July 6, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's soccer head coach Bob Warming has announced the addition of Jason Mims, an assistant under him for the last nine years at Creighton, to his coaching staff. Also, Warming will retain Isang Jacob, a Penn State assistant for the past year, for the 2010 season.
A player for Warming at Saint Louis from 1997-99 and a Billiken assistant under him in 2000, Jason Mims has been recognized as one of the best identifiers and developers of collegiate soccer talent in the nation. Honored by College Soccer News as a top assistant on three occasions, he has been a finalist for the AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year, was a member of the 2008 MVC Coaching Staff of the Year, and was named the 2008 NSCAA Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year.
In eight of Mims' nine seasons on the Creighton staff, the Bluejays had at least one National Player of the Year candidate. Creighton has also boasted an offense ranked among the most prolific in the Missouri Valley Conference on an annual basis. During his tenure, the Bluejays won six MVC regular season or tournament titles, earned nine consecutive NCAA Championships bids, and advanced to one College Cup.
As head coach of his club squad, Mims captured five Nebraska state titles. In 2007, the club captured the Region II championship and advanced to nationals, becoming the first ever Nebraska youth soccer team to win a game. Mims was also involved with the Nebraska Olympic Development Program.
During his playing career at Saint Louis, Mims was a two-time All-Conference USA and NSCAA All-Midwest Region selection and part of a 1997 Billiken team that advanced to the College Cup. Mims has remained active in competitive soccer, teaming with former fellow Creighton assistant Johnny Torres to claim the 2008 United States Adult Soccer Association Over 30 Championship and helping to organize a team to qualify and participate in the U.S. Open Cup.
A native of Memphis, Tenn., Mims earned a communication degree from Saint Louis in 1999.
"Jason has been with me since 1997, when, as a player, he transferred to Saint Louis University and helped us immediately go to the final four," said Warming. "As a player, Jason has won youth and senior national championships and now has established himself as one of the top coaches in the country. His record as a head coach of youth teams is remarkable and his eye for recruiting talented players who have their best soccer ahead of them has been outstanding. As a trainer of players, he can help good players become great."
Isang Jacob |
Isang Jacob came to Penn State in April 2009 after 16 years of distinguished service at the state, regional, national, and international club levels and seven years as an assistant in the collegiate ranks. In his first season in Happy Valley, Jacob, the 2008 Boys Youth Soccer adidas Competitive Coach of the Year, helped the Nittany Lions raise their win total from five to 12, advance to the Big Ten Tournament title game, and earn a berth in the NCAA Championship. Also, five Penn State players were named All-Big Ten in 2009, including three first teamers, the most for the program since 2006.
Jacob, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, served as interim head coach following Barry Gorman's resignation on April 12, leading Penn State to spring season shutout wins over Bucknell (6-0), Pittsburgh (3-0), and West Virginia (1-0).
"Isang has proven himself as an exceptional club coach and has the personality, character, and knowledge to help us develop players and win at Penn State," said Warming. "I have been very impressed with his passion to help us make Penn State soccer a consistent top program in the country. I am looking forward to working with him."
Penn State returns 17 letterwinners and nine starters, including four All-Big Ten performers and 2009 team leaders in goals and assists, for the 2010 season. The Nittany Lions will make their first appearance under Warming on Sat., Aug. 21 when they host Hartwick in a 7:30 p.m. exhibition match. Penn State will open the 2010 regular season on Fri. Sept. 3 with a 5 p.m. contest against Buffalo at Ohio State's Wolstein Classic in Columbus.