Walter Chyzowych inducted into NSCAA Hall of Fame (03/23/97)

Walter Chyzowych inducted into NSCAA Hall of Fame

PHILADELPHIA - Walter Chyzowych, one of America's most prominent soccer coaches and a collegiate soccer coach legend, was inducted in January into the Hall of Fame of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, a branch at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y., founded in 1991.

He was honored as "a pioneer for American collegiate coaches" and for his role in founding, organizing and promoting the first nationwide soccer coaching education program.

In 1975, he accepted a new position with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as its director of coaching. In this position he served as head coach of the United States World Cup, Olympic, Pan American and National Youth teams. Mr. Chyzowych also designed and conducted licensed courses across the country to train and educate aspiring coaches. As well, he served as the technical director for the USSF, a position but included not only overseeing the national teams but acting as a consultant for 1994 World Cup preparation.

"Look at the successful college coaches today," said Rutgers Head Coach Bob Reasso. "He taught a lot of us the game."

Former U.S. National Team captain Rick Davis went one step further. "He has to be singled out as one of the establishing fathers of U.S. soccer," said Mr. Davis. "Remember, he was doing a job that is now done by more than one person."

The list of accolades bestowed on Mr. Chyzowych is long. He was honored as the NSCAA Coach of the Year in 1975. Six years later, in 1981, he was the recipient of the ISAA Bill Jeffrey Award for his work in the development and direction of the USSF National Coaching Schools. He was inducted into the Temple University and Philadelphia Textile College halls of fame.

(More biographical information on Mr. Chyzowych appeared in the "Sportsline" column on February 9.)

Mr. Chyzowych was born in Ukraine and moved to Philadelphia with his family when he was 12. He starred for the Philadelphia Tryzub Ukrainian Nationals powerhouse in the American Soccer League in the 1960s and played for other Ukrainian clubs, including Toronto Ukraina, Newark Sitch, New York USC and Chicago Lions. He died in 1994 at the age of 57.

The NSCAA Hall of Fame award was accepted by Mr. Chyzowych's brothers, Ihor and Eugene, and nephew, Ihor Jr., at the banquet held during the NSCAA Convention on January 17 in Nashville, Tenn.

The Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund (WCMF) has now been organized to support programs and persons aspiring to the principles of life and sport as espoused and exemplified by Mr. Chyzowych.

In furtherance of this purpose, the WCMF will provide financial assistance, grants and scholarships to deserving players and coaches in the areas of academic and soccer education and will perform any other activities or services necessary or convenient to carry out this purpose.

Contributions to the foundation are welcome. They may be sent to: WCMF, 1421 Dorel Road, Rydel, PA 19046.

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