Published: November 17, 2008 11:32 pm      

Soccer coaches out at MSU

Mountain State University’s successful soccer programs will have new head coaches next season.

John Birkelbach, who guided the men’s team to Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season and playoff championships in his third year at the Cougars’ helm, is leaving to pursue new opportunities.

“I hate to leave this team. I’m heartbroken,” Birkelbach said. “But the love of my life is in New York City and I’m going there to be with her. I hope to go on to bigger and better things.”

Kelly Borck, who led MSU’s women to the KIAC runner-up spot in both the regular-season and the postseason tournament, was informed last week that her contract will not be renewed.

“I was surprised,” Borck said. “We had a great year.”

Both coaches started the MSU programs from scratch. Birkelbach, a Beckley native, came to the Cougars after coaching Bluefield College to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association national title in 2005.

He was 5-11 his first season at MSU, but followed with 9-6-2 and 12-5-1 campaigns.

The Cougars were 4-0 in the KIAC this year and downed Asbury College 2-1 in overtime Nov. 7 in the playoff championship.

Their campaign ended Saturday with a 6-0 loss at the University of Mobile (Ala.) in the NAIA regionals.

A few days earlier, Birkelbach was named conference coach of the year. Adam Thompson was named KIAC defender of the year and joined on the all-KIAC team by forwards Charlot Nacius and Hasan Katrib, midfielder Ali Katrib and defender Fredson Jean.

Birkelbach hasn’t resigned yet despite earlier reports, but told his players Monday night he was leaving.

“Telling the young men on the team has been very difficult,” he said. “I started the program, but they’ve built a heck of a foundation. Every year they’ve improved, and I think everyone, from the players to the new coach, will expect that next season.”

The University of Charleston graduate has several loose ends to take care of before leaving, such as completing the 2009 schedule, a team banquet and finishing the recruiting he started.

“I’m not going to walk out the door and leave everything open,” Birkelbach said. “The next coach to step in here will have everything at his fingertips.”

In New York he plans to keep coaching soccer — the “other love of my life.”

But he’ll never forget Mountain State University.

“I love my job, the people of Beckley and MSU. It’s been nothing but good here,” he said. “I’ve had full support from the school and community.”

Borck, from Wisconsin, arrived at MSU in 2006 after coaching stints at Capital and Hurricane high schools.

She compiled 6-10 and 9-7-2 records with the Cougars. This season they were 3-1 in the KIAC before dropping a 2-0 decision to Asbury in the conference tournament.

MSU sophomore Jessica Hupp was named KIAC defensive player of the year. Forward Erica Alderman and midfielder Jessica Alderman were selected to the all-tournament team.

The Cougars found ways to win despite having just 14 players on the roster.

“Depth is an asset, but we were extremely fit and we knew what we had to work with,” Borck said.

She was called to MSU’s human resources department Wednesday and told the athletic department had decided not to renew her contract.

She said Monday she has yet to be given a reason for her dismissal.

MSU athletic director Bob Bolen refused to comment on the situation.

“We don’t discuss employee situations at Mountain State,” he said.

Borck has a teaching degree from the University of Charleston and is working on her master’s degree. She hopes to get a teaching job in the public schools system.

She will also continue coaching with the West Virginia Rapids girls travel team.

Borck remains proud of what she and the Cougars accomplished.

“Just looking at the past year, it was a huge improvement,” she said. “I only see positives in the girls’ future.”

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