Joe Kofron, Springfield Catholic, between periods at Final 4 (2010)

Joe helped found the boys soccer program at Springfield Catholic, begun the Fall of 2007, and was named it’s first head coach. This year’s graduating class features the first group of boys who have played four years for the program and includes Joe’s eldest, Nick Kofron.

The team finished the year with a 22-6 record, reaching the State Final in Class 1 for the second straight year before finishing second behind Whitfield for the second straight year. Joe’s overall record is 81-25-1 and includes three District titles (his 2nd-4th years), a 3rd place finish in 2008 and the 2nd place finishes in 2009 and 2010.

The program has been graced with a high level of talent and Joe was named Co-Coach of the Year in 2008 when the team made their first visit to the Final 4, finishing 3rd with a 23-6 record, the program’s best. There were 7 All-Stater’s in 2009, including 1st team players Justin Bowenschulte, David Bailey and Taylor Arens, 7 All-Stater’s in 2008, including 1st team players Cullen Barr, Justin Bowenschulte and Taylor Arens and 3 All-Stater’s in 2007, including 1st team player Matt Libel. Taylor Aren’s should be the first 3 time All-State 1st team player in the program when the 2010 announcement is made in the next week or two.

Springfield Catholic, Aug 31 2007 after 1st win over Greenwood

Standing left to right. Josh Moncada 2011, Niko Temofeew 2011, Levi Millsap 2011, Brandon Kratz 2011, Sam Taggart 2008, Michael Wester 2008, Austin Lewis #21 2011, Jeff Wiegers 2010, Matt Liebel 2008, Adam Entrup 2011, Matt Simpson 2010, Brandon Lewis 2008, Elliot Scott 2009, Kneeling: Korbyn Behl 2009, David Bailey 2010, Nick Kofron 2011, Taylor Arens 2011, Max Holtmann 2011

Asked about his future plans

My future plans right now are to continue coaching with Springfield Soccer Club. I have already been helping with my daughter’s U9 team but will also get the chance to go back and coach alot of the boys that got me so involved with soccer to begin with by coaching the U18 boys team. The one negative side of coaching the High School boys was that MSHSAA rules did not allow me to coach anyone over the age of 11 the other 9 months of the year.

I also invited Joe to offer additional feedback on the program

It was not an easy decision to step down as I put my heart and soul into molding the program at Springfield Catholic. It seems like just yesterday that the program was finally allowed to evolve through some hard work and perserverance of a few. The biggest point I always tried to push was that to be the best we could not just have a soccer team but needed to have a soccer “program” as I called it.

This meant the boys and parents had to buy in to being the very best we could be. The team not only trains and plays games together but also bonds in other ways. The boys help with the summer camps, attend and support other activities at school including football, volleyball and even attend mass together on the weekends.

The boys program has come a long way these past four seasons with the help of people like Gary Lewis, Tami Millsap and Jim James to mention a few along with help from Tom Hoff (asst. coach), Zach Alumbaugh and other great coaches We have never settled for just being but instead wanted to be the best. I could certainly fill a book with all the great things that different parents have done to help the program and I am sure others will do in the future.

I have enjoyed the time with the boys the most. Sharing the ups and downs and always striving to become better is what the word “team” means to me and this has been one of the best teams (and I mean the last four years) I have ever been involved with as a player or coach. I will truly miss being apart of the great tradition these guys have started! We have had some great moments and a few not so great moments but have certainly learned through them all.

I also know that the Catholic Program can even be better than it is today and I am not referring to the win and loss column. With the passion people have that are involved with this sport on the boys and girls side Springfield Catholic should be the place that parents want their kids to be. There is nothing wrong with striving to be the best and if someone decides to put that into practice with the boys and girls side tied together in all sports than watch out because Catholic will be the place to be not only for its great education but also for its strong Athletic Program!

I asked Catholic AD Same Wutke who the new coach would be, his emailed response was

The decision on who will coach our boys soccer program has not been made and will not be made any time in the near future

A Slide Show from Years 1-3