Men’s Soccer: A Big Loss for Clearwater and a Bigger Loss for DII

When I woke up this morning, this was the last bit of news I suspected to hear, but unfortunately it was confirmed to me here.

James Whitaker, Athletic Director and Men’s Soccer coach at Clearwater Christian College has accepted the Men’s Soccer position at NCCAA DI school, Columbia International University.

Whitaker who is originally from South Carolina where CIU is located, burst onto the national scene in 2009 when Clearwater won their first ever National Championship. The next year he brought a loaded team back to Florida and they weren’t even touched.

After losing a lot this year, Clearwater still came in and won 2 match at the 2011 National Tournament, but the most amazing thing is, Whitaker will leave Clearwater with a 7-1-1 record at the National Tournament.

Also, as Athletic Director he has led Clearwater to Back to Back NCCAA President Cup wins.

Good luck Coach Whitaker and we can’t wait to see who Clearwater chooses to replace him. It should be a coveted position.

** Update I got to catch up with Coach Whitaker by phone this afternoon. He expressed how tough of a decision it was for him and his family, but God really aligned things for him. He will miss his players, schools, DII and the relationships he has made down there.

As for Clearwater, Keith Champion will take over as acting AD till the end of the year, and they will start a national search for their next men’s soccer.