Men's Soccer Coach

Head Coach Josh Murton - 4th Season

In four years, Coach Josh Murton has brought Ohio Christian University soccer to new heights and recognition.  A program once not even known, now is among the few in the NCCAA national spotlight while also turning heads right here in the state of Ohio.  In 2011, OCU defeated thier first NCAA Division 3 team in school history by defeating Bluffton University 2-0 and Anderson University 1-0.  In 2011, OCU also defeated thier first NAIA school, St. Catherine College 5-1 and Cincinnati Christian University 5-1 in school history.  The last three years OCU has finished #2, #3 and #4 while compiling a 48-19-3 record.

Murton also is the head coach for the OCU Women's soccer team which was started in 2009.  A tough task to run both teams but can only be accomplished by what he would say "excellent assistants".

Success has also translated to off the field.  In the classroom the OCU men have risen their GPA from a 2.4 in 2008 to a 3.0 on 2010, but maintain a goal of 3.25.  You will also see OCU soccer in the community helping with youth camps with local churches and church organizations such as Upward.  Even during a busy fall schedule, the OCU programs are refereeing games for Upward soccer to give back to the local community.

Coach Murton has been active in the coaching ranks since 2002 coaching at the club, high school and college levels. In 2009 he was asked to coach the 1995 Olympic Development Program (ODP) Ohio South State Girls Teams.  He has led his club teams at Pride Soccer Club to the finals at the Creek Classic and Staburst Tournaments, while also focusing on excellence in integrity, academics and sportsmanship. His teams have been awarded the MOSSL Sportsmanship award, OSHAA Southeast Region All-Academic team (3 times) and the OSHAA Southeast Region Sportsmanship Awards.

Individual players have shown growth under Coach Murton's tutelage. Over four years at OCU, the men have been recognized with:

* Four Academic All-Americans                          * Six 1st Team All-Americans

* Six 2nd Team All-Americans                            * Three Regional Players of the Year

* Seventeen 1st Team All-Regional players       * Thirteen 2nd Team All-Regional players

* Six NCCAA Players of the week

A native of Chillicothe, Ohio, Murton graduated from the University of Cincinnati where he was part of the UC Football team as an Assistant Video Coordinator and recruiter. After graduating from UC, Murton was in the Commercial Real Easte business as a Consultant. Realizing that education was where he wanted to be, he left his job and pursued a teaching career. In 2002, he started coaching for Zane Trace High School and became the Business Teacher there in 2003. In 2005 he made a move to Teays Valley High School where he coached and taught for 3 years.

Coach Murton holds his USSF National D License and is currently finishing up work on his USSF C License.

Coach Murton and his wife Laura, reside in South Bloomfield, Ohio and have a son Jack (4), a daughter Emma (2) and are expecting a third in June.

Coach Murton YEAR by YEAR

YEAR   SCHOOL                    POSITION          W-L-T     HONORS

2008  Ohio Christian Univ.   Head Coach      10-5-1   Mid-East Region Regular Season Champs

2009  Ohio Christian Univ.   Head Coach      17-6-1   #3 in Nation, Regional Tournament Champs

2010  Ohio Christian Univ.   Head Coach      14-9-0   #2 in Nation, Regional Tournament Champs

2011  Ohio Christian Univ.   Head Coach      17-4-2   #4 in Nation, Regional Tournament Champs

                                        Career Record: 58-24-4

Head Assistant Coach James McIlhargey - 5th Season

Coach James McIlhargey will enter his 6th season as an assistant coach of the OCU men’s soccer program bringing a wealth of knowledge and energy to a sport he loves. Along with his college coaching experience, Coach "Mac" is also on staff at Pride Soccer Club in which his first club team to become champions at the MASC Tournament in Cincinnati.

A native of Toledo, OH, McIlhargey played soccer at and graduated from Toledo Christian High School. He obtained his Bachelors degree from Ohio Christian University in 2001 where he stayed on as the Network Administrator for the University. He played two years of collegiate soccer at OCU, winning Offensive MVP both years as well as the highest athletic honor given by the University, the Trailblazer Award.

Coach McIlhargey holds his USSF National D License.

Coach McIlhargey and his new wife Amy, reside in Circleville, Ohio.

Coach "Mac" YEAR by YEAR

YEAR   SCHOOL                       POSITION         W-L-T      HONORS

2007  Ohio Christian Univ.   Asst. Coach      1-16-0

2008  Ohio Christian Univ.   Asst. Coach      10-5-1   Mid-East Region Regular Season Champs

2009  Ohio Christian Univ.   Asst. Coach      17-6-1   #3 in Nation, Regional Tournament Champs

2010  Ohio Christian Univ.   Asst. Coach      14-9-0   #2 in Nation, Regional Tournament Champs

2011  Ohio Christian Univ.   Asst. Coach      17-4-2   #4 in Nation, Regional Tournament Champs

Assistant Coach Alex Murton - 2nd Season

      Coach Alex Murton came to OCU in 2010 on a part time basis focusing on the OCU Reserve team while helping with the first team.  

Assistant Coach Erik McNeil - 1st Season

Coach McNeil has entered his first season with OCU.  He holds a OSYSA F License and he focuses on the OCU Reserve Team while helping with the first team.