(Story courtesy of University of St. Thomas athletics website)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As announced by the United Soccer Coaches, the University of St. Thomas men's coaching staff have been named the Region X Coaching Staff Of The Year. After a historic 16-2-3 season and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance after knocking off Chapman and Pacific Lutheran.
The Celts are led by Head Coach Ian Clerihew in his 6th season at the University of St Thomas. Coach Clerihew has compiled an overall record of 60-25-16 and an impressive 43-10-12 since moving to NCAA Division 3. The two-time SCAC coach of the year led Celt Men's Soccer through the NCAA transition and their first-ever national tournament appearance.
"Knowing our men's soccer program, this Staff of the Year award is no surprise. Being around Coach Clerihew's team and seeing the quality of work his Staff puts in both on and off the field, we knew that the team would do something special," Assistant Athletic Director Nikola Barjakarevic added. In soccer, there are always intangibles, and the combination that stood out is that they deeply cared and were contagiously driven."
Daniel Fragachan Quintero is the top assistant on staff. Daniel returned to the school in 2020 as an assistant coach. Coach Fragachan has won both a Red River title in 2013 with the Celts and a NAIA National Championship with Hastings College in 2016.. Fragachan has been instrumental with recruiting, training, and game planning. His hard work has helped the Celts through the challenges of transitioning to NCAA Division 3.
Alex Baez joined the UST Soccer coaching staff this year and assisted both the men's and women's programs as the team's graduate assistant. After a successful career at Houston Christian University, Baez continued his success by helping Celt Men's Soccer reach the NCAA National Tournament in just his first season.
Manu Hernandez joined the Celts this season as the lead goalkeeper trainer. Under his watch, the Celts played four different goalkeepers this season and held an impressive 0.95 goals against average. He also helped Rodrigo Lazo achieve second team all-scac honors.
Celts strength coach Ivan Marquez played a vital role in both preparation and recovery. Coach Jonathan Lopez and coach Marco Cordoba had important roles in assisting with team training and the goalkeepers.
"Through this incredible group of coaches, we have been able to maximize our student athlete experience," Head Coach Ian Clerihew said. "Our team success is representative of the hard work and expertise of our dedicated coaching staff."
Men's soccer accomplished history this year by being the first University of St. Thomas program in any sport to reach the NCAA National Tournament. For more information on Men's Soccer, follow the team on Instagram or Twitter, and UST athletics for all athletic updates.
