 (Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics) |
NOTRE DAME, IN (Jan. 25) - Former Old Dominion and current Notre Dame head soccer coach Mike Berticelli died of an apparent heart attack Tuesday morning at his home. He was 48.
Berticelli compiled a 76-27-16 overall record at Old Dominion from 1984-89 and led the team to Sun Belt Conference titles in 1987 and 1989. In 1989, he led the Monarchs to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Following the '89 season, he left to take over the reigns at Notre Dame.
"Old Dominion University and the entire athletic program mourn the loss of Mike Berticelli," says Athletic Director Jim Jarrett. "Mike's success here had a major impact on the growth of our soccer program and those in Hampton Roads. Our thoughts are with his family and many of his former athletes who share this great loss."
In ten seasons as Irish head coach he led three teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, including the '96 squad which knocked off then second-ranked UNC Greensboro, 1-0, in the first round.
A 1973 graduate of the University of Maine-Farmington, the Lewsiton, Maine, native previously spent four years as head men's coach at UNC Greensboro, where he led the team to NCAA Division III national titles in 1982 and 83, and four years as head coach at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine.
Born April 26, 1951, Berticelli is survived by his wife, Cinda, and two sons, Nino and Anthony.