By Tom Murphy Jr.

Senior Reporter

Former Oakland University men’s soccer coach John Motzer passed away Monday, Oct. 6. He was 75.

Motzer coached the team from 1973-1977. He played a major role in the team reaching varsity status in 1973, in that same year he was named Mr. Michigan Soccer by the Michigan Soccer Association.

“John has always been synonymous with men’s soccer here at Oakland University,” said Director of Athletics Tracy Huth in a press release. “He represented everything that is good about OU athletics. The pride that he felt about soccer and Oakland University saw no bounds. What he meant to OU soccer and what we felt towards John as a person cannot be measured. We have truly lost one of the great ones. The entire Michigan soccer community is in mourning.”

In the team’s first year as a varsity sport, Motzer coached the Pioneers to an 11-2-2 record.

His coaching record was an impressive 48-16-5 over five seasons.

In 1976, Motzer led the Pioneers to the NCAA Tournament for the first time.

“I hope we all pause for a moment and reflect on his contributions to the game and the positive effect he had on so many young men and women,” Huth said.

In 1991 Motzer was elected into the OU Hall of Honor.

Motzer was also an accomplished player, starting his career with junior teams in Hungary, Austria and Germany before coming back home to play on 12 Michigan Cup Championship teams.

He represented Michigan 30 times in international competition and in 1962 played for the national amateur champions, the Carpathia Kickers.

Motzer went to work for General Motors for 35 years after leaving OU.

He is the husband of Susie, father of Gerald and Craig (Becky). Grandfather of Olivia, brother of Lousia Horvath, Giesla (Hubert) Maier and Joseph (Lisa) Motzer. He is also remembered by many nieces and nephews.