Gene Chyzowych of Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and Cliff McCrath, formerly of Seattle Pacific University, have been selected as the 45th and 46th members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Hall of Fame.

The two were inducted into the Hall at the Association’s Awards Banquet Jan. 16 as part of the 2009 NSCAA Convention in St. Louis, Mo. They will be enshrined in the NSCAA’s display at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y., during Big 3 Weekend activities the weekend of Aug. 1, 2009.

About Gene Chyzowych
The second-winningest active boys high school coach in the country, Chyzowych has compiled a 719-180-69 record in 45 years at Columbia High School. He has led his teams to four New Jersey state championships and 24 conference titles. His squads have also captured 16 state sectional crowns. A two-time NSCAA Boys High School National Coach of the Year (1986 and 1990), Chyzowych received the association’s Robert W. Robinson Award for long-time service to interscholastic soccer in 1999.

A graduate of Temple University, where he played for fellow NSCAA Hall of Famer Pete Leaness, Chyzowych began his coaching career as an assistant to yet another NSCAA Hall of Fame member, Otto Haas at Chatham (N.J.) High School. His career includes stints as assistant for the U.S. National and U.S. Olympic teams. He also served as National Team head coach for in 1973, winning three of his five matches at the helm. In addition, he has served as president of the American Soccer League. In addition to his tenure as soccer coach, Chyzowych also coached the Columbia girls volleyball team, compiling a 227-0 career record.

About Cliff McCrath
McCrath fashioned a 597-233-95 record in 49 years as a collegiate head coach. During his 38 years at Seattle Pacific, McCrath‘s teams posted a 512-190-87 record, made 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and claimed five national titles. He led the Falcons to 37 consecutive winning seasons, an NCAA Division II record. Under his guidance, Seattle Pacific players were named NSCAA All-America 18 times, while more than 40 of his players have been drafted by professional teams. In addition, more than 100 of his former players have become coaches at the high school and college levels.

The 1978 NSCAA National Coach of the Year, McCrath was named conference coach of the year eight times. He received the association’s highest honor, the Honor Award, in 1985. He continues to direct the Northwest Soccer Camp, which he founded in 1973. Its alumni include U.S. international stars Kasey Keller and Michelle Akers. McCrath also is a member of the halls of fame of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Wheaton (Ill.) College, where he was an All-America and coached prior to moving to Seattle Pacific. He also serves as secretary-editor of the NCAA Soccer Rules Committee. His collegiate career includes coaching stints at Wheaton, Gordon College and Spring Arbor College prior to joining SPU’s staff in 1970.

NSCAA members log in to comment. Not a member? Learn more today.