Houghton hires alum Scott Reitnour as their Head Coach
QuoteFormer Houghton soccer standout Scott Reitnour has been named head coach of the Houghton University men's soccer program, Houghton Director of Athletics Matthew Webb announced today.
Reitnour, who has coached for the past 22 seasons at one of North Carolina's most successful private high schools, becomes the sixth head coach in the program's 58-year history and takes the reins from Bobby McColl who stepped away in November after leading the team for six seasons.
"I am thrilled to welcome Scott back home to Houghton men's soccer. His passion and acumen for coaching winning soccer is clear in his numerous accolades and championships over the years, but what is more impressive is his passion for developing young men for others," said Webb. "Scott has had numerous opportunities over the years to coach collegiately, but the timing now is right, and the mission of Houghton athletics and Scott's mission to pour into young men within the context of sport is a perfect match.
"In addition to leading the men's soccer program, Scott will also be leading us departmentally in our long-standing commitment to sports ministry – utilizing sport as an opportunity to share Christ with others. I can't wait to see how God uses Scott in the lives of both current and future Houghton Highlanders."
A native of Fillmore and a 1996 Houghton graduate, Reitnour brings close to 30 years of coaching experience at the high school, club, collegiate, and professional levels. He returns to New York after leading the varsity boys' program at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, N.C., since 2003.
Wesleyan has traditionally been one of the top programs in North Carolina and the nation. Reitnour guided the program to 17-straight state semifinal appearances, 12 state championship games, and eight NCISAA state titles. In addition to state success, seven of Reitnour's teams have been ranked in the United Soccer Coaches Association Top-10 National Rankings, including twice earning the No. 1 national ranking and finishing at No. 2 and No. 3 in the final polls of those seasons.
During his time at Wesleyan, Reitnour amassed a 411-82-36 record, was named NCSCA State Coach of the Year on nine occasions and was a four-time finalist for the USC National Coach of the Year award. More than 100 of Reitnour's players have gone on to compete at the collegiate level with a number continuing their careers professionally.
"I would like to personally thank Dr. Wayne Lewis, Dr. Matthew Webb and the administrators, coaches and players at Houghton who have been gracious and endearing during the hiring process," said Reitnour. "I am eager to rekindle old friendships, reconnect with Houghton alumni, and help Houghton University prosper and grow. My heart is full of passion to assist current and future Highlanders on their journey towards loving God and serving other people. I am eager to work with the current Houghton Highlanders in the men's soccer program. Entertaining, competitive, edifying soccer and sports ministry looms on the horizon."
Reitnour has served as chair on various committees for selecting all-conference and all-state teams and selecting and seeding state tournaments. He has run instructional soccer leagues and has served as a club coach for NC Fusion, Piedmont Soccer Alliance and Piedmont Triad Football Club. He also served three years as coach of the West Virginia Kings Warriors professional (PDL) team. His professional coaching experience also includes work with the Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club (1994-2001).
Reitnour has a passion for sports ministry, leading numerous domestic and international trips and founding Imago Dei Soccer Academy. After running the academy for seven years he donated the program to Missionary Athletes International in order to create full time vocational and ministry opportunities for missionaries. He has also participated in international tours as a player with the Charlotte Eagles.
"I look forward to walking in my sports ministry calling at Houghton, where the University provides a Christ-centered education that prepares students to be scholar-servants in a changing world," added Reitnour. "My prayer is that Houghton Highlander soccer would fulfill its role in the University's mission by bringing encouragement, hope, love and support to the surrounding communities."
Before beginning at Wesleyan, Reitnour served as athletic director and boys and girls soccer coach at First Assembly Christian School in Concord, N.C., where he led his teams to another 94 wins over four seasons.
Before moving south, Reitnour was an assistant at Alfred University (1997-99) and assisted at Houghton during the 1996 season.
His playing career at Houghton included guiding the team to a 69-17-3 record, four KECC Conference titles, two NAIA National Tournament appearances, and four NAIA top-20 finishes. The 1994 team finished 20-3 and was ranked No. 5 in the final NAIA poll.
His work at Wesleyan also included coaching tennis and serving as a philosophy, government and economics teacher.
Reitnour excelled in soccer and tennis at Fillmore and is a 2014 inductee into the Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame.
Reitnour holds a bachelor's degree from Houghton in psychology and a master's degree in social studies education from Alfred University.