Vernon soccer coach John Ryan looks back on career

VERNON — The phrase ‘a flash in the pan’ is sometimes used in the realm sports to describe someone who achieves great success during a short period of time and shows great potential for the future only to not live up to expectations.

There are many reasons such as injury, immaturity, lack of desire and so forth why this can happen to an athlete, coach or team.

Then there are those people who have a strong passion for their chosen athletic undertaking and demonstrate it time and again through dedication, determination, the willingness to not only learn as much as possible, but teach as much as possible about the sport.

Soccer is very meaningful to John Ryan and as his successful 34-year career as the head coach of the Vernon Township High School boys' soccer demonstrates, he thoroughly enjoys passing along his knowledge of the game to those willing to listen.

Ryan ends his career with an overall record of 417-207-52, with many lasting memories from his time spent at the helm for the Vikings’ program. During his tenure, amongst many other accomplishments, Vernon finished in the top 20 in the state 12 times, won 12 conference titles, earned the NJSIAA North I Group III sectional tournament championship and earned the Sportsmanship Award four times.

“There are so many [memorable games] over 34 years," Ryan said. “Our first win against Sparta in 1980, a 1-0 win over Scotch Plains when they were undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the state, we defeated them at home. A 1-0 loss to Kearney in States on a penalty shot, a 1-0 loss to Scotch Plains in the final four of Group III, a 2-1 loss in overtime to West Orange in the Group IV states and a 1-0 loss to Saint Benedicts — they scored in the last 20 seconds of the game and they were ranked first in the nation.

“Each and every team was special and memorable in their own way," Ryan said. "Each team takes on their own character and personality. In the 1980s, we had eight championships, two undefeated seasons. In the 1990s and 2000s, [there were] championships and many great players who are now coaches.’’

Like all coaches, Ryan’s style is unique in certain ways and he has advice for young varsity-level coaches just entering the profession.

“My coaching philosophy is the game is the best teacher and you must become a student of the game to be successful," Ryan said. “Believing in hard work, dedication and passion for what you do will take you very far in life. Each experience is a learning experience and many times we learn more from our failures.

To new coaches, Ryan says to work harder than they ever have, to be true and unwavering to principles and show their passion for their game.

He also has a message for the many athlete’s that he coached and mentored over the years.

“They all stand out for different reasons," Ryan said. “Vernon soccer has had many players go on to Division I, Division II and Division III (college level soccer) and be extremely successful. Each time I run into one of my past players, there is another story, another smile, another laugh about things we experienced together. I have been involved in the game of soccer for over 50 years as a player and coach. The game has given me a wonderful extended soccer family and allowed me to share my love of the game."