Legendary Salpointe Catholic soccer coach Wolfgang Weber reaches 700 wins

Richard Obert
Arizona Republic
02/12/03; Salpointe's coach Wolfgang Weber during 5A Boys soccer state semifinals played at Dobson High School in Mesa Wednesday night.

Leading Tucson Salpointe Catholic's boys soccer team since 1982, Wolfgang Weber on Tuesday reached a milestone no other Arizona high school soccer coach has been to.

He won his 700th game in the Lancers' season-opening 2-1 win over Tucson Sahuaro in the Brandon Bean Tournament.

"I'm trying not to make too big of a deal about this as it diverts attention from the players and the teams, which are the ones to make this possible," Weber said.

He calls 700 wins mostly a "function of longevity."

"I'm entering my 40th year at Salpointe, so 700 wins in 39 years averages out to nearly 18 wins per season, which many teams do," he said. "The average of 3.15 losses per season is a little more unusual."

Weber, who is from Germany, credits the players, calling it an honor and privilege to help them reach their goals in soccer and in their personal lives.

There appears to be no slowing him down. He has the same zest for coaching 40 years ago as he does now.

"When I was asked in 1982 to start the soccer program at Salpointe, I had no idea that I would still be there 40 years later," he said. "Nor did I think that was even possible.

"When asked, 'Why are you still doing this after all these years?' I can honestly say that the success of our players in life is truly the most important motivation."

After Wednesday's 8-0 win over Tucson Sabino, Weber has coached in 849 games at Salpointe.

"Looking back and thinking about all the great players, incredible staff members, wonderful support from the school, wins, losses and ties – was it all worth it?" Weber asked. "Hell, yeah."

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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