The new regime has begun.

With Louis Bennett leaving the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee for cross town rivals Marquette last month, athletic director Bud Haidet had to replace one of the most successful coaches in Panther history. As it turned out, Bud didn't have to search far and wide; the best man for the job is home-grown.

Jon Coleman, a former standout midfielder for the Panthers, was named to the job on December 27th. He has been on the coaching staff since 1996, when he completed his playing career in Milwaukee. He was a volunteer until just prior to the 2003 season, when he became full-time employee of the squad.

Coleman's expertise in soccer isn't limited to Milwaukee. In 2001, while still a volunteer with Milwaukee, he led the Pius XI High School girls' soccer team to the Wisconsin state championship in only his second year as a coach. He was also state Coach of the Year in 2001.

Coleman was instrumental in bringing several recruits to the Panthers, including the famed Dombrowski family and Antou Jallow. Coleman will have to replace this year's senior class, the most successful in UWM history. Kyle Zenoni and Neil Dombrowski have advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament in every season with the team.

A favorite among the players on the team, the selection of Coleman was a rather easy one for Haidet. "He is unquestionably prepared to take over as head coach and to lead us to even greater heights." The Panthers will begin the Coleman regime next fall, hoping to reach the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in a row.

> Comments