TOWSON, Md. - With the Fall season just around the corner, the Landmark Conference is revisiting stories and highlights from its 10 member institutions from the 2023-24 season in the league's #LandmarkRewind Series and annual yearbook.
2023-24 Landmark Conference Yearbook
Elizabethtown College men's soccer coach Arthur "Skip" Roderick '74 announced his retirement from coaching after 39 seasons with the Blue Jays, compiling a 573-181-78 record.
"I felt it was the right time," Roderick said. "While I still have good health, I look forward to traveling, visiting many former players and friends throughout the country and around the world, and of course, having the energy to spend time with my three young granddaughters."
Roderick's 573 victories were the sixth-most across all NCAA divisions of men's soccer and fourth in Division III. He led Etown to an NCAA Division III National Championship in 1989 and guided the Blue Jays to the NCAA's Division III Tournament 19 times, including 14 straight trips from 1983 to 1996.
"Skip set an unmatched standard of excellence for student-athletes at Elizabethtown College, specifically building our men's soccer program into one of the most storied across all collegiate athletics," Elizabethtown College President Betty Rider said. "Through his tremendous mentorship of student-athletes and colleagues at Etown, Skip left an indelible mark of success not only on the record books but in the hearts and minds of countless Blue Jays. We thank him for his selfless service to our college and commend him on an incredible career."
Under Roderick's leadership, Etown claimed 11 conference titles: eight Middle Atlantic Conference titles, two Commonwealth Conference titles, and a Landmark Conference title in 2018. Roderick's final career victory on October 26 was memorable for many reasons as Etown defeated Pratt Institute 10-0, marking the program's 900th win in team history. The Blue Jays became only the third men's soccer program in NCAA history across all divisions to reach 900 victories, joining Ohio Wesleyan (Division III) and UCLA (Division I).
"If you think about the 40 years of service Skip provided to the College and our students, it's truly amazing to realize the number of lives he influenced," Elizabethtown College Director of Athletics, Chris Morgan '91, said. "While his coaching record is unparalleled, so is the positive impact he had on countless students, coaches, staff, and the entire soccer community."
Players flourished under Roderick's guidance during his tenure at Etown. Blue Jay student-athletes earned 24 All-America honors, 85 All-Region selections, 217 All-Conference selections, and 20 Conference Player of the Year Awards. Roderick was also awarded Conference Coach of the Year seven times and Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year four times.
"When you tell people you went to Etown and played soccer, the first question was always, 'Did you play for Skip?'" Elizabethtown College alumnus and former men's soccer player, David Jones '86, said. "And it is a badge of honor to tell them, 'Yes, I played for Skip, and he changed my life.' Skip embodied Etown's Educate for Service motto. He was our coach, but so much more. Skip became our friend, brother, leader, and mentor. He was the center of a large family of lifelong friendships both on and off the field."
Roderick-led teams won 20 or more games in a season five times, with the 1988 and 1990 squads going undefeated in the regular season. The Blue Jays advanced to the quarterfinals of the national tournament on nine occasions under his watch.
In 2021, Roderick reached yet another milestone, earning his 550th career win, a 1-0 victory over Bridgewater on September 5, becoming only the eighth men's soccer coach across all divisions to claim the feat.
Roderick began his career on the sidelines in 1983 and immediately led the Blue Jays to success with a 12-6-5 record—the first of 25 consecutive winning seasons to begin his tenure.
"Forty years flew by so quickly," Roderick said. "How many people can say they loved their job and couldn't wait to start their day as a Blue Jay? I have been extremely blessed with the opportunity to coach and teach at Elizabethtown College with such a caring group of administrators, colleagues, professors, knowledgeable assistant coaches (especially Graham Small), and over 500 amazing soccer players. I loved my players and the sacrifices they made for me and my staff, but now, with a full but heavy heart, it's time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life."
The Springfield, Pa. native got his start with the Blue Jays as a player in the early 1970s. Roderick was a three-time MAC Northern Division All-Star, and he captured All-East Region honors as a senior in 1973.
Roderick went on to compete professionally with teams in England (Everton and Brentford), Ireland (Sligo Rovers, League of Ireland Champions '76), and the U.S. (NASL, ASL, GASL, and MISL). He was inducted into the Elizabethtown College Ira R. Herr Athletic Hall of Fame in 1982.
"It has been an incredible journey where we have developed so many friendships and memories that have provided my twins, Lois, and me with a lifetime of happiness, pride, and honor," Roderick said. "I am looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of my graduation from Elizabethtown College with my senior players and with many of my teammates from the 1974 Etown Men's Soccer team."