NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
Coach Jacobs Retires from BBC&S
After 17 years at the helm of the men’s soccer program at Baptist Bible College, Coach Roger Jacobs is stepping down from his position as head coach. Jacobs has decided to shift his focus from coaching one specific team to coaching many teams and individuals on various age levels.
During his tenure at BBC, Jacobs has seen great success on the field. He amassed a 209-161-14 record. His teams have won ten NCCAA II East Region titles and four NCCAA II National Championships. He has been named the NCCAA II East Region Coach-of-the-Year ten times and the NCCAA II National Coach-of-the-Year three times. He has also had 28 young men named NCCAA II All-Americans a total of 49 times during his career.
But there is more to this man than just his successful coaching. Over the years, more than 150 young men have been under his tutelage and have had the privilege of learning much from him both about soccer and life. When asked what they appreciated about Coach Jacobs, their responses all contained similar thoughts: his attention to details and the “little things,” the strict rules to encourage team professionalism, the way he pushed his players to be their best, and his ability to relate life to ministry, to get the best out of his players, and to motivate people to meet his expectations. He taught them to keep striving for the next level and not to be satisfied with past success. Brian Beideman, a 1994 grad, said of Coach Jacobs: “What he said aloud was: ‘Love God with all of your heart, soul and mind. Show it on and off the field, and God will reward you.’ What he didn’t say with words, he lived by his example. Those unspoken words were: ‘Watch me. I will lead you by example. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Serve everyone with an open and honest mind. Realize what you do may or may not be seen. You’ll store up that reward in heaven.’” He was not afraid to show his emotional side and his love for his players; to take time to talk to them. He helped them see how their work ethic on the field would translate into their work ethic in life and ministry, which was much more valuable in the long run. He wanted them to be men of integrity both on and off the field.
Across the midfield line, opposing coaches also respected him. They describe him as a fierce competitor, a friend, and a man of integrity, focus, selflessness, and loyalty. They saw his teams reflect his attitude toward and commitment to his God. No one who ever coached against him or watched him would ever question his passion and love for the game or his players. They knew his teams would always play hard on the field with high energy. They might knock a player over, but would always help pick him up. They appreciated the care he took to have one of the best kept soccer fields in the area. Ironically, Coach Jacobs’ first and last opponent on the field was Wilkes University, coached by Phil Wingert. Wingert stated: “Roger is a class act from start to finish. What you see is what you get, and what you see is a caring, family man with a strong faith and commitment. I admire him for his convictions and beliefs. He always has made time for our conversations, many of which center on our families, hobbies, and interests. The friendship that started with soccer has developed and grown into other areas of our lives. His friendship is one that I plan to continue developing over the years.”
Coach Jacobs was heavily involved in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). He served as the National Chair for men’s soccer three years. He was extremely instrumental in the organization and structure of the present national tournament. He also served as the NCCAA II East Region Chair for many years.
Though he is leaving the collegiate coaching arena, Jacobs will still be deeply involved in soccer. Since January, 2006, he has been the Director of Player Development at Riverfront Sports Complex. His duties involve individual and team training for soccer, oversight of leagues, Little Kickers classes, coaching Abington Soccer Club teams, and coaching clinics. He will also continue in his role as a board member for the Abington Youth Soccer League, which he has held for 17 years. Jacobs has a passion for the development of good fundamental soccer in today’s youth, and his new duties will allow him to work toward that goal.
Jacobs is also looking forward to spending more time with his family. His wife, Dawn, works in the Communications Department at BBC as the Graphics Designer. His daughter, Amber, is currently playing basketball overseas in Italy’s professional league and will rejoin the Minnesota Lynx during the WNBA season. His son, Derek, and daughter-in-law, Lindsay, are living in Scranton, PA, while Derek finishes his studies at Baptist Bible Seminary. After Derek completes his seminary education, he and his wife hope to plant churches in Russia.
While we are losing a great coach, mentor, and friend, we are excited that Coach Jacobs will still be using his skills to further the great game of soccer in our community. We know he will continue to mold his new athletes into fine players as well as encourage them to become better young men and women.
Posted on: 11/14/2006 3:17:20 PM
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