September 13

Former DC Men's Soccer Player Making an Impact

By Janey Wagner
Special to the Dunkirk Observer

DUNKIRK, N.Y. - Over the last 13 years, you may have seen him around Dunkirk or Fredonia coaching at a Little League baseball game, a youth soccer game or at a track meet.

He's that young man who takes charge — challenging, inspiring and instructing children and praising them for a job well done. You might know the engaging quirky smile that starts at one corner of his mouth, or the wisecracks he makes to help children feel comfortable.

His name is Dan Krzyzanowicz — the kids just call him “Coach K.” This hometown boy from Dunkirk, who has been honored for his coaching success all the way to the collegiate level, is seriously ill. He was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and will be forced to take a break from coaching as he travels to Indiana for major surgery.

Krzyzanowicz initiated his coaching career at age 15 when he signed up to coach for the Fredonia-Pomfret Youth Council fall soccer program. Thirteen years later, Coach K is still a very active member of the local community, having recently volunteered as a coach for the NCSA soccer organization in Chautauqua County and for the Clarence Soccer Club in Erie County. Over the years, he has had an impact on countless youth athletes with his enthusiasm for sports. He has volunteered and sought no accolades. His passion for sports was something he simply had to share.

Krzyzanowicz earned varsity letters in soccer and track at Dunkirk High School. He went on to major in physical education, first at Herkimer Junior College, then at Defiance College.

He was a two-year starter on the Defiance soccer team and participated in both indoor and outdoor track and field. He received a master’s degree from Medaille College in 2004. Coach K holds a NSCAA National Diploma along with a USSF “C” license. He resides in Silver Creek with his wife, Tasha, and dog, LaLa.

In 2001, Coach K was named head coach of the Ripley High School boy’s varsity soccer team. Under his tutelage, the team qualified for the Section VI finals and broke five school records. He also held the varsity track head coaching position at Frankfort (New York) High School in 1999 — the first year of the school’s track program — and mentored several sectional finalists while the team finished second in the conference.

This year will be Coach K’s fifth as head coach of the Medaille College men’s soccer team and third as head coach of the women’s soccer team.

The 2005 season was his finest yet as men’s soccer coach at Medaille, as the Mavericks broke the school record for wins with 18 and captured the AMCC regular season and postseason championship en route to an NCAA tournament berth. Coach K previously held the school’s win mark in 2003 with 12. He also holds the career record for wins, obtaining 45 in his first four seasons. He currently ranks among the top 50 in NCAA Division III coaches in winning percentage. Coach K has worked some of the most prestigious soccer camps in the country, including Indiana University. During those camps, Coach K increased his knowledge, coaching with some of the top Division I coaches in the country and current Major League Soccer (MLS) players.

Last season, he led the Medaille Mavericks to an 18-2-2 overall record and a .864 overall winning percentage. The team also went 10-0-1 during AMCC Conference play and won the AMCC Playoff Championship at home after earning the right to host the tournament. With the conference playoff championship, the men’s soccer team became Medaille College’s first-ever AMCC champions and the first team to qualify for the NCAA tournament in Medaille history.

Coach K’s team finished the 2005 season ranked 10th in the NCAA Division III in winning percentage and ranked eighth for NCAA Division III schools in scoring offense, averaging a record 3.52 goals per game. Additionally, for goals per game, two players were nationally ranked in the top 20 (Ryan Mangano, No. 11, and Cory Cwiklinski, No. 17) in points. Coach K has led the Mavericks men’s soccer team to the conference championship match in three out of four seasons.

In his four years at Medaille, he has compiled a 45-22-7 (.655) record and has already become the school’s all-time leader in career wins, and in win percentage. Under Coach K’s steady guidance, the Mavericks have broken every single season and career record in school history. Coach K has coached one All-American, three regional All-Americans, two Conference Players of the Year, one Conference Newcomer of the Year, 16 All-Conference performers and was himself named the 2005 and 2002 Conference Coach of the Year.

Krzyzanowicz is also entering his third year as head coach of the Medaille women’s soccer team, leading the squad to their best season in school history with an 11-7 overall record and a trip to both the AMCC and ECAC playoffs. The team finished the 2005 season making the AMCC playoffs for the second consecutive season and breaking numerous school records, including wins. During his tenure as women’s coach, he has established the career wins mark, as well as the single season, and has coached six All-Conference players.

In typical “Danny style,” Krzyzanowicz has met the challenge of surgery, chemotherapy, and lifestyle changes with courage and humility. His private, independent spirit makes it difficult for him to discuss his illness — he would never want anyone to pity him. But those who love him are anxious to give back a little to a man who has given so much of himself.

A committee of community members and friends has been formed to raise funds to help defray the costs of his treatment. An account has been opened at Lakeshore Savings for those who would like to make a donation toward the cost of his treatment.

An AYSO sponsored youth soccer clinic will be held to raise funds for Coach Krzyzanowicz on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dunkirk High School. Presented by the players of the Medaille College women's soccer team, the clinic is open to AYSO registered players ages 6-12. The suggested donation is $10, but those who are not currently registered with AYSO (those who did not register for 2006 summer recreational soccer) may register for the clinic for an additional $5 to cover insurance costs. A benefit dinner, jamboree and raffle are being planned and that information will be published at a later time.

Those interested in helping out or registering for the youth soccer clinic can contact Janey Wagner at 679-4217, Lori Krzyzanowicz at 366-2662 or Nick Wagner at 570-5467.