Published: March 15, 2009 12:19 am      

Quintero named new soccer coach at MSU

A former South American professional soccer player now aims to pass on some of the knowledge he’s gleaned to college-level performers.

And he’s going to do it in Beckley.

Cesar Quintero has been on the job for a little over a month as men’s soccer coach of the fourth-year program at Mountain State University, replacing John Birkelbach.

Quintero, 38, came to Beckley from northeast Florida, where he has mentored youth clubs and individual soccer players, as well as serving as a personal trainer. His career path also included a stint as boys coach for St. Augustine (Fla.) High School.

“I’ve been looking to return to coaching full-time,” he said recently. “I want to start training players who are a little older and a little more mature and looking to play.”

The MSU job offered a good opportunity. “They’ve had some talent in the past,” he said, adding that most of the players from the 2008 squad are expected to return this fall. In addition to a solid group of returnees, Quintero has his sights set on recruits from states such as Florida, Ohio and Georgia, as well as the home state.

Quintero plans to embrace the whole Beckley community. “We want to work to develop players here and will support 100 percent the local area. I want the games to be something for everyone to enjoy.”

He says he will stress a well-rounded student-athlete experience for his players.

“The biggest thing for me is (that the players) understand they’re here to do the job academically ... and understand the game. I want a disciplined team, a team that works well collectively and represents the university and region well. And we want to work hard every single day and show up even more prepared.”

In 2008, the Cougars were Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champs with a 13-5-1 record.

The 2009 squad will play a preseason spring scrimmage on April 4, and the first fall scrimmage is set for Thursday, Aug. 21 at the University of Charleston.

Players interested in trying out for a spot on the team can call Quintero at 304-929-1403 or e-mail him at cquintero@mountainstate.edu.

— E-mail:

skeenan@register-herald.com