Men's Soccer: Martin released from contract, McMahon to coach Clams

August 26, 2001

COMING UP: vs. Northwest, Aug. 27, 11:30 a.m.; vs. The Master's (Calif.), Sept. 1, 4 p.m.

HEAD COACH LET GO: The Evergreen State College released second-year head coach Scott Martin last Friday afternoon. An internal athletic department investigation revealed a violation of NAIA rules. The violation in question, which has been self-reported by Evergreen to the NAIA, could affect the eligibility of several team members. "Scott did a wonderful job of bench coaching last season, despite the won-lost record," said Evergreen's Director of Athletics Dave Weber. "He inherited a tough situation and seemed to be improving it. But there are fundamental rules that cannot be ignored. Our student-athletes have to come first and our coaches need to protect their student-athletes' interests." Evergreen women's soccer head coach Arlene McMahon will direct the team in Monday's opening match at home against Northwest College. A decision as to who will coach the team for the remainder of the 2001 season has yet to be made. "We will look at a variety of options. We have some outstanding talent this season. We expect a big improvement and, again, the players deserve the coach best suited to helping them play their best," Weber said.

A LONG DAY FOR McMAHON: When Monday is through, it is safe to say that Arlene McMahon will be spent of most of her energy. Not only will she coach the men's season opener against Northwest at 11:30 a.m., but then travel to Seattle to coach the women's opener against Seattle University at 4 p.m. One coach, two games, two cities, 36 different players.

NOT THE FIRST TIME: Having a female coach for the Evergreen men's soccer team is not a new thing. During the 1994 season, then head coach Arno Zoske was unable to direct his team for six games due to health reasons. Women's head coach Jan Smisek took over the team, leading them to a 3-3 record over the stretch.

DESPITE THE NEWS, IT'S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD: The ability to handle adversity is one of the true marks of a champion. The Geoducks will see where they fall on this scale, as the squad opens up 2001 play with a Cascade Conference tilt with Northwest, Monday, and a non-conference battle with NAIA power, The Master's, on Saturday. McMahon stated that the projected starting eleven will be on the field, Monday, and the idea that the team still believes in the philosophy of "It's Time to Move Forward." "Our players really feel like they are ready to go," McMahon said. "We are still moving forward and want to open the season with a win."

ABOUT NORTHWEST: The Eagles (9-7-1 in 2000, lost to Albertson in Cascade Conference Tournament) look to return to the postseason under new head coach Sparky Parker. Northwest returns All-CCC forward Bryan Chud (17 goals - 7 assists - 41 points), the second-leading scorer in the conference last year, along with keeper Jason Bishop (1.75 GAA). Northwest defeated Evergreen 6-0 and 4-1 last year, but the Geoducks hold a 5-3-1 all-time advantage, including a 1-1 tie in 1999.

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN': For the first time since the 1997 season, Evergreen will be facing a team from California. The Master's College (18-5-0 in 2000, lost to Bethel (Ind.) in NCCAA championship game, lost to Westmont (Calif.) in NAIA Region II semifinals) from Santa Clarita, Calif., heads to the Pacific Northwest on a three-game winning streak, defeating Westminster (Utah) 3-2, Mary (N.D.) 2-0, and CSU-Monterey Bay 7-0. NCCAA Coach-of-the-Year Jim Rickard returns All-NAIA Region II forward Anthon Bruggeman (16-5-37), who has already tallied four goals this year, along with senior keeper Eric Pattison (0.80 GAA, 12 shutouts in 2000). The Mustangs had a remarkable turnaround in 2000, rebounding from a seven-win season to a berth in the NCCAA championship game. The two schools have met once before, with The Master's defeating Evergreen, 3-2, in 1989.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: For all press releases, statistics, and team information about every Geoduck athletic team, head to www.evergreen.edu/crc, the official website for Evergreen athletics.