Men's Soccer head coach Brent Ridenour named NSCAA's Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year

ADA — The National Soccer Coaches Association of America has honored men's soccer head coach Brent Ridenour as the 2011 NSCAA/Mondo Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year.

This is the second Coach of the Year award Ridenour has received this season, as he was also named Ohio Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in November.

"I'm happy to accept this award for our entire team and our coaching staff," Ridenour said. "I am fortunate to have an extremely hard working coaching staff and this award is a reflection of their efforts."

Ridenour guided the Polar Bears through a spectacular 2011 season that included the OAC Regular Season and Tournament championships and an appearance in the NCAA Sweet 16 game. Northern finished the season 20-3-2 overall and 8-0-1 in the OAC.

Under Ridenour's direction the past 14 years, the ONU men's soccer program has reached the OAC Tournament 11 times, earned five OAC regular season championships and four tournament championships.

His overall record as head coach currently stands at 194-87-26.

A total of eight coaches at NCAA Division III institutions have been recognized by their peers as Regional Coaches of the Year. They, along with those coaches whose teams advanced to the NCAA semifinals, move on to the ballot for the National Coach of the Year award.

The recipient of the national honor will be announced at the NSCAA National Convention on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012.