Rennie and Jacobus to be inducted into NSCAA Hall of Fame

John Rennie, the noted men’s coach at Duke University, and M. “Chick” Jacobus, the highly successful boys coach at Kingswood School of West Hartford, Conn., will comprise the 2012 induction class to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s Hall of Fame.

The two will be inducted into the NSCAA’s Hall of Fame as part of the Association’s annual Awards Banquet, to be held Friday, January 13, at 7 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Kansas City Convention Center. The event is being held in conjunction with the annual NSCAA Convention, which will run from January 11-15 in Kansas City, Mo.


About John Rennie

Rennie built Duke into a soccer powerhouse, winning the first NCAA national championship by any Blue Devil athletics squad in 1986. During his 36 seasons he compiled a career mark of 454-207-49, including a 410-161-35 record in his 29 seasons at Duke, the nation’s most successful program during that time frame.

He led his team to the NCAA Tournament 20 times during his tenure, including five trips to the College Cup (1982, 1986, 1992, 1995 and 2004). His program cut a broad path in the Atlantic Coast Conference, winning the league title five times as he amassed the most wins by a coach at an ACC schools (410) and the league victories (95). The success was built upon defense, with his teams posting 242 shutouts under his tutelage, including 48 in his final seven seasons. Six of his players earned national player of the year honors, while 29 Blue Devils earned All-America honors and four were named Academic All-America.

Since his retirement as Duke’s coach after the 2007 season, Rennie has been active with U.S. Club Soccer and in 2009 was named the organization’s director of youth development. The first chairman of the NCAA Division I Soccer Coaches Committee, Rennie has served as a member of the USSF National Coaching Staff and is a co-founder of the Triangle Futbol Club. In 2007 he received the NSCAA’s Bill Jeffrey Award, presented to recognize long-term service to intercollegiate soccer.


About Chick Jacobus

Jacobus, retired boys soccer coach at Kingswood School of West Hartford, Conn., and co-founder of the Western New England Prep School Soccer Association (WNEPSSA), has been elected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Hall of Fame. A 1924 graduate of Kingswood, he matriculated at Princeton University, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. He returned to Kingswood in 1932 and remained there as a faculty member for his entire professional life, save for a stint in service during World War II.

In 24 seasons Jacobus fashioned a record of 115-77-25, a .588 winning percentage. His Kingswood teams were known for their competitiveness and their sportsmanship, and his emphasis on integrity and responsibility served his charges well. He maintained ties with his players throughout his career and into retirement, serving as an advisor and role model to many.

His service to soccer included a term as president of WNEPSSA. He was president of the NSCAA in 1964, becoming only the second non-collegiate coach to serve in the capacity. He received the NSCAA’s Honor Award in 1976. Jacobus passed away in 1982, leaving no surviving family. The Kingswood Oxford School will receive the award in his name.