OCU soccer has approached one year since their original coach’s retirement.
Brian Harvey served as Oklahoma City University’s head soccer coach for 34 years, beginning with the men’s team’s conception in 1986 and followed by the women’s team’s conception in 1994. Harvey celebrated over 800 wins in his coaching career, is in the NAIA Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Soccer Association Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma City University Athletics Hall of Fame and was named conference coach of the year 16 times. His achievements were honored by the university on Aug. 24, 2019, when the campus soccer field was renamed after him.
Following his retirement in 2019, Billy Martin was named head coach. Martin is an OCU alumnus and former men’s soccer player, and he was assistant soccer coach to Harvey for 17 years, from 1996 to 2014. He then accepted a position as head soccer coach at Rose State University, where he led the men’s team.
Martin said he learned a lot while being coached by Harvey during his years playing soccer for OCU.
“It’s an honor to take after such a legend that was also my mentor,” Martin said. “I learned most of my coaching from him. Every coach has their own spin, and no two are ever alike – but playing for Harvey and then being his assistant – not a lot has changed in the program. Our goals are the same: to bring in good players who will become good alumni, and also win some SAC championships.”
Martin said the team spirit has been great despite difficulties due to COVID-19 concerns.
“We started off the spring a little slow, but they’ve been getting better and better every week,’’ Martin said. “We still got to practice in the fall, but we didn’t get to play, which hurt us a little in the spring.”
Martin said despite the obstacles, both teams are playing really well.
“On the ladies’ side we’re 7-2,” Martin said. “All the girls have come in and contributed and done their part.”
Martin said the men’s team has faced more challenges.
‘’We had a few players that couldn’t return, and we’ve suffered some important injuries, but overall, their record is very good, 5-2-2-0, and they’re third in the conference right now,” Martin said.
Martin said he learned how to help players on and off the field from Harvey.
‘’He taught me how to deal with student athletes,’’ Martin said. ‘’You’re not just a soccer coach; it’s helping them with their schooling and helping them to be successful after graduation.’’
Danilo Vilani, finance and economics junior and men’s goalkeeper, said the team hasn’t changed much in the past year.
“Billy made it really easy. He’s a really good guy and is trying to continue Harvey’s legacy, so it was easy to adapt,” Vilani said. “Minor things have changed, but we still have the same goal: to win.”
Vilani said there are numerous similarities between the two coaches.
“They both have passion for the sport and are both motivated by wins, which is the most important thing,” Vilani said.
Vilani said he sometimes jokes about the minor differences between the two coaches.
“We got new balls for practice,” Vilani said.
Vilani said the team is determined to end the season as national champions.
“It’s been a great start to the season,” Vilani said. “We have a small squad, so injuries have been a concern, but we’re still committed to the goal of going to nationals and winning it.’’
Martin said no matter how the season ends, he will be proud of the team.
“It’s been something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Martin said. “It’s been a weird start due to the pandemic, but I’m very proud of how the men and women have stayed focused and made a lot of sacrifices with the pandemic to make sure the team is safe and we’re able to play.”
Both teams will compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference soccer tournament at Brian Harvey Field, with the women’s team competing April 1-8, and the men’s team competing April 2-9.
For more sports updates, students can visit the OCUSports website, or the MediaOCU sports page.
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