Buzz Lagos to Receive Distinguished Service Award from MSHSSCA

Friday was a day for big announcements at the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association meeting on August 14, 2009. President Elect Bill Vance announced that Buzz Lagos, who is already inducted in the MSHSSCA Hall of Fame, will receive a Distinguished Service Award at the state banquet to be held the weekend before the state tournament.

Lagos was on hand to hear the announcement. Vance recalled Lagos’ history, “Few names are synonymous with Minnesota Soccer like Buzz Lagos.  When one is searching for the pioneers who literally put Minnesota high school soccer in the national spotlight, they needn’t look any further than Buzz.”

Vance read testimonies from others who couldn’t be at the event.

Long time Stillwater soccer coach Phil Johnson (left) and Buzz Lagos (right)

“I have always found Buzz to be most professional in every way whether he is working with his players, parents, fellow coaches, members of the MSHSL, our state and national organizations,” said Charlie Steel, retired Blake boys coach of 41 seasons. “His teams were always well prepared and as a fellow coach, I knew my team had to bring their A-Game to the field when we played SPA. This is another example of how Buzz would bring the best out in other coaches, teams and players. When you watch him coach, present or interact with others, Buzz’s genuine love for soccer clearly comes through…it is most obvious that he has a true passion for the sport. I see him more as a “soccer teacher” than a soccer coach as he teaches more life lessons than just the X’s and O’s of the game.”

“No one has done more for the development of Minnesota soccer than Mr. Lagos,” stated Danny Storlien in a letter read by Vance. Storlien is a State Champion coach from Bloomington Jefferson and former Minnesota Lightning head coach. “He is recognized around the country as the face of Minnesota Soccer.  He is the ultimate teacher excelling at every level he has ever coached from youth club teams winning National Championships to high school teams winning State Championships to professional teams winning A league Championships.  He truly is the best we have in Minnesota.”

Amos Magee, SPA grad and Minnesota Thunder all-time leading scorer wrote: “Buzz has epitomized Minnesota soccer for over 25 years.  He has done this with incredible successes on the field and even more success developing players.  However, his greatest contribution to Minnesota soccer has been the grace and humility he demonstrates to everyone on a local and a national level.  He has inspired a generation of soccer players to give back to the sport and give back to Minnesota and it is truly my honor to have played for him, coached with him and succeeded him as the coach of the Thunder.  It is even a greater honor to consider him my friend and colleague.”

Congratulations to Buzz Lagos and his MSHSSCA Distinguished Service Award.

For more of Vance’s comments concerning Lagos and his history of soccer in Minnesota, please read on after the jump.

In his early 20’s, while pursuing a Ph.D. at the University Of Minnesota, a passion for the beautiful game solidified.  Later in his life this passion lead him toward coaching high school and club soccer, and then professional soccer.  Now, after a storied coaching career that resulted in numerous state championships, a McGuire Cup, and a USL Title in addition to dozens of professional soccer players, the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association honors Coach Buzz Lagos with our most prestigious award: the Distinguished Service Award.

Few names are synonymous with Minnesota Soccer like Buzz Lagos.  When one is searching for the pioneers who literally put Minnesota high school soccer in the national spotlight, they needn’t look any further than Buzz.

As a math teacher and the coach for St. Paul Academy boys team (before there were two classes in soccer) Buzz developed individuals and created teams that dominated the Minnesota high school soccer scene.  His high school record was an amazing 256-55-35.  His teams won four state championships as a result of his tactical acumen as well as his passion for teaching and coaching.  More high school players from his program went on to play professional soccer than any other school in Minnesota.

In addition to his high school coaching accomplishments, Buzz was busy developing the coaching schools and aligning them with the curriculum from the United States Soccer Federation.  As a result of his tireless work, numerous coaches from throughout the state were prepared to take the USSF C, B, and A coaching licenses.  Buzz became the first coach in Minnesota to earn the A license.  In addition to giving hundreds of coaching clinics throughout the Midwest, Buzz aided the Minnesota High School Coaches Association in the area of coaches’ education.  He once told a group of our members, “You can help your soccer athletes by improving your training and getting involved with all levels of your club programs.”

While plying his trade as a high school coach, coaching instructor, and teacher, Buzz also helped build the Minnesota Thunder into the USL stalwart they are today.  His Thunder career began in 1990 and he was the only head coach of the Thunder until 2005.  He compiled a record of  320-145-42 in 16 seasons where he lead his team to four finals, winning the championship before a then-record crowd at NSC in 1999.  His Thunder struck fear into the eyes of MLS teams especially in his final season when they defeated Real Salt Lake, Colorado, and Kansas City before falling to the LA Galaxy.  Perhaps his greatest legacy to our soccer community are the Thunder soccer camps Buzz led throughout the state over the past 19 years.  He continues to lead his own camps and clinics for many inner-city and immigrant youth in the twin cities.

On behalf of all high school coaches in Minnesota we thank you and honor you Buzz for your selfless giving, your commitment to young people, your outstanding talent, and your passion for the game of soccer.  Congratulations Buzz!