Sports Reporter
It was an exciting afternoon last Friday for Colorado Mesa University as the Athletic Department held a press conference to announce and welcome two new members to the university’s coaching staff. Sports Information Director Ian Marks introduced Todd Padgett and Jason Clare as the new head coaches of the men and women’s soccer teams, respectively. In a packed Fireside Lounge with university officials such as President Tim Foster and Athletic Director Tom Spicer, as well as RMAC commissioner Chris Graham and Associate Commissioner Eric Danner, both of the new coaches had a chance to speak in front of the local media to give their opening statements and answer questions.
Clare is no stranger to the women’s program and the university, serving as assistant coach for the past two seasons and as interim coach since the resignation of Erin Sharpe in December of last year.
“First off, I’d like to extend my thanks to President Tim Foster, Athletic Director Tom Spicer and head of the search committee Kris Mort for offering me this position,” Clare said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the women’s team. Colorado Mesa is a very prestigious university, and I can’t wait to get started. We got a great group of girls, and we’re ready to take off.”
Clare, a native of the United Kingdom, has a wide range of coaching experience both overseas and in the U.S. He served as an assistant at Dodge City Community College in Kansas, where he played a role in helping the men’s team achieve their best season in program history, while the women’s program qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years. Clare was instrumental in helping student-athletes go on to four-year institutions.
While in the U.K., Clare had experience working with a number of youth and professional clubs, including Yeovil Town Football Club Center of Excellence and the Somerset Football Association Women’s Centre of Excellence. He has achieved numerous coaching certifications from many organizations, including a UEFA B Coaching License, NSCAA Premier and Advanced National Diplomas and English FA Level Two Goalkeeping.
Clare has already signed two local products for this season’s recruiting class, Fruita Monument’s Jaime Madison and Coal Ridge’s Amanda Wenzel, and is continuing to contact prospects and schedule them for campus visits.
“It is such a relief,” said captain and starting goalkeeper Sarah Schnetzler. “We are all just really happy with the decision and that the wait is finally over. We can just start working harder now that we know that Jason [Clare] is the coach.”
Schnetzler and the other seniors had been coached and recruited by Sharpe, but Schnetzler feels as though the change is good. “The practices do feel a little more relaxed and fun,” Schnetzler said. “Both coaches are great in their own style. I feel like we will continue our success with Jason.”
Todd Padgett has had quite the journey as both a player and now a coach. Padgett started his career as a player at Metro State University before transferring to Fort Lewis to finish his final two years of eligibility. He played professionally with the Albuquerque Asylum indoor and outdoor teams after graduating from Fort Lewis with a degree in European History. Padgett served as an assistant coach with his alma mater for three years before taking the job as the head women’s soccer coach at Eastern New Mexico. He led the Zias, who finished last the season before, to third place in his first season. He coached eight players to All-Conference Accolades during his three seasons.
Padgett was originally a candidate for the women’s head coaching position at CMU. However, as the coaching search for the men’s team remained open, Padgett applied and was offered the position. Padgett was then announced as the new head coach for men’s soccer for the Mavericks.
“I truly believe the sky is the limit for this CMU men’s soccer program and am looking forward to getting started this spring in preparation for the fall 2014 season.”
Padgett made it clear he plans to have the Mavericks not only compete for conference championships, but for national titles as well. Padgett is no stranger to championships as he helped coach the Skyhawks to two NCAA Tournament berths, a regional championship and an Elite Eight appearance.
The men’s team is looking to defend their first conference tournament title, while the women are trying to emulate the success achieved in the 2011 season, reaching the NCAA regional tournament. With the spring season looming, both teams have already begun training under their new head coaches.
kparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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