Post by FIUFanatic on May 19, 2007 8:25:09 GMT -5
Congratulations to Eketebi in being named FIU Soccer Coach. I remember seeing him play...he was amazing then.....I'm glad he gets this opportunity to show his thing. I am also glad that Garcia decided to keep it "at home" with this hiring in bringing up Eketebi, one of the current staff members in FIU, as it will also keep a sense of continuity with the program.
As we know, there has been countless criticism in this board directed at PG from people close (at least to information) to the administrators and coaches from the old regime who feel they are being slighted and/or treated badly. Hopefully, this is an honest action and not a plan to disband soccer without bringing in a new coach from outside just to disbound the program later....I guess it still remains a possibility, though... Anyways, I hope Eketebi becomes a huge winner and participant in the NCAA's year in and year out...Congrats Munga!!
www.fiusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11700&ATCLID=897636
As we know, there has been countless criticism in this board directed at PG from people close (at least to information) to the administrators and coaches from the old regime who feel they are being slighted and/or treated badly. Hopefully, this is an honest action and not a plan to disband soccer without bringing in a new coach from outside just to disbound the program later....I guess it still remains a possibility, though... Anyways, I hope Eketebi becomes a huge winner and participant in the NCAA's year in and year out...Congrats Munga!!
www.fiusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11700&ATCLID=897636
FIU Names Munga Eketebi as Head Men’s Soccer Coach
Courtesy: FIUSports.com
Release: 05/19/2007
Munga Ekebeti has been elevated from assistant to head coach of the FIU men's soccer team.
FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia promoted from within by announcing the appointment of Munga Eketebi as the University’s new men’s head soccer coach. Eketebi becomes the fourth head coach in the 35-year history of the program and he replaces Karl Kremser who last week announced his retirement.
No stranger to FIU soccer, Eketebi has been an imposing figure on the FIU men’s soccer sideline for nearly 25 years. After a four-year playing career with the Golden Panthers from 1983-86, he has worked on the FIU coaching staff nearly ever since.
“Coach Eketebi is a well-respected member of the soccer community and he is deserving of this chance to lead our program,” said Garcia on making the announcement. “We are excited about the future of men’s soccer at Florida International University.”
A prolific scorer as a collegian, Eketebi’s 50 career goals remain tied for the most in program history. Additionally, his 124 career points rank second and his 24 assists tie him for fifth among FIU's all-time scoring leaders. He was a key member of the 1984 Division II National Championship squad and the 1985 runner-up team with six playoff goals, including four in an NCAA Tournament win over Lock Haven (Pa.) in 1984.
Eketebi is one of only a handful of FIU student-athletes ever to be voted All-America three times. He is a member of the University’s Wall of Fame and was also a four-time all-state and three-time All-South honoree. After helping FIU to the NCAA Division II national championship final, Eketebi was selected as the state of Florida’s Player of the Year in 1985.
After his outstanding playing career, Eketebi worked as the program’s top assistant who helped with day-to-day practices, administrative duties and recruiting. Eketebi did take a short hiatus from FIU in 1996 when he served a one-year stint as the men's head coach at Nova Southeastern University. There, he guided the NAIA Knights to a 12-6-1 record, including an undefeated regular-season record in the Sun Conference.
Eketebi, who has his Florida coaching license, served as an assistant coach with the USISL Florida Stars and the South Florida select program. He was involved administratively with the Miami Sharks and Miami Freedom of the American Professional Soccer League.
He also assisted with many international games played throughout South Florida, including the Marlboro Cup, U.S. Cup and the Pélé Cup. Eketebi headed the Gulliver Prep girls' squad and the Miami Futbol Club from 1991-93, K-Land Youth Clubs from 1985-90, Miami Springs High School in 1985-86 and Belen Jesuit Prep in 1983.
Before attending FIU, Eketebi competed with the European high school championship team at College DeLeman (Switzerland) from 1976 through 1979. Schooled in Europe, he speaks four languages fluently – English, French, Italian and Spanish.
