Former Newman University Women’s Soccer Head Coach Alan Shepherd was honored posthumously during halftime of the Jets home contest Sept. 9. against East Central University.
Shepherd died after suffering a heart attack Aug. 21. He was considered one of the major ambassadors for the sport of soccer in the region. Shepherd led the Jets during the 2001-2004 seasons.
During a special halftime ceremony Shepherd’s contributions to Newman soccer and the Wichita community was recognized. Shepherd’s wife Beth and youngest daughters Ashley and Emily were on hand and received a framed picture, a signed soccer ball and flowers from the current Jet players.
Newman Men’s Head Soccer Coach Cliff Brown shared his thoughts and memories about Shepherd during the tribute.
“When we were looking for a women’s coach, I immediately went to him in 2001…and asked him to take over the program,” Brown said. “He immediately turned it around and won a championship.”
In addition to the halftime remembrance, Newman Campus Ministries sponsored a tailgate party prior to kick-off with all proceeds going to an education fund for the Shepherd family.
On the field of play the Jets were winners. Junior Morgan Foster scored the game’s lone goal early in the second half lifting Newman to a 1-0 victory against the visiting Tigers of East Central. With the win, the Jet moved to 1-1-1 on the season.
Newman will now head out on the road for its next four games. The Jets play Missouri Southern on Sept. 12 in Joplin, Mo. For more on the game and Newman women’s soccer check out the Jets website.
To watch the Alan Shepherd ceremony and comments by Coach Cliff Brown click on the video below.
