Gustavus Adolphus College head men’s soccer coach Larry Zelenz has been named the 2005 National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas NCAA Division III West Region Coach of the Year. This is the second consecutive season that Zelenz has received this 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 and advanced to the final of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championships, falling 1-0 to defending national champion Messiah (Pa.). Gustavus wrapped up the season with an overall record of 17-3-5, setting a school record for matches played in a season with 25 and falling one win short of tying the school record for wins set last season. The Gusties ended the year ranked second in the nation by the NSCAA.
In 20 seasons at Gustavus, Zelenz boasts an overall record of 224-96-39 and a conference record of 128-50-21. Under the direction of coach Zelenz the Gusties have claimed five regular season MIAC titles, two MIAC tournament titles and made six 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. 20, 2006 in Philadelphia, Pa.