grondona pidió disculpas". Diario Clarín (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  24. ↑ Death threats - Clarín
  25. ↑ "“No voy a hablar”". Diario Clarín (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  26. ↑ "Más mentiras". Diario Clarín (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  27. ↑ Pertierra, Martín (2006). "Pedro hace el bolso". Diario Olé. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  28. ↑ "¿Jugamos en el Bosque?". Diario Olé (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  29. ↑ "Argentina - Foundation Dates of Clubs". RSSSF (1999). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  30. ↑ "Partidos del Gimnasia y Esgrima en Las Palmas". Historia del Fútbol Canario (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  31. ↑ "Carlos Dantón Seppaquercia - Figurita difícil". Revista El Gráfico (2005). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  32. ↑ Manegazzi, Eduardo (2002). "El gol más rápido del fútbol argentino". Diario Clarín. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  33. ↑ "Boca estuvo de remate". Diario La Nación (1996). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  34. ↑ "Bilardo: sentí vergüenza". Diario La Nación (1996). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  35. ↑ "Pasta de goleador". Diario La Nación (1996). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  36. ↑ La Plata ciudad Mágica (2008). "Fútbol". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  37. ↑ Altamirano Halle, Alejandra (2006). "The Earthquake Goal (in Spanish)". Revista El Gráfico. Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  38. ↑ Pertierra, Martín (2007). "Estos ya conocen el paño". Diario Olé. Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  39. ↑ Alternativa Tripera (2007), Estatuto Social del Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
  40. ↑ Diario Olé (2007), Ganó Gisande
  41. ↑ Agencia Nova (2007), Walter Gisande nuevo presidente de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
  42. ↑ Abierta TV (2007), Gisande ganó la elección en Gimnasia
  43. ↑ Clerici, Ángelo (2000). "Historia del Club: Los primeros años". Triperos. Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  44. ↑ "Himno del Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata". Relacionarse: Gimnasia (2007). Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  45. ↑ Alternativa Tripera (2007), Alternativa Tripera: Artículo 7, Capítulo I del Estatuto Social del Club
  46. ↑ Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
  47. ↑ Allan, Juan Manuel (2006). "Fue un lobazo". Diario Olé. Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  48. ↑ "Día del hincha". Edición Nacional (2005). Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  49. ↑ "Una fiesta bien tripera". Diario Olé (2004). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "Los apodos, una marca registrada". Diario El Día (2007). Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  51. ↑ "Los apodos de los Clubes de Argentina – Parte I". Football (2005). Retrieved on 2008-06-30.
  52. ↑ Mens sana in corpore sano Juvenal. Spirit balanced in a sensible body.
  53. ↑ "Muñoz va y viene y ahora Gimnasia jugará en el Estadio Único". Diario El Día (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  54. ↑ "Nada mejor que casa". Letra G (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  55. ↑ "No hay nada mejor que casa". Diario El Día (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  56. ↑ "Sanguinetti asumió en Gimnasia". Diario El Día (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  57. ↑ "El nuevo coordinador". Letra G (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  58. ↑ Gorgazzi, Osvaldo José (2000/2005). "Argentina 1929". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 Ciullini, Angelo (2005). "Argentina 1924". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  60. ↑ "Final Tables Argentina Second Level 1937–2000". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  61. ↑ Gorgazzi, Osvaldo José (1998/2008). "Argentina - Second Level Champions". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  62. ↑ Ciullini, Angelo (2007). "Argentina Second Level 1947". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  63. ↑ Ciullini, Angelo (2006). "Argentina Second Level 1952". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  64. ↑ Buren, Mariano (2006). "Argentina – Friendly Tournaments". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  65. ↑ Buren, Mariano (2006). "International Friendly Tournaments won by Argentine Clubs". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
  66. ↑ Clavijo, José Rafael (2007). "Institucional". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  67. ↑ Clerici, Angelo (2000). "Temporada 1999-2000 Gimnasia Campeón". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  68. ↑ But volleyball is also a woman's thing
  69. ↑ "Gimnasia es el campeón". Diario Olé (2000). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  70. ↑ "Gimnasia es el mejor de todos". Diario Hoy (2000). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  71. ↑ D’alessandro, Mauricio (2000). "Histórica conquista del vóley femenino del Lobo". Diario El Día. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  72. ↑ Ibarra, Marcela (2001). "Una dinastía de las Lobas". Diario Olé. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  73. ↑ "Las Lobas gritaron ¡Dale campeón!". Diario Hoy (2005). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  74. ↑ Clerici, Angelo. "Gelp: Basketball y Volleyball". Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  75. ↑ Sartori, Hernán (2004). "Boca campeón. Garra, puntería y festejo". Diario Clarín. Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  76. ↑ "Gimnasia cayó peleando ante un digno campeón". Diario El Día (2004). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  77. ↑ "Un sueño renovado". Diario Hoy (2006). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  78. ↑ "Actualidad del basquet en Gimnasia". Letra G (2008). Retrieved on 2008-06-29.
  79. ↑ Gustavo Bonino, Superfutbol, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata
  80. ↑ La Plata Rugby Club, Historia

See also

External links

Primera División 2008/09

Argentinos Juniors | Arsenal | Banfield | Boca Juniors | Colón | Estudiantes (LP) | Gimnasia (LP) | Gimnasia (J) | Godoy Cruz | Huracán | Independiente | Lanús | Newell's Old Boys | Racing Club | River Plate | Rosario Central | San Lorenzo | San Martín (T) | Tigre | Vélez Sársfield