University of Guelph

MEN'S SOCCER - Guelph soccer legend Guenther Zemanek passes away

• December 10, 2009

 

 

 

 

The University of Guelph, Department of Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former soccer coach Guenther Zemanek. Coach Zemanek was in his 90th year, passing away early this morning on Thursday, December 10 at 4:00 a.m.

One of the most well known and well respected soccer coaches in the Guelph community, Guenther coached at the University of Guelph as an assistant coach of the men’s team and head coach of the women’s team for eight years from 1982-1990.

Guenther began his coaching career at the University of Guelph as assistant coach of the men's soccer team in 1982. He became the head coach of the women's soccer team in 1986 until he retired from coaching in 1990. Guenther was honoured in 1997 with the University of Guelph’s Dr. John T. Powell Award. This award is presented to an individual who has shown exemplary effort and devotion in his/her contribution to Gryphon athletics. Even in his retirement he continued to assist both the men and women's teams with assessing players, recruiting, and mentor-coaching. Guenther had a passion for soccer that was lifelong.

"Guenther was like a soccer encyclopedia,” said Gryphon head coach Keith Mason. “He was my mentor, but even more importantly, he was my friend and he will be greatly missed."

Guenther was a very passionate soccer player and coach. Guenther began his soccer career in his native Austria. He played professionally in Austria and even played for the Austrian national team at the youth level prior to the war breaking out. After the war, Guenther and his wife Hannelore moved to Canada where he played professionally in Toronto in the NSL. He then turned his attention to coaching and became an Ontario Soccer Association staff coach. He was amongst the first group of coaches in Canada to achieve his national "B" licence. In the late 1990's he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the OSA.

When Guenther moved to Guelph in 1982 he became a very dedicated member of Guelph Youth Soccer Club. He spent countless hours on the soccer field working with both players and coaches. Guenther could often be found at the side of the soccer field supporting the local teams, giving feedback to coaches, and enjoying a good joke with fellow soccer fanatics. He was awarded a lifetime membership by the Guelph Soccer Club to honour his tireless efforts to improve soccer in the city.

Guenther is survived by his wife Hannelore, son, Timm, and daughter-in-law, Eileen.

Visitation will take place at Gilbert & MacIntyre & Son's, 1099 Gordon Street in Guelph, Ont. on Sunday , December 13 from 2-4pm and 7-9:00p.m.

Funeral services will take place on Monday , December 14 at Gilbert & MacIntyre & Son's, at 1:00 p.m.
Condolances can be sent to the family at http://gilbertmacintyreandson.com/