The Mansfield Christian boys’ soccer team is under new leadership after head coach Jesse Rider. Rider stated he stepped down due to no longer being able to commit the time needed to continued success at Mansfield Christian. The Flames went 23-2 in his lone year as head coach and led his team to a Division III runner-up finish in the 2013 State Final game against powerhouse Cincinnati Country Day.
In Rider’s absence, junior varsity head coach Steve Armstrong has been promoted to varsity head coach. It’s a move Armstrong didn’t expect, but he said he is excited nonetheless.
“We’re certainly going to miss Jesse, we thought he was going to be a lifer, and in talking to him he certainly expected that, too,” said Armstrong. “But we’re going to move forward and I’m definitely excited.”
Having been with the Mansfield Christian soccer program for three years, Armstrong noted he feels he knows the team well and will be able to transition smoothly into Varsity head coach. Armstrong is an alum of Mansfield Christian himself, having graduated in 2007.
“Being there the last couple years and getting to know the guys, it puts me in a position where I’m not too far behind,” he said. “The relationships I’ve already built are going to be nice to have moving forward.”
Armstrong stated the Flames soccer team has been holding open field since the beginning of June, and is looking forward to a tournament at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Saturday.
