Over the past five years, the Fenwick soccer program has taken a number of twists and turns.
From Class A state-title runs, coaching changes and the move to Class AA, it’s safe to say there has always been something to talk about.
And that’s the case once again.
With less than two weeks before the start of the fall season, the Friars are without a soccer coach as the school and coach Tony Hepburn have elected to part ways.
“It was a mutual agreement,” said Fenwick athletic director Mike Curtin, who added that he will fill the boys position first and then search for a girls coach. “I like Tony, and he really knows the game. But he is busy with some club stuff.”
Hepburn replaced Matt Scharpf in 2003 and led the girls program to its second consecutive Class A state finals berth. The Friars brought home the program’s first state trophy that spring with a fourth-place finish.
“We’re going to bring in someone that understands the game, because I know we have two solid programs,” Curtin said. “Both Matt and Tony put in a lot of time to help the programs get to where they are now. So it’s not like I’m going to bring in someone that doesn’t know anything about soccer.”
There were some rumors that Scharpf might make a return to the sideline. The popular former coach, however, all but shot that rumor down this past weekend.
“I have two young kids now and a new job,” said Scharpf, who taught at Fenwick when he coached. “I’d love to, but it’s just not possible.”
Mariano Mollo and Chris Rictor are considered by many to be the leading candidates. With word spreading of the open position, Curtin said he expects there to be more interest this week.