Nov. 30, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame will launch a national search for a men’s soccer head coach, athletic director Kevin White announced today.

“It’s in the best interests of our program to take an opportunity now to identify the most talented individual we can find to lead our program,” said White.

“We’ve analyzed the aspirations for men’s soccer at Notre Dame and those of the student-athletes who are a part of the program, and we’ve determined this is the course we want to take.”

Chris Apple directed the Irish program on an interim basis during the 2000 season after four seasons as a Notre Dame assistant. He had been hired March 3, 2000, to take over following the sudden death in January of Irish head coach Mike Berticelli.

“I’d like to thank Chris for all that he has done for the University. His contributions have come under some challenging circumstances,” said White.

“He admirably led the team through a difficult period for many people close to the program, and he did it with a great deal of class.”

Notre Dame finished 7-8-2 overall in 2000, including a 4-7 record in BIG EAST Conference play that was good for ninth place.

Notre Dame men’s soccer, a varsity sport since 1978, comprises 24 seasons, including NCAA Championship appearances in 1988, ’93, ’94 and ’96.