Director of Coaching

Nick DeMarsh Nicholas DeMarsh serves as the Director of Coaching for the Kenmore Soccer Club. Nick is in his eighth year as the head coach of Buffalo State's women's soccer program, after four years as an assistant with the men's program. He started as an assistant with the men's program in 1997 and was part of the Bengals' team that qualified for the post season in 1998. After a two-year hiatus, he returned to the program under Coach Rudy Pompert in 2001. His additional coaching experience includes 15 years of tutoring young boys and girls at Joe Machnik's No. 1 Soccer Camps, and he also coaches on the girl's side of the ball as a member of the New York State West Olympic Development Program.  He has served as a coach of Under 16 and Under 17 girl's teams with several local travel and premier clubs including Buffalo United Soccer Club, and the Empire United Soccer Academy. In 2004, he led his Buffalo-Niagara Soccer Club Under 17 girl's team to an appearance in the US Club Soccer National Championship. In 2006, Coach DeMarsh led his Buffalo United Under 16 Girls Elite team to a New York State West State Cup Championship, and qualified for the USYSA Regional Championships. Most recently, Coach DeMarsh lead his Under 16 Girls Elite team to the 2008 US Club Soccer National Championship title.  During his playing days, DeMarsh competed on the men's team at Buffalo State for four seasons in the early 1990's, earning All-SUNYAC honors for three consecutive years, and was team MVP as a junior. Following his successful collegiate career, he spent one season with the Capital District Alleycats of the United Soccer League.  DeMarsh, earned a bachelor's degree from Buffalo State in 1996, and also has his NYS Provisional Certification in Art Education. He also holds a USSF National A Coaching License. Coach DeMarsh is the ninth coach in the women's soccer program's 25-year history, led the team into a second SUNYAC post-season appearance in 2009, including the program's first-ever home playoff game.  In addition to his coaching responsibilities with the women's soccer program, Coach DeMarsh also serves as the coordinator of the college's fitness center.

Coaching Staff

Brian Benson A former player at Kenmore West High School and Buffalo State College, Brian currently resides in Kenmore and plays for the Celtic team in the Buffalo District Soccer League.   Tim Courtney Tim is a life long soccer player and student of the game.  In college, Tim played for 3 years with Division 1 Canisius College. After completing his scholastic career, Tim has continued to play, while also becoming involved in community activities. He has 14 years experience coaching soccer, beginning his coaching career with the Town of Tonawanda Recreational program, before moving into Travel soccer for the past 7 seasons. Tim has 4 years experience working under Jerry Miller, one of the finest coaches in the community and the former Director of Coaching for the KenTon Soccer Association, before both of them departed that organization for other opportunities.

Pat Finucane Pat has been married for over 23 years to his wife Sharon, and has two daughters - Kelley and Shannon. Pat has been a resident of Kenmore for 18 years. He is presently the CFO for M.J. Peterson Corporation, and is a 1986 graduate of University of Northern Colorado (MBA), 1983 graduate of Canisius College (BS - Accounting & Finance), and 1979 graduate of Bishop Timon High School.  Pat served in the US Air Force from 1984 to 1991 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Pat played nearly 24 years of soccer at all levels - including South Buffalo Soccer Club (1976 - original member), Cheektowaga White Eagles, West Seneca Soccer, Lowery Lobos (Colorado), Colorado Comets, and St. Louis Anheiser Busch (AB) Selects.  He earned All Catholic honors in Soccer, Track, and X-country for Timon High School between 1975-79, and was an original member of Bishop Timon's first Varsity Soccer Team and the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association Soccer Champions in 1978/79.  Pat played his college soccer at Canisius College as a Midfielder and Striker.  During Military Service, he played one year for the USAF TAC Command Team competing against Foreign Military Service, College, and other US Military Service teams.  Pat's coaching experience began in 1988 as an assistant coach for the St. Paul 's (O'Fallon, Missouri) Soccer Club (Under 10) and later the St. Louis Soccer Club (Under 10 and Under 12).  After his return to Buffalo, he continued his youth coaching at Grand Island Soccer Club and St. Paul 's in Kenmore . Pat served as the coach of Bishop Timon JV and Varsity Soccer between 1995 and 1999) - with two Monsignor Martin Athletic Association Soccer Final appearances.  Pat spent four years coaching with KenTon Soccer Club (Under 11 to Under 14 Girls) before departing in 2006 to coach for the Kenmore Soccer Club.  Pat currently holds an E License, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Kenmore Soccer Club. He is also a member of St. Paul's Kenmore School Board and Parish Finance Committee (since 2002), is a past member of the Buffalo Rotary, IMA, and is involved in numerous corporate advisory boards.

