University decides not to hire interim coach Apple
By NOAH AMSTADTER
Assistant Sports Editor
An athletic administrator's job is never easy. Neither is an interim coach's.
Add to these two difficult positions the untimely death of a successful coach and the competitive expectations that exist at Notre Dame, and you get a nearly impossible situation.
The interests of compassion and competitiveness collided in full force Friday afternoon, when it was announced that Chris Apple — the 30-year old assistant who had taken over as head men's soccer coach after 10-year coach Mike Berticelli fell victim to a heart attack — would not be retained for next season.
"It was a great five years here at Notre Dame," said Apple. "I met so many wonderful people and had so many great experiences."
The decision followed a 7-8-2 season and a month of diligent research into all aspects of the men's soccer program by Athletic Director Kevin White and his Associate AD, Jim Phillips. After talking to players, managers, academic advisers, former players and many others involved with the program, Phillips and White made the difficult decision go a different direction.
"It was the most difficult decision in my career," said Phillips, who worked with White at Arizona State. "The situation was so unique, and Chris is such a good person."
The difficult situation began even before Berticelli's passing. Mark De Feyter, the only other assistant coach under Berticelli, resigned to take a professional coaching position. After Berticelli's passing, it was only appropriate that lone remaining assistant Apple, rather than a coach unfamiliar with the emotional situation of a grieving team, take over.
Apple was named coach on an interim basis by a group of administrators running the athletic department between Mike Wadsworth's resignation and White's hiring. Athletes and coaches were aware that Apple would be evaluated at the end of the season.
Despite the team's record, progress was made during the season. The team's national ranking moved from 112th in 1999 to 97th in 2000. Notre Dame upset top-ranked St. John's and barely lost 1-0 to a final-four bound Connecticut team.
Apple aided the development of young forwards Justin Detter and Chad Riley, both of whom made the Big East All-Rookie Team. During his short time as coach he also implemented an alcohol policy and a mentoring program.
Despite this progress, the men's soccer program still fell short of other teams competing in the fall season. Women's volleyball and women's soccer both won their respective Big East titles.
Men's cross country finished ninth in the nation. Men's soccer failed to qualify for the Big East tournament.
The expectations of winning are not as strong at smaller schools as they are under the Dome, allowing coaches to learn from their mistakes.
Apple took the position of head coach at age 29. At that age Mike Berticelli was wrapping up a stint at Division III UNC-Greensboro. Randy Waldrum, who led the Irish women's team to the final four this season, was coaching at Tulsa.
With the mission of success handed down to White from Father Malloy, the administration decided to launch a nationwide search for a new head coach. Apple's successor likely will possess a few years more experience, having dealt with the growing pains of coaching at another institution.
Apple begins his search for a new head coaching position with no ill feelings towards the institution. "If my role here was to get this team through a tough period and pave the way for a new coach, that's fine with me," he said. "My time here was such a positive experience, I'm just grateful for these last five years."
Chris Apple's year of experience at an institution of Notre Dame's caliber should allow him to pick from many job offers from middle-level schools, where he can gain the experience necessary to return to top-level coaching.
With top 1999 scorer Erich Braun returning healthy for his junior season after an injury-riddled sophomore year and the young players returning with a year's experience, it would not be a shock to see this team surprise many in 2001.
All Sports Stories for Thursday, December 7, 2000
