UCI’s Kuntz is named top coach in Far West

George Kuntz, who led the UC Irvine men’s soccer team to unprecedented success in 2008, has been named Far West Region Coach of the Year by the National Coaches Assn. of America.

Kuntz, in his 14th season at the helm, guided the Anteaters to a 15-2-6 record that included the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance. He was also Big West Conference Coach of the Year.

The ’Eaters also accomplished firsts by winning the Big West regular-season title with a 5-1-4 mark, then capturing the crown in the inaugural Big West postseason tournament.

UCI received a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament, then beat conference rival Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 3-0, in the second round.

The Anteaters, ranked No. 1 in the Far West Region in the final regular-season poll, defeated UC Santa Barbara, 4-2, in the conference tournament title match.

UCI took a 1-0 lead at St. John’s, but was eliminated, 3-2, by the Red Storm, who went on to reach the College Cup (final four).

Kuntz also earned Far West Region and Big West Coach of the Year honors in 2006. He was Big West Coach of the Year in 2001 and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Coach of the Year in 2000.

— Barry Faulkner