Jack Flatau Jack serves as the senior advisor for the Kenmore Soccer Club. Jack joined Kenmore Soccer Club following an 11 year tenure as the head women's coach at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.  Jack coached 29 all-conference players throughout those years, with 6 first team selections.  Jack went to Southwestern from Austin Westlake High School, where he served as the head men's and women's soccer coach for 12 years. During his tenure, the Chapparals went a combined 240-108-17 (.657). From 1995-1997, Jack served as the Director of Coaching for the USA Soccer Club in Austin. He began his coaching career at Kingwood High School, before moving to Conroe High School. He also coached the USISL semi-professional team in San Antonio in 1992. In addition to his coaching background, Jack holds a USSF A license, a NSCAA Advanced Diploma, and served as an ODP State Staff coach. Jack attended Cortland State, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. He earned his Masters Degree from Southwest Texas State University in physical education and educational administration.   Tim Hirschbeck Tim has over 30 years of experience teaching young athletes to play sports in Western New York. He has worked with at least 60,000 young athletes, 3,000 parent volunteers, and 250 paid staff during that span. Tim and his wife, Tricia, are the founders and owners of KidsPlay, a company of over 30 coaches dedicated to running instructional youth sports leagues that are fun, fair, and challenging for all players. A long-time resident of the Kenmore area, Tim has the positive attitude that we seek for our entire staff and is a role model in that regard for all of us. Tim was the 2008 recipient of the Roger Jank Award, presented to the individual who most exemplifies the spirit of dedication to youth soccer in the Buffalo area.   Zac Hirschbeck A long-time player in our community, both in travel soccer and at Kenmore West Senior High School, Zac attends Canisius College and is also an instructor with KidsPlay, the area's finest youth sports training program.   Prisco Houndanon A 2008 graduate of Buffalo State College, Prisco is a native of Togo in West Africa, and is fluent in three languages. While currently enrolled in medical school at the University of Buffalo, Prisco has an extensive playing and coaching resume. Prisco played at Buffalo State, where he served as team captain for two seasons. He continued his involvement by becoming an assistant coach upon graduation. Prisco has also been active in the youth soccer field. During 2006 and 2006, he played for the Queen City FC and also managed their youth soccer camps. He has coached local travel soccer teams from ages 12 through 19, including stints with Queen City FC and Amherst. Prisco also served as an instructor for the Delaware Soccer Club Academy. He currently serves as the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach at the Park School.   Alyssa Hulbert A current member of the Hilbert College women's team, and former player at Kenmore East High School, Alyssa joined Kenmore Soccer as a coach for the Under 10 Kenmore Talons Girls.   Mike Idland Mike Idland is one of the premier trainers in upstate New York. A native of Westfield, New Jersey, Mike played his college soccer at SUNY Cortland from 1999-2001. He began his coaching career in 2000 while still at Cortland during summer breaks as a Goalkeeper Coach at Joe Machnik's No.1 Soccer Camps, the nation's leading residential soccer camp. Mike has remained with the camp. Mike coached numerous premier club teams with Empire United Soccer Academy, ranging from U-11 Girls to U-17 Boys, from 2003-2008. 2003 also marked the beginning of Mike's college coaching career as he served as an assistant coach at Buffalo State College from 2003-2007. Mike is also a goalkeeper coach at the NY West Olympic Development Program (ODP), a position he has held since 2004. In 2007 he was named NY West ODP Coach of the Year. Mike served as a goalkeeper coach in the Boys Region I ODP program in 2006 and is currently a member of the goalkeeping staff for Region I Girls ODP, where he has coached since 2008. Mike worked at the Division I level as the women's assistant coach at Canisius College from 2007-2008 before taking the head coach position at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in 2008. Mike holds a USSF "B" Coaching License, and lives in East Aurora with his wife Nancy. Mike was recently honored as the New York State West Olympic Development Coach of the Year.   Meg Jarrell A former standout goalkeeper for Hamburg High School, Bridgewater College, and Buffalo State, Meg currently serves as the Goalkeeping Coach for the Buffalo State College women's soccer team. She is completing graduate studies at Canisius College and coaching the Under 16 Kenmore Storm.

