Eric Scott returns to lead the Madonna University men's soccer program for his second season in 2011.
Scott's first season saw the Crusaders post an 8-6 mark overall and a 3-3 mark, good for fourth place in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC). The WHAC honored six of Scott's Crusaders on the various all-conference teams, led by second team selections Ogbemudia Iyoha, Franco Giorgi and Mustapha Olorunnimbe.
Scott was named the third coach in program history on March 22, 2010 and replaced Tino Scicluna who stepped down following the 2009 season.
"I am very excited to have a coach who is so passionate about the game of soccer as well as the area," said Athletics Director Bryan Rizzo following Scott's hiring. "Eric is committed to soccer in southeast Michigan and has gained great experience in his time at Schoolcraft. He will be a great fit for Madonna as we continue our soccer rich tradition."
Scott comes to Madonna after four seasons as an assistant coach at Schoolcraft College under former MU women's boss Rick Larson. During his time with the Ocelots, Scott aided in game practice preparation and recruitment of new student-athletes. The Ocelots have won four straight Michigan Community College Athletic Association championships and have been ranked in the top-15 during Scott's tenure at the nearby community college. Schoolcraft finished the 2009 season ranked third by the NJCAA as well as the NSCAA and finished third at the NJCAA National Championship.
"I'm excited to continue the tradition that Pete (Alexander) and Tino have established," commented Scott following his first meeting with the team. "It is a good soccer community and I'm excited to move that along from what it is now to hopefully a championship level team. My first job is going to be filling up the roster and recruiting. There is a lot of pressure to keep up what has been done here."
In addition to his work at Schoolcraft, Scott is the vice president of the Livonia City Soccer Club board and was has served as both an assistant and head coach with in the club. Scott is also Head Coach for the '96 age group in the Michigan Olympic Development Program.
Scott was a three-year letter winner on the football field at Albion College as a place kicker and punter. He holds a bachelor's degree from Albion in English literature and earned a master's degree in library and information science from Wayne State University. Scott is engaged to Kary Couchman and the couple lives in Plymouth.
Ken Shingledecker returns for his second season on the Crusaders sideline in 2011.
Shingledecker is no stranger to the coaching ranks, serving as a staff coach with the Livonia City Soccer Club as well as the Head Girl's Coach at Ladywood High School for the last four seasons. In the spring of 2011 Shingledecker led the Blazers to the MHSAA state finals after capturing the state district and regional titles. For his efforts, Shingledecker was named the Regional Coach of the Year, Division II Private School Coach of the Year and Observerland Coach of the Year following Ladywood's 17-4-6 season.
The 2011 success came on the heels of another regional crown and Catholic High School League finals appearance in 2010 when Shingledecker was also named Regional Coach of the Year. Prior to his time at LHS, Shingledecker was the Head Girl's Coach at his alma mater, Lutheran Westland High School from 2004-06.
During his prep days at Lutheran Westland, Shingledecker was named to the All-Metro Conference and all-state first teams in addition to the All-Lutheran National Team. He then played two seasons at Saginaw Valley State University before moving into the coaching ranks.
Away from coaching, Shingledecker is the general manager at the Taylor Sportsplex, one of the area's top indoor soccer venues. He and his wife Nikki have two sons, Brody and Lucas.
