Donigan is gone but not forgotten

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With shocking suddeness the Dan Donigan era is over at St. Louis University.

On this story I am biased.  Dan donigan is a friend.  We first met during our indoor soccer days.  He was a quality player and teamate.  When Dan was hired as Bob Warming's assistant at SLU I was delighted.  When Bob moved on to Creighton the athletic director, at the time, Doug Woolard did the right thing.  He almost always does when it comes to personnel.  Doug promoted Donigan and all was right with college soccer's most storied program.

And while SLU didn't quite get back to where they wanted to go during Dan's regime (I think even he would agree)  consistent winning and NCAA appearances where the norm.

Donigan also had some bad luck.  Early on he had the makings of a dynasty and a final four team.  But much like college basketball programs, he had a number of players who were so good that they left school early to turn pro.  Can't blame them but it didn't help Dan.

Anyway, Donigan and he fantastic bride Corey and their family are moving to New Jersey...Dan's home.  He will be the head coach at Rutgers, making it a move back to the Big East where he was the player of the decade in the 80's.  Great money, great competition, BCS institutional supports...it's a no lose for the Donigan's.

For Billiken soccer it's time to find the best, most qualified coach possible. This will be quite a challenge for AD Chris May.  Unlike many, nay most college programs, soccer DOES matter at SLU.  At any given Billiken soccer match you'll have more national championship rings in the stands than at any gathering of any sort in the country.  And when the search begins, remember, the soccer mafia has influence.  Tributes must be paid.  The soccer wiseguys will have their taste.  The new coach must understand that his core can and should come from St. Louis.  The maddening Indiana pipeline must be terminated...with extreme predjudice.

The new coach will have legacy up to which he will be challenged. Ten national championships is no joke.  Let the search begin.

Dan Donigan...thanks...we'll miss you.