NCAA declares Yeagley Division I all-time winningest soccer coach

Coach Jerry Yeagley called Sunday's 5-0 victory in his last home game something he would remember very fondly. \nYeagley was not being modest; actually, he had no idea. \nDue to a recently discovered records error, the NCAA has declared Yeagley the all-time winningest coach in Division I soccer history, making IU's 5-0 third round win over Virginia Commonwealth Sunday the record-breaking game. \nYeagley captured his 541st victory, passing former University of San Francisco coach Stephen Negoesco, who is now only credited with 540 wins down from 544.\nIn 1978, the NCAA discovered an ineligible player on the San Francisco squad, negating four tournament victories -- including the 2-0 national title victory over Yeagley's IU team. \nHowever, because of a human error, the NCAA statistics department never removed the victories from Negoesco's record allowing him to retire with 544. \nBut Indianapolis Star reporter David Woods recently contacted the NCAA statistics department that found, in error, San Francisco's four tournament victories in 1978 were being counted on his record. \n"All along the record has not been my motivation. It seems to be more important to the alums and friends of the program," Yeagley said. "It is an award and honor that I get, but one that really belongs to the program. I certainly feel honored and grateful for everyone's part in this achievement. It certainly does bring even more significance to that great win on Sunday which was my last home game."\nAccording to NCAA statistics policies, in the case of a school's official record being reversed, the wins and losses of the penalized team are dropped from its overall record and treated as if no games had been played. Except for any student-athletes declared ineligible, the individual's statistics and the opponent's record are not affected by the action.\nIn 31 years at the helm, Yeagley owns a 541-101-45 which makes him first for active Division I coaches in terms of winning percentage (.820).\nHis 541st victory passes Negoesco, who beat Yeagley in the 1978 championship game with the ineligible player. Even though the victory was forfeited, it is not counted on Yeagley's win record. \n"Stephen (Negoesco) and I were buddies. We played against each other so many times. He is a unique individual and someone who did a lot for college soccer," Yeagley said. "I think a lot of Stephen Negoesco and I am honored to be in the same category as one of the most winningest coaches. It does not change my feelings about him and I hope it doesn't change his feelings about me."\nAs of Monday night, Negoesco had not been informed of the record change, according to USF athletic director Bill Hogan. \nIU is headed to Los Angeles to battle No. 1 UCLA in a quarterfinal matchup for a trip to the College Cup -- college soccer's version of the Final Four. \n"Its been a fairy tale year," Yeagley said. "It's gotta end sometime but hopefully with a championship and this makes it even more special. But, I would trade (the record) in a heartbeat for another chance to win." \n-- Contact staff writer Daniel Cohen at djcohen@indiana.edu.