UC's Duernberger Named Atlantic Region Men's Soccer Coach Of The Year
U. of Charleston Sports Information
12/15/2009 3:59:04 PM
University of Charleston Men’s Soccer Coach Chad Duernberger has been named the NSCAA/MONDO Division II Atlantic Region Coach of the Year for 2009. Coach Duernberger, 26, led the Golden Eagles to the Elite Eight this season, compiling a 19-4-0 record – 10-0-0 in the WVIAC – in the process. UC was No. 7 nationally in the final D-II poll.
"It's a great honor to receive such a prestigious award. The true credit goes to my players for their efforts and desire to be successful. Their self-motivation has made my job exciting and enjoyable,” Duernberger said. “I've also been blessed with having a great support staff in my assistant coaches who work hard every day for the lone purpose of making this program stronger. This type of award is not for me, but for all those involved in making Charleston Soccer amongst the elite NCAA D-II programs in the country. I would also like to personally thank the University of Charleston for taking a chance two years ago on giving a young coach an opportunity." Duernberger’s assistants are Todd Watts, (Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach Tim Mayo (Assistant and Fitness Coach), and Mark Broyles (Assistant Coach).
Duernberger took over a program that had been winless in 2007, and had suffered through a 26-game losing streak over two seasons, turning expectations around last year with a 4-11-2 record (3-5-2 in WVIAC play).
A Belle native, Duernberger was a three-time First-Team All-WVIAC for the University of Charleston, Second-Team All-Region, and is now considered to be one of the youngest head coaches in America – being named to the UC position two months after turning 24.
UC’s road to the Elite Eight, an eventual 4-1 loss to Lewis (IL) University, was paved by victories over Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schools Millersville, 2-0, and host Slippery Rock, 3-2.
"The Atlantic region is very tough to be successful. When you think about the PSAC schools, which year in and year out have strong programs, there is no doubt in my mind that our region can play with anyone in the country,” Duernberger said. “There are a lot of talented players and outstanding coaches in our region. This is why winning such an award as the NSCAA/MONDO Atlantic Coach of the Year is truly an honor."