Gustavson

hangs up 

soccer cleats at 

Marianapolis

By Ron P. Coderre

Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson recently announced that legendary soccer coach Eric Gustavson is stepping down from the position following 33 highly successful years at the helm of the Golden Knight booters.  Gustavson assumed the head soccer position when he was hired in 1982 at the age of 22.

During his tenure as the coach of the Marianapolis soccer program, Gustavson’s teams have posted 347 victories, while losing 200 and tying 75 games.  This equates to an outstanding 55.8 percent winning record involving an impressive 622 games.

“What I have enjoyed most is the fact that our teams have always played hard, but with tremendous sportsmanship and always with the goal that winning was not the most important thing,” said Gustavson.

Despite the fact that he’ll no longer be pacing the sidelines and positively encouraging his young players on the pitch, Gustavson will maintain an important role in the school and with the soccer program.  As he retires from active coaching, he assumes the role of Soccer Development Director and will continue in his role as Director of Athletics for Marianapolis.  He’ll also continue as a history teacher, a position he cherishes.

Coach “G” as he’s affectionately referred to by players, students, staff and administration on the scenic Thompson campus, has amassed a number of honors over his many years on the sidelines.  As a member of the Eastern Connecticut Conference and the former Quinebaug Valley Conference, his teams captured four QVC titles during the period when the school was a member of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC). 

Since reentering the prep school ranks as a member of the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) in 2002, Gustavson coached teams have won three SENE titles and two WNEPSSA sportsmanship awards.  

Gustavson, who won his 300th game with a 2-0 shutout of Williams School during a quarterfinal contest in the Southeastern New England Prep School tournament, was honored in 2013 by his colleagues when he was presented the Connecticut State Coaches Association “Coach of the Year Award.”  In his four decades as soccer coach he’s equally proud of the fact that 30 of his players earned All State recognition.  One of his players was honored as an All New England soccer recipient.

The longtime coach leaves his position as Marianapolis is embarking on the construction of a $2 million multi-sports complex that will include a much need soccer field.  The construction of that project is anticipated to be ready for the start of the 2015-2016 school year.

Looking back on his long and starry coaching career Gustavson reflected on how fortunate he has been to have the pleasure of coaching players from all over the world.  He’s also thankful for the support of his wife, Anne Marie and his family for allowing him to do something he enjoyed despite taking him away from his family for uncounted hours.  He also expressed appreciation for the hard work of his assistants Esad Darman and Peter Hill.

Gustavson’s coaching position will be filled by his son and former player Abraham Gustavson.