West Chester University Athletics

Mel Lorback and West Chester University men’s soccer were inseparable for 34 years. As the head coach of the Golden Rams' program for more than three decades, Lorback amassed a wealth of athletic history that included a Division I National Championship. In 1961, the Golden Rams defeated St. Louis 2-0 in the NCAA title game, capturing the National Championship.

In addition to the national crown, Lorback’s teams appeared in two national semifinals, won six NCAA Regionals and claimed three conference championships. Under his guidance, 16 of his players attained All-America status, while many of his former student-athletes have achieved coaching success at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Long-time Indiana University head coach Jerry Yeagley, a member of the 1961 National Championship squad, paid Lorback the ultimate compliment. "Coach Lorback was instrumental in my success as a coach. The instruction and lessons I learned playing for him were important in shaping my future. He truly taught me what it meant to be a champion."

In addition to his coaching duties at WCU, Lorback served as the president of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). In January of 1998, Lorback was awarded one of the highest soccer honors presented by the NSCAA when he received the Bill Jeffrey Award. He is a United States Soccer Federation National Staff Coach with an "A" License.

As a professor at WCU from 1957-91, Lorback taught undergraduate and graduate classes with a concentration in sports sciences and sport studies. He was published over 50 times during his career, including four manuals, 20 articles and 30 papers. He also served as the Physical Education Department chair for 12 years.