August 12, 2009
LEGENDARY SOCCER COACH A GREAT FIT FOR RIDGEBACKS
OSHAWA, Ont. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) athletic department is excited to announce the hiring of Vaso Vujanovic as the inaugural head coach of the Ridgebacks men's soccer varsity program.
"Vaso has all of the qualifications we were looking for in a leader as we begin our men's soccer program at UOIT," said athletic director Ken Babcock. "He has a legendary background coaching at the post secondary level. He will quickly establish and build our men's soccer team into a winning program in the OUA; he simply is a winner."
"Being the first head coach of the UOIT men's soccer program is a great opportunity and I look forward to the challenge," said Vujanovic. "I am excited for the chance to build the program from the ground up and I cannot wait to get started."
Vujanovic has an extensive soccer background that includes playing semi-professional soccer in Yugoslavia and coaching at the highest levels in Canadian collegiate soccer. With a career spanning over four decades, Vujanovic has established himself as one of the premier coaches in the country having coached the Durham College men's and women's soccer programs to provincial and national prominence.
The Oshawa, Ont. resident began coaching with the Durham College men's soccer team in 1973 and led the team for 17 seasons. He compiled a dominating overall record of 128-35-7 with a phenomenal winning percentage of .774, leading the Lords to two provincial titles (1980 and 1988). From 1984 to 1989, Durham won six straight divisional titles and OCAA medals. In total, the Lords won an amazing 12 OCAA medals (two gold, five silver and five bronze) under Vujanovic's leadership.
Vujanovic earned top honours in the country as he was named the inaugural Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Coach of the Year when the award was introduced in 1988.
In 1999, Vujanovic returned to the Durham College athletic program as he took on the role as the women's soccer head coach. The Lords have been dominant over the past ten years as the team has never failed to qualify for the OCAA Championship (final four) while Vujanovic racked up an incredible 119-37-11 overall record as head coach. The Lords have been the pinnacle of collegiate soccer having won five provincial titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, & 2007) over the past seven seasons.
Vujanovic achieved legendary status in 1997, as he was inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class.
"It was a marvellous run, one I will remember humbly forever," said Vujanovic when asked about leaving Durham College. "But I am emotionally poised now for a new run, a new challenge as a founder. It is a once in a life time privilege."
At the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) annual general meeting this spring, UOIT men's soccer was officially sanctioned and set to enter OUA conference play beginning in the 2010-11 University season. The team will play an exhibition season this fall before entering league play the following year.
The Ridgebacks home field will be on campus at "Vaso's Field", aptly named after Vujanovic for his contribution to the sport and college. Vujanovic has had plenty of success on Vaso's Field as the Lords women's soccer team has never lost at home. They are riding an unbeaten streak of 29 games on home turf.
The Ridgebacks will debut in the OUA West Division joining the Waterloo Warriors, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Guelph Gryphons, Windsor Lancers, Brock Badgers, Western Mustangs, McMaster Marauders and the 2008 CIS National Champion York Lions. The Ridgebacks conference schedule will consist of 16 games.
"In the first year of the program I plan on focusing my efforts on recruiting and branding the program," said Vujanovic. "I will evaluate the current players we have in place and by the time we begin OUA play in 2010, I am hoping the team is ready to make an impact."
In addition to his stretch at Durham, Vujanovic has served a number of roles in the soccer community. He has coached all levels of soccer including the Motor City Soccer League (MCSL) and with the Durham Regional Soccer Association (DRSA) development program. He was also the president, vice-president and technical director of the DRSA and president of the MCSL.
The Ridgebacks begin their exhibition schedule on Thur., Sept. 10 in a match against Durham College at Vaso's Field. Kick-off is at 5 p.m.
A Quick Look at Vaso Vujanovic
Head Coach, UOIT Men's Soccer
Durham College Women's Soccer Head Coach (1999-2008)
Overall Record: 119-37-11
OCAA Championships - 5 (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007)
OCAA Divisional Titles - 7 (1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
CCAA Women's Bronze Medalist: 2007
Six straight CCAA All-Canadians: Katie Szeghalmi (2007), Amanda Durno (2006), Nicole Stephens (2005), Kara Campbell (2004) & Laura Dixon/Kristina Foreman (2003)
Durham College Men's Soccer Head Coach (1973-1989)
Overall Record: 128-35-7
OCAA Championships - 2 (1980, 1988)
OCAA Medals - 12 (two gold, five silver, five bronze)
OCAA Divisional Titles - 8 (1979,1981,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989)
CCAA Bronze Medalist: 1987
CCAA National Coach of the Year 1988
Durham College soccer field was named Vaso's Field in his honour, acknowledging his dedication and outstand achievements in collegiate soccer.
