Chicago Inferno News Release -- www.infernosc.com
Friday, November 16, 2012
CHICAGO – The Chicago Inferno are pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Kees as the new head coach of the franchise.
Kees is currently a staff coach for Chicago Magic Academy, a U16/U18 US Soccer Development Academy Program. Prior to Chicago Magic, Kees held the Assistant Academy Director position for five years at the US Soccer Development Academy for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. In 2007, Kees was awarded the Illinois Youth Soccer Association’s Competitive Coach of the Year for his work with EG Arsenal (Elk Grove, IL) and also the 2007 Midwest Large High School Coach of the Year after a 21-year tenure as the varsity coach at Conant High School (Hoffman Estates, Ill.). He went on to coach Neuqua Valley High School (Naperville, Ill.) where his 2009 Varsity Team was ranked No. 2 in the nation by ESPN Rise after completing an undefeated regular season.
“I am beyond excited for this opportunity,” said Kees. “I got a taste of it last season when Chicago Inferno reached out to me to run some of their training sessions and I enjoyed working with the players at this level. And it led to a great opportunity to be close to the Philippine National Team when they were here in August and then actually coach the Inferno against them. This is a forward-thinking club and I view this as an honor and a privilege.”
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Kees also serves as a head coach for the Illinois Olympic Development Program (ODP) and holds a USSF “A” National Coaching License (’97), the NSCAA Premiere Diploma (’98) and the KNVB Advanced Match Analysis Certificate (’01).
“Tony did a terrific job running our training sessions last season and the guys responded well to his presence and coaching style. I had the opportunity to observe Tony when I was with the Chicago Fire where he had a stellar record with the club and was always a consummate professional,” said Chicago Inferno president Todd Short. “He has the drive and passion I need to help bring the club to the next level. I know the returning players will be pleased to know Tony is now at the helm of the squad.”
Returning to his post as Assistant Coach for Chicago Inferno, Brian Colicchia was a key figure in bringing Kees over to the club. “Tony and I began working together last season after the head coach left the club unexpectedly. The goal then was to try to keep some continuity, and keep the training challenging, fun and relevant,” said Colicchia. “We were determined to stay competitive and end the inaugural season on a positive note. Now that Tony is on board as the head coach, I know we will continue to drive the club in a positive direction.”
Colicchia is a graduate of Ithaca College in New York, where he became the assistant coach upon his graduation. He went on to become the assistant coach for Syracuse University and for the Chicago Storm of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Colicchia holds a USSF “A” National Coaching License (’07) and has been with the Inferno since the club’s inception in 2009 as member of the National Soccer League of Chicago.