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February 7, 2006
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Dave Irby, current Cascade Surge president and founder of Vanguard Ministries, has been hired as the 5th head men's soccer coach at Corban College since 1989. |
SALEM, Ore. – Current Cascade Surge president and founder of Vanguard Ministries Dave Irby has been hired as head coach of the men’s soccer team at Corban College, as announced today by John Nelson, Director of Athletics.
Irby comes to Corban following six seasons as head boys’ varsity coach at Blanchet Catholic High School in Salem, where he led the Cavaliers to back-to-back league co-championships in 2003 and 2004. Irby was named Tri-Rivers League Coach of the Year, as Blanchet advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2004. The Cavaliers earned the league Sportsmanship Award for three straight seasons with Irby at the helm.
“I was attracted to Corban because of everything the college stands for,” said Irby. “Here you have athletic and academic excellence in a Christian environment. I think there’s a lot of talent and quality on this team, and that also made the job attractive to me.”
Irby also served as head coach of the Premier Developmental League’s Cascade Surge from 1997-2000 before transitioning into management with the team in 1999. Under Irby, Cascade advanced to the PDL Western Conference Playoffs in 1997. As president, the Surge advanced to the playoffs four straight seasons, while winning back-to-back Northwest Division Titles. The team won the league’s Fair Play award in 2003 and 2005.
Before moving to the Northwest, Irby spent five seasons at Concordia University (1988-89 and 1994-96) in Irvine, California, where the Eagles’ program set a record for most wins in a season with eight.
Prior to Concordia, Irby spent four seasons (1977-80) at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California, as head coach of the men’s soccer program. Irby was named SCIAC and NAIA District IV Coach of the Year twice as he guided the Cougars to a 46-26-5 record and three NAIA playoff appearances in his four years at APU.
Irby has also coached Christian collegiate and pro All-Star teams on over twenty international soccer ministry trips, including a 2004 mission’s trip to Thailand where the Cascade Surge played the Thailand U20 National team to a 2-2 tie.
“Without a doubt, Dave Irby, along with his strong Christian character, brings us a tremendous wealth of high level soccer experience,” said Nelson. “Dave has a strong desire to train quality young men and with his expertise and leadership the program will be very successful.
Irby earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in social science and physical education from Azusa Pacific University in 1976, and acquired his Master of Arts degree in teaching from the University of La Verne. Irby's soccer credentials include a U.S. Soccer "A" Coaching License, which is the highest license in the United States and is recognized world-wide.
Irby currently resides in Salem with his wife, Susan, and their three children (Nathan, Ryan, and Hayley). Irby and his family currently attend Morning Star Community Church where he and his wife are involved in a Morning Star community group.
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