Saturday marked the beginning of a new era for UW-Parkside Men's Soccer, but the focus was on the man who built the program to what it is today. Recently retired Head Coach Rick Kilps was honored for his storied career after the men's exhibition match against Marquette. Nearly 800 fans were on hand for the game but many were there to pay their tribute to the Hall of Fame Coach.

“During his tenure at UW-Parkside as a recruiter and evaluator, he landed some of the most talented players in the country,” said former UW-Parkside Sports Information Director, Steve Kratochvil who emceed the presentation. “As a competitor his teams always battled tough and hard; but fair and with skill. As a mentor, he taught his players about discipline, fair play, tradition, and excellence.”

His mentoring was on display as new Head Coach Jason Zitzke was joined on the sidelines assisted by Jamie Lieberman, Alen Osmanovic, and Dan Tredo … all of which were taught by Kilps. Marquette Associate Head Coach, Stan Anderson, is also a Kilps' protégé, presented his former coach with a recognition plaque on behalf of the alumni and the university.


Coach Kilps with Director of Athletics, Tamie Falk-Day


The sign which were permanently be displayed at Wood Road Field


Marquette Associate Head Coach, and UW-Parkside alum, Stan Anderson presents Coach Kilps with his plaque