“I can never thank Coach Kremser enough for everything he’s done for me,” said Eketebi. “It's always tough to come in and follow someone like that. His accomplishments at FIU speak for themselves and he definitely left big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to this opportunity.”
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT MUNGA EKETEBI:
Bruce Arena (New York Red Bulls Sporting Director/Head Coach, Former U.S. National Team Head Coach, Four-time University of Virginia NCAA National Championship Head Coach):
“Munga has been one of the outstanding coaches in Florida over the past 20 years. He's touched the lives of many young players and has been extremely supportive of the game at all levels. I have known him personally and can attest to the fact that there is not a finer person in the sport. He has all the tools to further build the FIU program as a winner.”
Thomas Rongen (Head Coach Under-20 U.S. National Team, Former head coach Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and Tampa Bay Mutiny):
“Munga and I go back many years to my playing days playing with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers when he was one of the most prolific college players in the nation. Any time you can get a former standout player involved in your program as head coach is a big plus. He understands the academic side as well as the playing side better than anybody else that I’ve known.
“Munga has a great passion for the game and for his student-athletes. He will provide tremendous expertise and knowledge in his own gentle-giant way. He will make a great ambassador for the program. He’s an excellent choice, and this is an excellent opportunity for a great person.”
Bobby Boswell (2006 MLS All-Star, RadioShack Best 11 member):
“I’m excited for Munga. There is not a better person for the job. It is fitting that he takes over an organization that he has been part of for many years. Munga possesses a great eye for talent and his system works. A very personable guy off the field, he’s all business once it comes to soccer.”
Shawn Crow (2006 FIU Soccer Alumnus, DC United draft choice):
“First and foremost, Munga is a great person. Above that, he is very knowledgeable about the game and was always there when his players needed them.”
Robin Fraser (Former U.S. National Team member, Five-time MLS All-Star):
“I am so very pleased for Munga and it is extremely fitting that he would get this opportunity. Few have put more time into this program and he has really dedicated his adult life to FIU soccer.”
Tyrone Marshall (2004-05 Los Angeles Galaxy Defensive Player of the Year, Former Jamaican National team member):
“This is a great opportunity for Munga. He has worked in the shadows for so many years and this is his coming out. He was a great player and he is a great coach. I know that he will be a head coach who players will really enjoy competing for. He has been in the trenches and knows what players are going through out on the field and how they think.”
Steve Ralston (U.S. National Team member, 1996 MLS Rookie of the Year, Five-time MLS All-Star):
“First of all, I’m happy for Munga who has patiently waited for his chance at becoming head coach. It would have been a mistake not to afford him this opportunity. He was obviously a great player on the field for FIU but the things he did for the program off the field are immeasurable as well. He is an outstanding person and he is going to make an outstanding head coach.”
Courtesy: FIUSports.com
Release: 05/19/2007
Munga Ekebeti has been elevated from assistant to head coach of the FIU men's soccer team.
FIU Athletic Director Pete Garcia promoted from within by announcing the appointment of Munga Eketebi as the University’s new men’s head soccer coach. Eketebi becomes the fourth head coach in the 35-year history of the program and he replaces Karl Kremser who last week announced his retirement.
No stranger to FIU soccer, Eketebi has been an imposing figure on the FIU men’s soccer sideline for nearly 25 years. After a four-year playing career with the Golden Panthers from 1983-86, he has worked on the FIU coaching staff nearly ever since.
“Coach Eketebi is a well-respected member of the soccer community and he is deserving of this chance to lead our program,” said Garcia on making the announcement. “We are excited about the future of men’s soccer at Florida International University.”
A prolific scorer as a collegian, Eketebi’s 50 career goals remain tied for the most in program history. Additionally, his 124 career points rank second and his 24 assists tie him for fifth among FIU's all-time scoring leaders. He was a key member of the 1984 Division II National Championship squad and the 1985 runner-up team with six playoff goals, including four in an NCAA Tournament win over Lock Haven (Pa.) in 1984.