Ben Kabat

Ben is a life-long soccer player.  He has played since age 5, and has played every year since.  He is a graduate of Oneonta High School and Nazareth College of Rochester.  He played all four years at Nazareth and started the majority of his games.  The men's soccer team made the NCAA tournament his junior year, and advanced to the elite eight in the NCAA tournament his senior year.  He enjoys running and playing soccer in his free time and is looking forward to coaching youth soccer in the community.      Leanna Kabat  Leanna has played soccer since middle school.  She played on the Varsity soccer team at Kenmore East High School, starting in the 10th grade.  She played two years at Nazareth College on their Women's club team and enjoys watching and playing soccer frequently.  She is an avid runner.     Glenn Koeppel A long-time coach in the Kenmore/Tonawanda community, Glen coaches the Kenmore WB team in the Upstate Women's League.     Scott Martin The current Varsity Boy's coach at Sweet Home High School, Scott is a long-time player and coach in the community.

Angela Nicholas A current member of the University of Buffalo women's team, and former player at Tonawanda East High School, Angela joined Kenmore Soccer as a coach for the Under 10 Kenmore Talons Girls.

James Ruggiero James Ruggiero recently retired following his 13th season as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Hilbert College in Hamburg , New York . During his tenure at Hilbert the team advanced to the championship match 4 times, winning twice. His career wins are the most ever for a Hilbert Soccer coach. Ruggiero's coaching philosophy centers around teaching life's lesson through athletics while always keeping ethics and sportsmanship in the forefront. To that end, his Hilbert teams have received the National Soccer Coaching Association of America's Sportsmanship and Ethics award for seven consecutive seasons. They have earned the SILVER award in 2003, 2006, & 2008 and the GOLD award in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2007 for not receiving a "yellow" caution card during the entire season. Ruggiero serves on the NSCAA's national Ethics committee. He also serves on the New 5ork State Division III Women's ranking committee. 2012 marks Ruggiero's 34th season in coaching. In addition to his soccer experience he has been involved in baseball, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse. He was previously the director of coaching for the Aurora Arsenal Soccer Club. His soccer coaching experience reaches both genders and all levels including house, travel, club, premier, and college. At Hilbert, Ruggiero has twice been named "Coach of the Year". Ruggiero was an all-league player in both baseball and soccer at Kenmore East High School continuing his soccer career at Kent State University in Ohio . In 2006 Ruggiero was inducted into the Kenmore East Athletic Hall of Fame. His is also a Lifetime Varsity "K" recipient from Kent State University . A self employed architect since 1986 Ruggiero also is a full-time instructor in the Architectural Technology Department at Erie Community College . He has degrees from both Kent State University and the State University of New York at Buffalo. Jamie was the 2009 recipient of the Roger Jank Award, presented to the individual who most exemplifies the spirit of dedication to youth soccer in the Buffalo area.

Nico Ruggiero Nico Ruggiero is a junior at Cortland State University and brings several years of playing and coaching to the Kenmore Soccer Club this season. He is a long time Premier player with Buffalo Premier, Buffalo Niagara, and Buffalo United Clubs, winning a state championship in 2007 with Buffalo United. He captained his Iroquois Central School soccer team to a Section VI title, a Far West Sectional Championship, and a trip to the state final four in the fall of 2007. He was selected to several all-league teams during his high school career. Nico has worked several camps during his brief time as a coach. He's performed many clinics for youth players at Hilbert College and has been a camp instructor for former professional player Andrew Crawford's "Next Level" for the past 3 years. He has also served as a trainer for several other local camps. Nico will be working with the Under 12 Kenmore Flames team this year sharing his philosophies of sportsmanship and hard work to the team.

