Chagrin Falls didn’t have to look far to find its new boys soccer coach. The school announced that Brian McKenna will take over the program as he has most recently been the junior varsity and assistant varsity coach for the girls team and Pam Malone.
McKenna has served in that capacity for the past 17 years and is currently the High School Alumni Director as well. McKenna, who lives in Chagrin Falls, teaches government at the high school and seventh grade world history.
Previously, he was the head boys soccer coach at Brooklyn and was the head wrestling coach at Chagrin Falls.
In 2006 he was named the Greater Cleveland Soccer Coaches Association Assistant coach of the Year.
“First off, I was very hesitant because I’m in a very good position,” McKenna said. “Working with Pamela the past 17 years, we’ve had great seasons over the years. We’ve had success, and more importantly, we’ve had fun. It’s a tremendous culture Pamela has established and I’ve supported.”
The girls reached the Division II state championship game this past fall, losing 3-0 against Kettering Archbishop Alter.
Of course, McKenna replaces the only coach the program has known in Mario Gerhardt. The man who started the soccer program at Chagrin Falls left after 47 years and an Ohio state record 521 victories to coach at West Geauga.
“I want to bring that culture over to the boys side,” McKenna said. “I’ve been close to Mario for 30 years. He shared his support for me and made it easier to consider.
“He has provided mentorship over the years. He said he’d still support our program every day except for the day we play West G.”
McKenna, a 1988 graduate of Chagrin Falls, played for Gerhardt during his prep days.
Chagrin Falls athletic director Charlie Barch talked about the decision to hire McKenna.
“It is not easy finding a replacement for a job that has never been open at Chagrin Falls,” Barch said. “It makes it a little easier knowing we have Brian in place, who is familiar with the program, as a player and assistant girls soccer coach. He is ready to continue the success the program has already had and bring in some new ideas to make it even better.”
Chagrin Falls superintendent Robert Hunt also talked about the decision to hire McKenna.
“Brian is passionate about Chagrin Falls soccer and he is dedicated to continuing the long-time success the team has had,” Hunt said. “Brian has done a great job with our girls soccer program and he is familiar with the youth programs. I am confident he will do a terrific job and take our program to a whole new level.”
McKenna also wanted to show his appreciate for volunteer assistant coaches Dan Passalacqua and Dale Sheptak.
“What also made the transition easier was two volunteer coaches,” McKenna said.
They have helped the girls program for years. Now, the two will also chip in with helping McKenna and the boys.
It helps that McKenna is taking over a team with plenty of returning talent. Last season, the boys went 9-8-1.
“We also bring back a lot of experience and I look forward to that challenge,” McKenna said. “A lot of our core is coming back with experience and they are very skilled.
“I’m very excited, more so for the boys. I think they’ll enjoy some of the things I will bring over.”
McKenna also talked about expectations.
“I feel pressure that we should be deep into the playoffs each and every year,” McKenna said. “That’s an annual goal. I certainly know the boys have those expectations.”
It’s not easy replacing a legend, but McKenna said the whole Chagrin Falls community has been nothing but positive.
“I certainly have appreciated the support I’ve already received from the alumni, current parents, current players and the school,” McKenna said. “I’m also thankful I have a supportive wife. Pamela has been supportive, which is big. The boys and girls programs are very close.”