Program History

The St. Thomas Aquinas Boys Soccer Program has a rich history and tradition. Founded in 1988 as a club by long time former coach Neil Baasten, the program will now mark its 21st anniversary season in 2009.

During Baasten’s 14 years as head coach the Knights enjoyed a great amount of success. From 1988-2002 Aquinas appeared in 7 District Finals and won the Tri County League in 1998.

After Baasten the program switched hands three times until falling under the guidance of current head coach Damien Marchione in 2006. Over the past three years under Marchione the Knights won the first three District Championships in the programs history, a top 10 state ranking in 2006 and 2007, while adding a Regional Semi-final appearance in 2007 and Regional Final appearances in 2008 and 2009.

Aquinas participates in an extremely difficult league (Tri-County League) each year. With teams like CVCA, Western Reserve Academy, St. Vincent St Mary’s, Hiland, and Kidron CC the league is composed of 1 State Champion, 4 Regional Qualifiers, and 5 District Finalists. The Knights take a great amount of pride in competing in this league and playing a very difficult regular season schedule which has helped them gain the reputation that they now have as a state caliber program.

Over the past three years the program is also very proud that over 40% of its graduating seniors have gone on to play soccer at the collegiate soccer.