NORTH MANCHESTER – Manchester University Director of Athletics Rick Espeset announced Tuesday that long-time head men’s soccer coach Dave Good is retiring. Good, who was at the program’s helm for 36 seasons, compiled 241 victories to rank in the NCAA Division III’s top 40. He joined the then-Manchester College men’s coaching staff as an assistant to former head coach Greg Hastings in 1980 and was moved into the head coaching role the following season. “I’ve been tremendously fortunate to be a part of so many wonderful moments with the men’s soccer program (at MU),” he said. “The best part of it, overall, though has been the relationships with the student-athletes. My wife, Lois, and I keep in contact with many of the past players, as the relationships developed with so many good people and the experiences that we have shared together have been special. “I’ve been inspired by many of my players as I’ve learned of their life stories and watched their development while being student-athletes,” he added. “I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to do what I do, and I’d like to thank Manchester University for giving me this wonderful opportunity for 36 years.” Good’s career resume included a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ list that saw a District 21 championship in 1985 and a runner-up effort in 1984, two District 21 Coach of the Year awards, eight all-district and five all-area players and a pair of All-Americans in Young Choi (1984) and Paul Reed (1985-87); Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference accolades that included 10 out of a possible 18 top four finishes to reach the postseason league tourney, the HCAC title in 2003 and runner-up marks in 2000, 2005 and 2008, three conference tournament finals’ appearances, an overall record of 65-59-9, three Coach of the Year awards, two players each earning Most Valuable (Mark Overly – 2001/Andrew Bigelow – 2003) and Freshman of the Year (Chris Rowe – 2005/Brian Woods – 2006) awards and a combined 126 first team and academic all-league honors; and 32 countries and 14 states being represented on the teams and seven winter service trips (one to Nigeria, six to Jamaica) which have included more than 7,000 hours of service being performed by men’s soccer athletes. “Dave’s career resume is truly remarkable,” Espeset said. “He’s shown himself as not only a leader throughout his distinguished handling of the men’s soccer program but also as a friend to the entire campus and North Manchester community, as his passion for the sport on various levels includes starting a youth program. I know, from my perspective, he will be missed on the sidelines this fall, but I’m sure he’ll be close by to cheer on the Spartans.” Espeset noted that more news on the direction of the program will be announced later this week.
