Men's Soccer and Women's Soccer (11:30 Class)

When Dr Spencer announced to our History & Philosophy of Sport class that we would be taking part in BGSU’s Centennial year celebration my classmates and I were eager to dive in. Not knowing what we were in for, our class started this long semester journey with a draft of the Varsity sports here at Bowling Green. On Draft Day our group drafted Men’s and Women’s Soccer. I believe we chose these teams to better our knowledge of both Soccer programs at BG and also to compare and contrast the difference gender wise. Documenting the history was made a little easier through the use of previous years' media guides, bgsufalcons.com, fanbase.com, as well as credible interviewees. Although some aspects of gathering information were easier than others, these core references are the meat of our group’s research.

The BGSU Men’s Soccer program came into existence in 1965. Overall, the team has only had 5 coaches throughout its history (Mickey Cochrane 1965-77, Gary Palmisano 1978-92, 1994, Mel Mahler, 1993, 1995-2003, Fred Thompson 2004-08, and new Head Coach Eric Nichols. While the numbers can fluctuate there are usually about 20 spots on the roster. According to the 2009 Men’s Soccer Media Guide, the all time Varsity Record is 369-298-60. Overall the team has made 15 MAC tournament appearances and came away with 3 MAC titles (1995, 96, 97). Perhaps the most memorable moments for the team include those MAC Championships in the mid 90’s, as well as a handful of NCAA Championship Appearances (1972, 73, 1992, 1995, 1996, and 1997). The teams of the mid 90’s were arguably the most competitive teams BG has had. A few players and coaches that have helped bring BGSU Men’s Soccer to where it is today include:

Coach Mickey Cochrane (below) was brought to BGSU from Johns Hopkins University in 1964 and coached the first men’s varsity team in 1965. Cochrane is a member of the BGSU Hall of Fame and laid the solid foundation for the soccer program to build upon. Men’s Soccer all started with the great work of Mickey Cochrane. The University and community in Bowling Green recognized Cochrane’s work by constructing the wonderful Cochrane Stadium in 1993, yet there are still some planned renovations for the field.

Steve Klein (below) is only the third Falcon to receive 1st team All American accolades in 1996. Klein continued his soccer career and eventually found himself playing MLS soccer for the New England Revolution.

Goalie Scott Vallow (below) held down the net for the Falcons so well that he earned 2 time NSCAA All American votes in both 1997 and 1998. Vallow also continued his career and played for the Dallas Burn, New England Revolution, as well as the Colorado Rapids.

While the Men’s Soccer team has a long and storied tradition, the Women’s team is hard at work to mark their own legacy. Beginning in 1997, the overall record of the Women’s team is 112-118-23. Tom Piccirillo served as head coach from 97-2000. The Women Falcons have won 2 MAC titles (2004, 05) and 2 NCAA tournament appearances in the same years. These MAC championships and NCAA tournament bids are the most memorable moments in the short existence of the program.

While there are many outstanding athletes the BGSU Women’s soccer is very team oriented and a close knit group. Coach Andy Richards is proud of his teams yet claims all of his athletes are students first (team GPA of 3.0)

A few notable Falcons include:

The women’s team has been coached by Andy Richards (below) for 10 years now. Richards has an overall record of 93-84-19. To show the University's loyalty, Richards was the first coach given a multi-year contract, which is a first in school history. The England native found himself in the United States running soccer camps and also coaching with an old companion at Oregon State before landing the head Falcon position in 2000.


In his first nine years in BG, Richards has led the Falcons to the MAC Tournament on eight occasions, guiding his team to the semifinals seven times and to the championship match five times, including in four of the last six seasons. (2009 BGSU Women’s Soccer Media Guide)


The first hat trick in BGSU Women’s soccer history was by Krista Shamblin (above) on October 31, 1997 against Robert Morris.

In 1998-Tracy Gleixner (below)was the first ALL MAC first team selection in BGSU School history.
While the work for this project took a lot of time and input, our group is glad to be able to share the information gathered for others to see. Gathering and analyzing these sports here at BGSU give us a better knowledge of the legacies and memorable people who made them special. GO FALCONS!

**(while there are many notable people in both programs these are just a few)**

REFERENCE

Bowling Green Falcons Women’s Soccer Media Guide, 2008-2009. (2009). Defiance, OH: Hubbard Company.

Members of this group are: Joey Graham, Terrence Gray, Jesse Hickey, Tyler Jarosz, and Joe Nelson.