Quest University has a new head men's soccer coach, and it's someone who already knows his way around the campus.
Jonas Worth, who spent three seasons as the assistant coach for the Quest women's soccer team, started work as head men's coach on Monday (Feb. 14) and he said he's thrilled for the opportunity
"This is my ideal situation," he said. "I love Squamish and I strongly believe in and appreciate Quest both academically and athletically."
Aside from his time at Quest, Worth won a bronze medal as an assistant men's coach at UBC in the 2009 CIS championships and is an internationally licensed coach. He also spent last year as the head coach of the Quebec Amiral in the United Soccer League women's division.
Worth takes over for Adam Day, who parted ways with Quest in December. Worth said his coaching style is quite similar to Day's.
"Adam and I have very similar backgrounds," he said. "All of my training was done at FA [Football Association of England] institutes, just like Adam, but I think the difference will be that I am based in Squamish. My first job will be with Quest and I will be on campus often. Our coaching styles are similar. I'm just as intense as he was on the sidelines."
He also pointed out that the Quest Soccer Academy will continue, as former men's assistant coach Chris Cerroni will head up the camp. The academy helps train some of the best and brightest young soccer talent in the Sea to Sky Corridor and can serve as a route for local players to play for Quest.
"This is a real priority for me because we want local involvement," he said. "Chris is running the academy and I'm glad for that because he's very capable and it gives our kids jobs."
Worth said he will spend the next 10 to 13 weeks doing some significant recruiting, hoping to attract players from all over Canada.
This past year saw the men's team narrowly miss the playoffs. Worth said he thinks the team has a ton of potential and hopes to lead the Kermodes to the postseason during the fall 2011 season.
"I think the potential with this team is quite incredible," he said. "The way they function there is definite potential to be a playoff team. Just like any school in Canada, everyone can defend, which is why we see a lot of 0-0 and 1-0 games. I'd like us to take a little more risk with our attacking for next year and improve offensively."
Worth said the ultimate goal is for all the players to finish four years of academics but he likes what he has on his roster.
"I think we've got one of the best collegiate level goalies in Lucas Menz and one of the best centre forwards at any level in Mawuena Mallett, so I think we could potentially be a playoff team," he said.
He said he wants to see the team become more of a fixture in the community.
"I would really like to reach out to Squamish," he said. "I'm very interested in the potential new recreational facility we might be eventually getting in town."
Worth said he's seen different soccer facilities throughout the country and has offered his advice to the Squamish Soccer Association on their proposal.
The men's soccer team will play a spring schedule starting in March and it will be highlighted by a game against the University of the Fraser Valley on March 14 at Quest University Field.
For more information on the team, visit www.questkermodes.ca.
