Men’s soccer coach Larry Zelenz
Coach Zelenz chats with junior midfielder Chris Pinahs before he re-enters the match.
Coach Zelenz walks the sidelines during one of the home matches this past fall.
Gustavus Adolphus College men’s soccer coach Larry Zelenz has been named the 2004 National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Division III West Regional Coach of the Year. Zelenz becomes the first Gustavus men’s soccer coach to receive such an award. Zelenz, a four-time Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, guided the Gusties to their most successful season in school history. The Gusties claimed a share of the MIAC regular season title, won their second MIAC tournament title and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament. The Gusties wrapped up the season with a record of 18-2-3, setting a school record for most wins in a season with 18 and most shutouts in a season with 19. Gustavus ended the year ranked sixth in the nation by the NSCAA allowing just four goals in 23 games to lead NCAA Division III in team goals against average (0.17) and team shutout percentage (0.83).
In 19 seasons at Gustavus, Zelenz boasts an overall record of 207-93-34 and a conference record of 121-49-19. Under the direction of coach Zelenz the Gusties have claimed four regular season MIAC titles, two MIAC tournament titles and made five appearances in the national tournament.
The regional coaches will be joined by the coaches whose teams advanced to the semifinal round in their respective postseason tournaments to make up the pool of candidates for the NSCAA/adidas National Coach of the Year award. Those recipients will be announced at the NSCAA Awards Banquet on Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 in Baltimore, Maryland.
2004 NSCAA/adidas Division III Men’s Regional Coaches of the Year
Central, Paul McGinlay, Trinity (Texas)
Great Lakes, Chris Hughes, Calvin
Metro, Mike Smolens, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Middle Atlantic, Dave Brandt, Messiah
New England, Jon Anderson, Babson
Northeast, Mike Mooney, SUNY-Geneseo
South, Gerry DiBartolo, Salisbury
West, Larry Zelenz, Gustavus Adolphus