Eketebi is one of only a handful of FIU student-athletes ever to be voted All-America three times. He is a member of the University’s Wall of Fame and was also a four-time all-state and three-time All-South honoree. After helping FIU to the NCAA Division II national championship final, Eketebi was selected as the state of Florida’s Player of the Year in 1985.
After his outstanding playing career, Eketebi worked as the program’s top assistant who helped with day-to-day practices, administrative duties and recruiting. Eketebi did take a short hiatus from FIU in 1996 when he served a one-year stint as the men's head coach at Nova Southeastern University. There, he guided the NAIA Knights to a 12-6-1 record, including an undefeated regular-season record in the Sun Conference.
Eketebi, who has his Florida coaching license, served as an assistant coach with the USISL Florida Stars and the South Florida select program. He was involved administratively with the Miami Sharks and Miami Freedom of the American Professional Soccer League.
He also assisted with many international games played throughout South Florida, including the Marlboro Cup, U.S. Cup and the Pélé Cup. Eketebi headed the Gulliver Prep girls' squad and the Miami Futbol Club from 1991-93, K-Land Youth Clubs from 1985-90, Miami Springs High School in 1985-86 and Belen Jesuit Prep in 1983.
Before attending FIU, Eketebi competed with the European high school championship team at College DeLeman (Switzerland) from 1976 through 1979. Schooled in Europe, he speaks four languages fluently – English, French, Italian and Spanish.
“I can never thank Coach Kremser enough for everything he’s done for me,” said Eketebi. “It's always tough to come in and follow someone like that. His accomplishments at FIU speak for themselves and he definitely left big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to this opportunity.”
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT MUNGA EKETEBI:
Bruce Arena (New York Red Bulls Sporting Director/Head Coach, Former U.S. National Team Head Coach, Four-time University of Virginia NCAA National Championship Head Coach):
“Munga has been one of the outstanding coaches in Florida over the past 20 years. He's touched the lives of many young players and has been extremely supportive of the game at all levels. I have known him personally and can attest to the fact that there is not a finer person in the sport. He has all the tools to further build the FIU program as a winner.”
Thomas Rongen (Head Coach Under-20 U.S. National Team, Former head coach Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and Tampa Bay Mutiny):
“Munga and I go back many years to my playing days playing with the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers when he was one of the most prolific college players in the nation. Any time you can get a former standout player involved in your program as head coach is a big plus. He understands the academic side as well as the playing side better than anybody else that I’ve known.
“Munga has a great passion for the game and for his student-athletes. He will provide tremendous expertise and knowledge in his own gentle-giant way. He will make a great ambassador for the program. He’s an excellent choice, and this is an excellent opportunity for a great person.”
Bobby Boswell (2006 MLS All-Star, RadioShack Best 11 member):
“I’m excited for Munga. There is not a better person for the job. It is fitting that he takes over an organization that he has been part of for many years. Munga possesses a great eye for talent and his system works. A very personable guy off the field, he’s all business once it comes to soccer.”
Shawn Crow (2006 FIU Soccer Alumnus, DC United draft choice):
“First and foremost, Munga is a great person. Above that, he is very knowledgeable about the game and was always there when his players needed them.”
Robin Fraser (Former U.S. National Team member, Five-time MLS All-Star):
“I am so very pleased for Munga and it is extremely fitting that he would get this opportunity. Few have put more time into this program and he has really dedicated his adult life to FIU soccer.”
Tyrone Marshall (2004-05 Los Angeles Galaxy Defensive Player of the Year, Former Jamaican National team member):
“This is a great opportunity for Munga. He has worked in the shadows for so many years and this is his coming out. He was a great player and he is a great coach. I know that he will be a head coach who players will really enjoy competing for. He has been in the trenches and knows what players are going through out on the field and how they think.”
Steve Ralston (U.S. National Team member, 1996 MLS Rookie of the Year, Five-time MLS All-Star):
“First of all, I’m happy for Munga who has patiently waited for his chance at becoming head coach. It would have been a mistake not to afford him this opportunity. He was obviously a great player on the field for FIU but the things he did for the program off the field are immeasurable as well. He is an outstanding person and he is going to make an outstanding head coach.”
