Coach Zemanek: 1919 to 2009

SooToday.com has received the following note about popular soccer coach Gunther Zemanek, from Bill Howe of St. Marys College.

The official obituary follows Howe's note.

************************* A soccer coaching legend (Gunther Zemanek) from days gone by, has recently passed away at his home in Guelph.

Gunther was a coach here back in the 70's and early 80's.

He was associated with the old club "Kickers".

Apart from being a coach of a men's team, he ran camps for kids and coached various regional teams in provincial competitions.

He spawned the beginning of the SSM Soccer Coach's Association and was a mentor for many coaches (myself - Bill Howe) and others.

He pushed for quality in the game and started the careers of many local coaches.

After leaving the Soo he moved to Guelph where he continued to run coaching clinics, coach the University of Guelph ladies team and work tirelessly on behalf of the game.

For those of us who knew him, this is a very sad time.

In his seven years in the Soo, he had a tremendous impact on many of us.

He was quite simply the best coach we ever had in the city.

He taught many players and inspired many coaches.

The ripple effect from his influence is felt today.

Many of his players went on to coaching and their subsequent players are coaching as well.

His influence cannot be underestimated.

Although he was well into his sixties, a former member of the Austrian National Team (played against Billy Wright of England fame) and a former professional in Austria and Belgium, he never rested on his laurels.

Due to the start of World War II he never got to achieve his dream of playing in a World Cup.

He also never lost his enthusiasm and drive for the sport.

He was a tremendous ambassador for the game and an example to all coaches.

I remember telling myself that if someone of his stature could always learn and improve, I should never be one to assume that I knew it all.

The OSA (Ontario Soccer Association) acknowledged his contributions to soccer and the province, with a special award and recognition of service.

He was not only the most knowledgeable coach we have ever had in the community, he was passionate and always striving to raise coaching in the community.

He taught us that self improvement and ongoing education was crucial to any coach.

I will never forget a statement he made to me many years ago.

He was in the first group of coaches in Canada to achieve his B-License when the program was first offered back in the eighties.

Upon his successful return from Vancouver, he was bubbling about how much he had learned. "There is still so much to learn." (64 years of age).

He was an inspiration to myself and to many others.

He treated the game professionally and demanded high standards and commitment from all of his players.

A few thought him demanding, but he knew no other way to approach the game. We were all better players and coaches because of his approach.

I hope the legacy lives on.

With the new Soccer Academy starting in January, we can know that his efforts are still influencing the game for all kids.

- Bill Howe

************************* Zemanek, Guenther

Peacefully, at St. Joseph's Health Centre, Guelph, on Thursday, December 10, 2009 in his 90th year.

Deeply devoted husband and best friend of Hannelore for 63 years.

Loving father of Timm Guenther Zemanek and his wife Eileen MacKinnon of Toronto.

In his native Austria, Guenther studied to become a physical education teacher, played for the Austrian national soccer team.

In 1953, Guenther and his family emigrated to Canada where he became a successful business man while playing for the National Soccer League in Toronto.

In 1969 Guenther and Hannelore moved to Sault Ste. Marie where he became an Ontario Soccer Associations staff coach, being among the first in Canada to achieve his national "B" licence.

Guenther ran coaching clinics and organized teams in many communities across Northern Ontario.

In 1982 they moved to Guelph where Guenther became a dedicated member of the Guelph Youth Soccer Club, donating countless hours to work with players and coaches, for which he was awarded a lifetime membership by the Guelph Soccer Club to honour his tremendous contribution.

Professionally, Guenther also became assistant coach to the men's soccer team at the University of Guelph.

In 1986 he became the head coach of the women's soccer team until he retired in 1990.

Guenther was honoured with the "John T. Powell" award by the University of Guelph.

Even in retirement he continued to assist the men's and women's teams at the University of Guelph, recruiting, assessing players and mentor-coaching.

In 2001 Guenther received a lifetime achievement from the Ontario Soccer Association.

While he possessed an encyclopaedic knowledge of soccer, Guenther will be warmly remembered by those he coached and mentored for his generosity, leadership and encouragement.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph on Sunday, December 13, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Monday, December 14, 2009 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m. Cremation has taken place.

As expressions of sympathy donations to the Guelph Youth Soccer Club, (c/o Guelph Soccer, 375 College Ave. W., Guelph, ON N1G 0C3) would be appreciated by the family (cards are available at the funeral home, 519-821-5077) or send condolences to www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com

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