By J.R. DE GROOTE ADVERTISING By J.R. DE GROOTE West Hawaii Today KAILUA-KONA — For almost two decades, Urs Leuenberger has been at the helm of the Kealakehe boys soccer program, building it into a Big Island powerhouse and perennial
By J.R. DE GROOTE
West Hawaii Today
KAILUA-KONA — For almost two decades, Urs Leuenberger has been at the helm of the Kealakehe boys soccer program, building it into a Big Island powerhouse and perennial contender at the state level.
But with a four-year BIIF winning streak still alive, the veteran head coach is calling it a career — riding off into the familiar sunset that has served as a backdrop for many of the Waveriders’ home games.
Kealakehe athletic director Alan Vogt officially announced the retirement of Leuenberger on Friday — the only boys soccer coach the school has known since it opened its doors in 1997.
“It has been a long time, and I felt now was a great time for me to step away,” Leuenberger said. “There are a lot of young kids interested in the program and it’s nice to be able to move aside while there is still something there.”
The next coach to step in has big cleats to fill. During his 19-year tenure with the school, the Waveriders racked up nine BIIF titles — including the last five consecutively — and multiple top five state tournament finishes, including a pair of third place results.
“Urs has run the program with nothing but class and integrity — and the results speak for themselves,” Vogt said. “Boys soccer has been, arguably, the most successful sports program at Kealakehe.”
But for Leuenberger, it has never been about the numbers.
“Records and titles really don’t matter. It’s about the human relationships you build through the sport,” he said. “I just loved being out there and part of this community. I got to know so many people. Now, I see kids in the store that I used to coach who have babies and are starting families of their own. It has been such a rewarding experience.”
Vogt also acknowledged that Leuenberger’s contributions went far beyond the pitch at Waverider Stadium.
“Urs has always been about more than just wins and losses. He has been about teaching life lessons through sport,” Vogt said.
It will be a very noticeable change to watch Kealakehe without the familiar voice of Leuenberger guiding the Waveriders from the sidelines. But the Switzerland native assured it takes a village to run a successful program — not just a coach.
“It’s all about teamwork. It’s never a one man show. From the players, to the assistant coaches and managers to athletic directors and parents — we have been a great team,” Leuenberger said. “
Leuenberger — now a grandfather to multiple grandkids — is looking forward to some extra family time. He will also be able to take a break from Waverider blue, trading it in for some purple and white garb. His stepson Ari Mench — who was a senior captain for Kealakehe this season — will be heading to Curry College on the east coast next year to play soccer. He hopes to catch a few games.
But despite all the changes on the horizon, Leuenberger assured he won’t be too far away.
“I will still be the biggest Waverider hooligan up in the stands.”
