McGuigan Announces Retirement as Men's Soccer Coach
12/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Dec. 6, 2004
FAIRFIELD, CT - Sacred Heart University athletic director C. Donald Cook reported today that Joe McGuigan has announced his retirement from his alma mater after 20 years as the head coach of the men's soccer team, effective immediately. Ending his coaching career isn't the end of his association with the University, however. He will be staying on in an administrative capacity.
"Joe McGuigan has been directly involved in the development of the Sacred Heart men's soccer program since his playing days in the late `60's " says Cook. "His enormous skills as a player, added to an outstanding knowledge of the game have resulted in numerous successes, both on the intercollegiate and international scene. I am very pleased that in retiring from coaching Joe is willing to continue his career in intercollegiate athletics as a member of our administrative team. His experience in competitive athletics and his love for our student-athletes will be immeasurable in helping us plan the future course of our Division I program"
Originally from Scotland, McGuigan was a standout player for the Pioneers from 1968-72. In 1970, he became the first All-American athlete in Sacred Heart University history. McGuigan virtually re-wrote the Pioneer record book during his playing days. He sits at the top of nearly every offensive category, including goals in a game (6), goals in a career (80), assists in a game (4), assists in a career (56), points in a game (14), and points in a career (216).
He was selected to represent the United States at the 1971 Pan American Games, and the 1972 Olympic Games.
McGuigan is the longest tenured coach in the program's history, and only men's basketball coach Dave Bike has coach a Pioneer team longer. He retires with 124 victories to his credit.
Before the Pioneers made the jump to Division I in 1999, McGuigan was named Coach of the Year in the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) three times, in 1987, 1990 and 1992. During the 1995 season, he recorded his 100th victory, becoming the first coach in school history to accomplish that feat.
"I have really enjoyed working with the kids over my career," McGuigan says. "I know this group of young men we have here now and have had since we moved up to Division I have given me everything they had to give. I think that we have built a solid foundation and I know that whoever comes in here next will build on that and will be an NCAA contender in a short span of time."
The search for McGuigan's successor will begin immediately.
