University Park, Pa. — Penn State Director of Athletics Tim Curley has announced the hiring of Bob Warming, formerly of Creighton University, as head coach of the Nittany Lion men’s soccer program. Warming, whose distinguished career spans 32 years, will take over the reins at Penn State as the 11th head coach in program history.
"Penn State is very fortunate to have secured the services of a coach with such impeccable credentials," Curley said. "Bob’s success has placed him among elite company in the history of NCAA men’s soccer. He is an outstanding coach and recruiter who has a proven track record of developing accomplished student-athletes, on and off the field. We are thrilled to have him take over the leadership of the men’s soccer program and continue its strong tradition. We look forward to working alongside Bob as we position Penn State to contend for Big Ten and national championships."
"My entire family is excited about Penn State," said Warming. "It was going to take a very special situation for us to ever leave Omaha and all the relationships we had built there and all the developments we have made with the soccer program. Penn State is that opportunity on every level. We are really looking forward to becoming part of the Penn State family and State College community."
"Our staff will be recruiting students to, and coaching at, one of the top academic institutions in America. My own children are excited about attending Penn State and experiencing all this great University has to offer. Being surrounded every day by an athletic program that is outstanding in so many sports and filled with great coaches is going to be wonderful."
"I would like to publicly thank Tim Curley, Jan Bortner, and the search committee for entrusting me with the program. I will use all my experience, knowledge and energy to develop outstanding players and championship teams. I look forward to working with the talented current players. I feel that the administration has put all of the pieces in place for this program to be highly successful and challenge for championships on an annual basis. We will be reaching out to the Penn State students, fans, and alumni, to come be part of and enjoy the ride while we accomplish great things this season and for years to come."
Warming’s three-plus decades as a head coach have been marked by distinction, achievement, and success. The six-time finalist for national coach of the year and 2008 winner of the award, according to FieldTurf Tarkett, holds a lofty place in the NCAA record book, ranking sixth among active Division I head coaches and 15th in Division I history with 383 victories. Warming is also one of only two active coaches in Division I to take two different programs to the College Cup.
In 14 total years at Creighton, served in two different stints (1990-94, 2001-09), Warming, the winningest coach in program history, led the Bluejays to 190 victories, seven Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament championships, 11 NCAA Championship appearances, and to the 2002 College Cup. His teams proved nearly unbeatable at home, compiling a 107-18-15 record in Omaha. In recognition of his dominance in league play, Warming, a three-time Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year honoree, was named the MVC All-Centennial Team Coach in 2006.
Also successful in the classroom, Warming’s Creighton squads received the NSCAA Team Academic Achievement Award in 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009. Warming has also produced numerous professional prospects while at Creighton, as at least one player has been selected in every MLS draft, a total of 24 since the league’s inception in 1996.
An ardent believer in giving back through charitable works, Warming’s 2009 Creighton squad won the community service award for performing over 1500 hours of volunteer activities, including working on Habitat for Humanity projects, reading to elementary school students, and helping out at hospitals. Warming has also has served as the honorary chairman of the Boy Scouts of America for Nebraska and as the honorary chairman of the Omaha Children’s Crisis Center annual fund raiser.
Warming has not only built successful teams on the field, but also assisted with the design, fundraising, and construction management of three collegiate soccer stadiums, including, most recently, the $13 million, 6,000-seat, state-of-the-art Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium at Creighton. He and his winning teams helped fill the stands at Morrison Stadium, as Creighton led the MVC and ranked in the NCAA top 10 in attendance each of the past seven seasons.
In between his tenures at Creighton, Warming served as head coach at Saint Louis University, where he guided it to four Conference USA championships, three NCAA Championship berths, and the 1997 College Cup. His Billiken teams also finished ranked in the top 20 in all four seasons.
Warming also previously held head coaching positions at Old Dominion (1996), Charlotte (1982-88), Berry College (1977-81), and Transylvania University (1976). His career coaching record stands at an impressive 383-180-64 (.662).
A 1975 graduate of Berea College (Ky.), Warming was a four-sport varsity letterwinner, starring on the golf, swimming, tennis, and soccer teams. As a starting goalkeeper, he posted a 28-2-2 record. Warming also holds a master’s of science degree in sport administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Warming and his wife, Cindy, have four children – Emily, Bess, and twins Audrey and Grant.
Penn State returns 17 letterwinners and nine starters, including four All-Big Ten performers and 2009 team leaders in goals and assists, from a squad that won 12 games, advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game, and earned a berth in the NCAA Championship last season.
The 2010 season will be a special one for the Penn State men’s soccer program, as it will mark its 100th year of existence with a season-long celebration. The Nittany Lions will also serve as hosts of the Big Ten Tournament (Nov. 11-14) for the third time since joining the conference in 1991 and for the first time since 2002.