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Cardinal Roster
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Cardinal Statistics
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Cardinal Schedule
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MIAC Standings
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MIAC Statistics
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| 2005 Final Records: 5-5-0 MIAC, 6-9-1 Overall |
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Chris
Dembiec Named new head coach |
Chris Dembiec, who has spent the last 10 years as the head varsity boys and girls soccer coach at The Prairie School in Racine, Wis., was named as the Cardinals new head coach, it was announced Wednesday.
"I am elated to be a part of SMU athletics," said Dembiec, who replaces Eric Luzzi, who stepped down in late May to accept an assistant coaching position at NCAA Division I Northern Illinois. "I felt this was the right choice for me from the moment I stepped on campus.
"I am excited to continue the traditions set forth by Coach Luzzi," continuef Dembiec, who inherits a program that went 5-5-0 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and 6-9-1 overall a year ago. "This program boasts student-athletes who have talent, a positive attitude and are expecting success, so it is only fitting that my energies meld well with the high standards that we will set for ourselves."
"We are very fortunate to have a coach of Chris' ability join our coaching staff," said SMU athletic director Nikki Fennern. "Chris has proven that he can be successful at the high school and U-23 levels, and I am excited about the future of Cardinal men's soccer under his leadership."
Dembiec compiled a 298-121-24 combined record during his time at The Prairie School, and guided the boys team to back-to-back state championships in 2004 and 2005, while also posting four state runner-up performances (twice with the boys and twice with the girls). His teams have won eight conference titles, and Dembiec has twice been named Wisconsin State Coach of the Year, while also earning NSCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year honors in 2004.
"There just might be an advantage coming from a quality high school program to a quality collegiate program," said Dembiec, who played collegiately at Coastal Carolina, before an injury cut his playing career short. "I understand the mind-set of a high school player and their desire to play collegiate soccer. My strengths in tactics, technique, motivation and delegation of leadership will help me through the transition to the college game.
"I have a lot to learn, in a very short amount of time, but I welcome the challenge."