Inducted to the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame 1997
Executive Involvement
President and Vice President - Durham Regional Soccer Association
Technical Director/Coaching Development Program - Durham Regional Soccer Association
President – Motor City Soccer League (Four Years)
Source: UOIT Ridgebacks
"Vaso has all of the qualifications we were looking for in a leader as we begin our men's soccer program at UOIT," said athletic director Ken Babcock. "He has a legendary background coaching at the post secondary level. He will quickly establish and build our men's soccer team into a winning program in the OUA; he simply is a winner."
"Being the first head coach of the UOIT men's soccer program is a great opportunity and I look forward to the challenge," said Vujanovic. "I am excited for the chance to build the program from the ground up and I cannot wait to get started."
Vujanovic has an extensive soccer background that includes playing semi-professional soccer in Yugoslavia and coaching at the highest levels in Canadian collegiate soccer. With a career spanning over four decades, Vujanovic has established himself as one of the premier coaches in the country having coached the Durham College men's and women's soccer programs to provincial and national prominence.
The Oshawa, Ont. resident began coaching with the Durham College men's soccer team in 1973 and led the team for 17 seasons. He compiled a dominating overall record of 128-35-7 with a phenomenal winning percentage of .774, leading the Lords to two provincial titles (1980 and 1988). From 1984 to 1989, Durham won six straight divisional titles and OCAA medals. In total, the Lords won an amazing 12 OCAA medals (two gold, five silver and five bronze) under Vujanovic's leadership.
Vujanovic earned top honours in the country as he was named the inaugural Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) National Coach of the Year when the award was introduced in 1988.
In 1999, Vujanovic returned to the Durham College athletic program as he took on the role as the women's soccer head coach. The Lords have been dominant over the past ten years as the team has never failed to qualify for the OCAA Championship (final four) while Vujanovic racked up an incredible 119-37-11 overall record as head coach. The Lords have been the pinnacle of collegiate soccer having won five provincial titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, & 2007) over the past seven seasons.
Vujanovic achieved legendary status in 1997, as he was inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class.
"It was a marvellous run, one I will remember humbly forever," said Vujanovic when asked about leaving Durham College. "But I am emotionally poised now for a new run, a new challenge as a founder. It is a once in a life time privilege."
At the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) annual general meeting this spring, UOIT men's soccer was officially sanctioned and set to enter OUA conference play beginning in the 2010-11 University season. The team will play an exhibition season this fall before entering league play the following year.
The Ridgebacks home field will be on campus at "Vaso's Field", aptly named after Vujanovic for his contribution to the sport and college. Vujanovic has had plenty of success on Vaso's Field as the Lords women's soccer team has never lost at home. They are riding an unbeaten streak of 29 games on home turf.
The Ridgebacks will debut in the OUA West Division joining the Waterloo Warriors, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Guelph Gryphons, Windsor Lancers, Brock Badgers, Western Mustangs, McMaster Marauders and the 2008 CIS National Champion York Lions. The Ridgebacks conference schedule will consist of 16 games.
"In the first year of the program I plan on focusing my efforts on recruiting and branding the program," said Vujanovic. "I will evaluate the current players we have in place and by the time we begin OUA play in 2010, I am hoping the team is ready to make an impact."
In addition to his stretch at Durham, Vujanovic has served a number of roles in the soccer community. He has coached all levels of soccer including the Motor City Soccer League (MCSL) and with the Durham Regional Soccer Association (DRSA) development program. He was also the president, vice-president and technical director of the DRSA and president of the MCSL.
The Ridgebacks begin their exhibition schedule on Thur., Sept. 10 in a match against Durham College at Vaso's Field. Kick-off is at 5 p.m.
A Quick Look at Vaso Vujanovic
Head Coach, UOIT Men's Soccer
Durham College Women's Soccer Head Coach (1999-2008)
Overall Record: 119-37-11
OCAA Championships - 5 (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007)
OCAA Divisional Titles - 7 (1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
CCAA Women's Bronze Medalist: 2007
Six straight CCAA All-Canadians: Katie Szeghalmi (2007), Amanda Durno (2006), Nicole Stephens (2005), Kara Campbell (2004) & Laura Dixon/Kristina Foreman (2003)
Durham College Men's Soccer Head Coach (1973-1989)
Overall Record: 128-35-7
OCAA Championships - 2 (1980, 1988)
OCAA Medals - 12 (two gold, five silver, five bronze)
OCAA Divisional Titles - 8 (1979,1981,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989)
CCAA Bronze Medalist: 1987
CCAA National Coach of the Year 1988
Durham College soccer field was named Vaso's Field in his honour, acknowledging his dedication and outstand achievements in collegiate soccer.
Inducted to the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame 1997
Executive Involvement
President and Vice President - Durham Regional Soccer Association
Technical Director/Coaching Development Program - Durham Regional Soccer Association
President – Motor City Soccer League (Four Years)
Source: UOIT Ridgebacks