Bryon Thoin A former standout player with St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and Fedonia State College, Bryon served several seasons as the Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at Fredonia State before marrying and settling in Kenmore. He is currently coaching the Under 16 Boys Panthers.

Mike Thoin The current head varsity coach at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Mike serves as the head coach for the Kenmore Express Women's team. Mike has extensive playing and coaching experience in the community, including stints with the KenTon Soccer Association, Buffalo/Niagara Soccer Club, Buffalo Premier Soccer Club, and Buffalo United Soccer Club. Mike was named the 2011 High School Coach of the Year for the Buffalo area.

Ray Thompson A long-time volunteer for youth soccer in the Buffalo area, Ray serves as the head coach for the Kenmore Ambush Women's team. Ray is a former member of the BWNYJSL Board of Directors, and the Board of the Clarence Soccer Club. He has coached in the Kenmore/Tonawanda community for 17 years.

Karen Voght Karen joined Kenmore Soccer for 2008-2009, and is an assistant coach for the Under 11 Kenmore Ambush Girls. A former all-Western New York defender, 3-time all Niagara Frontier League player, and team captain while at Kenmore East High School, Karen helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to back-to-back Section 6 championships in her junior and senior seasons, the only sectional championships ever won by the program. Karen was a starting defender for 4 years at Buffalo State College, where she also served as team captain in her senior season, and the 4-time "defender -of-the-year". An instructor at numerous summer soccer camps, Karen served as an Assistant Women's coach at Buffalo State College in 2003 and 2004. She also helps operate the Upstate Women's League, and has assisted in growing that league from 6 teams to the current level of 26.

Ken Voght Ken serves as the head coach for the Under 11 Kenmore Ambush Girls, and the Under 19 Kenmore Talons Girls, and is also assisting with the Under 12 Girls. A graduate of Kenmore East High School and Buffalo State College, Ken has been involved with youth soccer in our community for 28 years. A founding member of the KenTon Soccer Association, Ken held virtually every position within that organization until his departure in 2006. Ken has received numerous accolades for his work in youth soccer in western New York, including the Jack Hicks Award and the Tony Simpkin Award. In addition to his 28 years as a youth soccer coach, Ken coached the Kenmore East varsity girls for 5 years between 1998 and 2003, including the only years in school history where they captured the Section 6 championship. Since 2003, Ken has served as Assistant Women's coach at Buffalo State College. Ken founded and administered the Upstate New York Premier Soccer League, the Upstate New York Travel Soccer League, and the Upstate Women's League. He was also a founding director of the Buffalo United Soccer Club, a position he relinquished in 2005 to return to coaching soccer for the youth in our community. Ken holds a D License from the United States Soccer Federation, and is a long-time member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Bob Vorburger Bob has an extensive coaching resume, in addition to his experience as a scholastic player and a participant in the Senior Men's travel league. Bob still plays when the opportunity is presented, including 2 years of play in the Clarence Masters Tournament. Bob has worked with KidsPlay in our community for 16 years, and also coached travel soccer with the KenTon Soccer Association for 16 years before departing to join Kenmore Soccer Club. Bob also coached Mt. ST Mary's varsity team for 2 years, Cardinal O'Hara's Boys varsity for 1 years, and served as the boys junior varsity coach at Amherst High School for 1 year. He has worked numerous camps, including the Buffalo Blizzard, KenTon Soccer Association, and the 2007 Kenmore Soccer Summer Camp. Bob holds the D License from the United States Soccer Federation, the NSCAA Regional Diploma, the NSCAA Intermediate Diploma, and is a certified ACEP instructor and soccer referee.

Chris Warren   Mindy Wendt Mindy is an Assistant Coach with the Buffalo State College women's soccer team. She joined the Bengals' coaching staff in 2011 after completing her four-year playing career a season earlier. A native of Sanborn, New York, she was a defensive midfielder. She completed her degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree.

Tom Winski A 4 year member of the Buffalo State College men's soccer team, Tom played in 62 matches during his collegiate career. He is a native of Toronto, Ontario where he played youth soccer, and scholastic soccer at Dante Alighieri Academy. Tom is a Criminal Justice major, with a May 2012 target graduation date. .