Thursday, March 19, 2009

“We are thrilled to add an alum in Jeff to our coaching staff,” said Avery on Oleck.  “Jeff was one of the great players in program history, and I am excited that all of our goalkeepers will get the chance to work directly with him.  When I met with him, his great love for Valparaiso University and for the men’s soccer program was obvious, and he will be a great fit for what we are building here.”

A two-time All Mid-Continent Conference honoree between the pipes during his playing days, Oleck closed his Crusader career with a program-record 14 clean sheets over his four seasons.  He also ranks second in Valpo history in career saves (345) and goals against average (2.05).  He has spent the last three years as an assistant coach at Wabash College, working directly with the goalkeepers in addition to serving as recruiting coordinator.

“I’m very excited to be coming back to my alma mater as a coach,” said Oleck.  “Coming in and being familiar with Valpo, I can relay what I experienced as an undergrad when I am out on the recruiting trail.  It is a great opportunity for me to get to work with Coach Avery and to be a part of a Crusader program that has undergone a lot of thrilling changes since my time as a player.  I am truly excited to come back and be a part of the new direction for the program.”

Oleck joins Avery, who enters his third year as head coach, and Andy McCaslin, entering his second year as an assistant, on the Crusader coaching staff.