GODFREY -- Nick Funk is staying home.
Funk, 28, and the Alton High boys' assistant soccer coach the last three years, is the new Redbirds' head soccer coach. The AHS grad was hired Tuesday night during a school board meeting.
"He was a great player when he played here and he has a lot of pri
de in the program," Alton High director of athletics Jeff Alderman said.
One of the youngest AHS head coaches, Funk replaces Jay Robertson, the Redbirds' head coach the past six seasons. Robertson, a Granite City High product, compiled a 53-62-11 record, including a 9-10-3 mark in 2015. The Redbirds went 12-8-1 in 2012 and 11-7-3 in 2014.
Funk will officially begin practices Aug. 10 and the Redbirds are scheduled to open their season at homeAug. 24 against Springfield Sacred-Heart Griffin.
Alton graduates 10 players from last year's squad, most notably Eric Feren bach, the AdVantage News' Co-Player of the Year. The Redbirds' return a dozen players, including C.J. Nasello, Skylar Funk and Stephen Nguyen. Skylar Funk is Nick Funk's brother.
The Redbirds' soccer program dates to 1973-74 when Marshall "Mick" Brown served as their first coach.
