Gordon has launched a nationwide search for a new men’s soccer coach to lead what athletic director Jon Tymann calls the “longest and strongest running program for Gordon athletics.”
Tymann, Vice President of Student Life Barry Loy and President Michael D. Lindsay are strongly backing the expansive search.
“This is a college-wide decision,” said Tymann. “The chance to improve and advance the men’s soccer program is a priority for our campus as a whole. “
“I believe very much in Gordon athletics,” Lindsay said. “The athletic program is the most visible witness that we have as an institution.”
The search team is looking for a groundbreaking and distinguished soccer coach with extensive experience with Division III soccer. Tymann said he wants to bring a high-profile name, someone with “long standing experience, proof of success in regards to recruiting, a winning track record, … someone who will develop the program to upgrade our profile as a college.”
“We want to heighten the profile of the Gordon soccer program and the athletics as a whole,” he said. “It is the most successful program in regards to reaching alumni, sponsors and donors for the college.”
The decision to replace Johnny Whallon was first discussed at the end of the fall season, which Gordon finished with a 6-12-1 record. The department is in the early stages of the search, and there are no specific names being discussed.
Lindsay said he knows that only the best candidates will be considered for the position. He said he’s confident Tymann can judge on coaching capability, and he’ll be looking for additional traits.
“I’ll be looking for the same thing in a coach as I do in faculty,” Lindsay said. “By the time they (the candidates) get to me, I’ll be looking at the candidate’s ability to love. Love the game of soccer, the Gordon athletics, the student athletes and the community.”
Wins bring fans, support and strength to a campus. But the Scots’ new soccer head coach will be expected to bring more than numbers on the scoreboard. The mission statement proclaims that our athletic program, “strives to prepare men and women to be student-athletes distinguished by integrity, winning effort and Christian conduct in competition.”
Whallon said even when things were tough, last year’s team showed its character.
“The biggest attribute of our team is the fact that our guys never collapse on each other,” said Whallon. “Everyone can be happy when you win but it’s harder to stay positive when you lose. The atmosphere never deteriorated.”
“That’s what makes this a different place,” said President Lindsay.
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