After an extensive search, Heidelberg Athletic Director Greg Cooper found the right person to take over as the head men's soccer coach. Or rather, the Wright person.
On Thursday, Greg named Michael Wright as the leader for the university's men's soccer program, effective immediately. Wright becomes the 13th head coach in program history, which dates back to 1966.
Michael comes to Heidelberg after a successful three-year stint as an assistant coach at the University of Mount Union. During his time with the Purple Raiders, Wright helped guide the team into the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament each season. Mount Union won the OAC regular season title this past season.
"We are excited to bring Michael to Tiffin to help our men's soccer program get back to the level of success we have seen in the past with this program," said Greg. "His detailed vision for the program and proven recruiting experience at Mount Union helped him emerge from a very deep applicant pool."
The Purple Raiders averaged more than 13 wins per season during Wright's stint as an assistant coach, including a program-record 16-win season in 2023.
"I want to thank Greg, President Rob Huntington, and the search committee for the confidence they see in me," said Michael, a 2021 graduate of SUNY Fredonia. "Heidelberg Soccer is a program with a rich tradition, and I look forward to the opportunity to get us back on top."
Michael’s coaching career began at his alma mater in 2021 under the tutelage of his college coach, P.J. Gondek. Wright was a four-year member of the men's soccer team at Fredonia, playing three years before COVID-19 thwarted his senior campaign.
"I am a firm believer in the Division III model, and I understand what it takes to find success in the classroom, on the field, and throughout our community," said Michael, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. "Setting appropriate goals, both individually and as a team, and trusting in the process will help us yield positive results."
Heidelberg's 2024 team set a program record with 12 student-athletes earning a spot on the Academic All-OAC honor roll. On the field, the season was highlighted by a thrilling 3-2 victory over Muskingum -- with the game-winning goal coming in the final 20 seconds.