The Niagara College Department of Intercollegiate Sports is proud to welcome back Frank DeChellis, of Welland, Ontario, to the Knights' coaching staff for the upcoming 2012 season. Coach DeChellis will return as the new head coach of the Men's Soccer program, after coaching the Knights Women's Outdoor and Indoor Soccer teams in 2009 and 2010 (6-11-3, .300).
He will take over from Anthony Ventresca, who coached the outdoor soccer program since 2006 (13-33-13 record, .220). Ventresca also coached the Men's Indoor Soccer team for seven years and led them to one OCAA West Region title.
In 2010, under the guidance of Coach DeChellis, the Niagara College Knights Women's Soccer team finished in 5th place in the OCAA West Region with a 3-4-1 record. They would qualify for the playoffs and fall 2-1 to the Mohawk College Mountaineers in the first round.
In 2009, Coach DeChellis was named OCAA West Region Coach of the Year. Despite the team's 3-7-2 record and 5th place finish in their inaugural season, their defense allowed the third fewest goals in the Central West Division (16 goals in 12 games), which was seventh best in the OCAA league of 18 teams.
In the summer of 2009, Coach DeChellis successfully completed the Canadian Soccer Association 'A' License Program. The 'A' License is the highest coaching level attainable in Canada.
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Coach DeChellis is excited about the upcoming 2012 season. "My mission with the program is that it positively represents the college, enhances the college experience for each student-athlete, and that each player feels they are contributing to the team's progress," he stated.
"We are extremely pleased to have Coach DeChellis come back and take over our men's program, said Ray Sarkis, Coordinator of Athletics and Recreation at Niagara. "His emphasis on skill development as well as the technical aspects of soccer will better prepare of student-athletes for competition at the post-secondary level. We hope that he will be able to take out program to greater heights."
Coach DeChellis is well aware of the competition his team will face while playing in the OCAA West Region. "The men's college league is very fast and physical, and our division is very tough with perennial powerhouses like Humber and Sheridan. Discipline, fitness, and durability will be the foundation to any successes we might achieve," he added.
