Former Allegheny Coach to be Inducted into PA Soccer Hall of Fame

Feb 2, 2005

MEADVILLE, Pa. – On Saturday, Feb. 5, former Allegheny College women’s soccer head coach John Wilcher will be inducted into the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame during their Honors Banquet in Grantville, Pa.

Wilcher was the first coach of the women’s soccer program at Allegheny when it began in 1985. He coached until 1997 and guided the Gators to a record of 157-81-16 (61.8 winning percentage) during his 13-year tenure. Wilcher’s teams won five NCAC championships during that stretch and finished second twice, compiling a 77-23-8 mark in league play (71.3 winning percentage).

In all, his teams finished the season ranked in the top 20 in the nation four times and ranked regionally following eight seasons.

As much success as his teams enjoyed, Wilcher’s players also pulled in numerous accolades through the years. The NCAC recognized 78 of his players with All-Conference honors, while 30 players received All-Region awards and 12 players were named All-Americans. Wilcher also had two players earn Academic All-American status during his career.

Wilcher was also the first women’s lacrosse coach at Allegheny, guiding that program from its inception in 1994 until 1998. During his time as coach, the Gators won 18 games and six players earned All-Conference honors.

Success didn’t just happen to Wilcher upon his arrival at Allegheny. The Slippery Rock University graduate was the boys’ soccer coach at Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, where his record was 218-51-20 and his teams won seven WPIAL titles, four District 7 championships and one state crown.

Wilcher retired from the college in 1998 and currently resides in Conneaut Lake.

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