Soccer
CR Adds Men's Soccer: Former HSU Head Soccer Coach Alan Exley to Coach Team; Chris Gernand to Coach CR Women's Team
By Times-Standard
Feb 26, 2009, 11:36

College of the Redwoods announced Monday that it will launch its first-ever men's intercollegiate soccer team in the fall, and the college has hired former Humboldt State University head men's soccer coach Alan Exley to lead the squad.

”I was a player on the first HSU men's soccer team in 1971 and it meant a lot to be on that team,” Exley said in a press release. “Now I have the opportunity to be the head coach of CR's first men's soccer team. This is an important step in this area's development of soccer and I'd glad to be a part of it.”

CR Athletic Director Joe Hash said that increased enrollment has allowed the college to add a sport they've wanted since he was hired in 2001. The school announced earlier this week that its spring enrollment was up 13 percent, which is expected to increase CR's funding by as much as $2.6 million.

Redwoods, he said, is also thinking about adding another women's sport in the coming weeks, though he would not specify. New CR President Jeff Marsee, Hash said, was a driving force in adding the new soccer team.

”Certainly, in tough times, you're not necessarily thinking about adding teams. In fact, we suffered a number of budget cuts over the last few years,” Hash said. “That, of course, makes it exciting when someone comes in and says we need to grow and the way to grow is to bring in new programs.

”It makes sense when you think about it in the big scheme of things. If you're trying to make the school more attractive, more activities make you more attractive.”

Hash said the men's team has a realistic chance at recruiting close to 20 players, and he expects the women's team to increase its numbers.

Exley, who coached soccer at HSU from 1985 through 2001, said he will focus on drawing players primarily from Humboldt and Del Norte County high schools. He is confident that there will be significant local interest from local high school players.

Exley's assistant coach will be the Chris Gernand, who was also named Monday as the women's head coach. Exley will in turn serve at Gernand's assistant coach for the women's squad.

”This is an exciting time for CR's women's soccer team,” said Gernand, who was the interim co-head coach of the women's team last year. “Alan brings a wealth of experience to CR.”

Hash said, “This is a big step for CR and the community to bring men's soccer to the college. We also believe we are making a significant step towards turning the women's team into a quality program. That is our goal - to build two quality soccer programs.

”Without question since I came to CR eight years ago the most requested program the community has asked about is a men's soccer team. We are excited to start a men's team.”

Exley said he anticipates a large number of Latino high school players from area high schools, particularly from Fortuna, will come out for the men's team. He also is going to explore the possibility of drawing

from students attending the CR Del Norte Center in Crescent City for the men's and women's teams.

”Since I arrived in Humboldt County I have seen a strong history in the local soccer scene,” Exley said. “Having a men's soccer team at CR is the final step on the ladder for local players to progress in the sport.”

Exley's HSU teams had a combined record of 164-148-23 over 17 years. The Jacks were conference co-champions in 1994.

Gernand, a CR and HSU graduate, has been involved in the local soccer team for many years. ”I have a great passion for the game,” he said.

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