IIT "KICKS OFF" NEW SOCCER PROGRAM
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Athletic Director Jim Darrah has announced the return of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) college soccer to the IIT campus and the hiring of former professional British soccer star Lee Hitchen to head up the program.
The new coach will be introduced to students, faculty and staff at lunchtime Pep Rally Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at IIT’s McCormick Student Village cafeteria, 3241 S. Wabash Ave. The program begins at 1:15 p.m.
Hitchen, who played for the Blackburn Rovers in the prestigious English Premier League, will coach both the IIT men’s and women’s teams beginning with the Fall 2003 season. Hitchen was previously women’s assistant soccer coach and an admissions counselor at Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, W.Va.
“This is my ultimate dream job, starting up a program at a prestigious university such as IIT,” said Hitchen. “Soccer is my passion and the challenge of building a men’s and women’s program from scratch is a tremendous opportunity for me, both personally and professionally.”
Along with recruitment and coaching men’s and women’s soccer at IIT, Hitchen will also oversee the university’s intramural program.
“Lee will be wearing several hats in his new role,” said Athletic Director Darrah. “We are thrilled to have someone with his talent and energy, not only to lead development of our new soccer program, Lee will also bring a huge boost to our popular intramural program.”
IIT discontinued varsity soccer in 1990, primarily because of a lack of qualified players. With the hiring of Hitchen, the university has recommitted itself to developing a highly competitive program, including generous athletic and academic scholarships to qualified students. One of Hitchen’s first priorities is recruitment.
“We are already scouting talent in Chicagoland and across the country,” said Hitchen. “I look forward to getting out in the community, meeting with high school and soccer club coaches and players. I have every confidence we will attract great players and great students to IIT.”
IIT’s Scarlet Hawks currently compete in NAIA Division I baseball, basketball, cross-country, swimming and volleyball. The university is also a founding member of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), comprised of 15 teams. IIT remains a leader when it comes to educational and athletic excellence. The University has a graduation rate of 86% over the last 15 years, among recruited student athletes.
IIT’s Fall 2003 soccer schedule has been set, with the inaugural season home opener scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, against Doane College
Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting technological university awarding degrees in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, as well as architecture, psychology, design, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum prepares the university’s 6,200 students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and culturally diverse global workplace.
