Rick
Benben's UMKC Soccer Camp
Camp
Directors
RICK
BENBEN
UMKC
Head Men's Soccer Coach
In thirteen seasons at the helm of UMKC Soccer, Head Coach Rick
Benben has left a lasting impression on the direction of the
program. Benben arrived on campus in 1998 and quickly
transformed the Kangaroo squad into a top NCAA Division I program.
The Kangaroos made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2001
and have made two more since. The Kangaroos have registered
victories over several nationally ranked opponents and claimed
three Conference Championships. For his efforts, Benben has
been named Conference Coach of the Year on four occasions.
UMKC players have received numerous individual honors for both
academic and athletic achievements.
Success has followed Benben throughout his career in the game.
A former goalkeeper at SIUE, Benben began coaching youth soccer in
St. Louis during his college years. After his collegiate
career culminated in a National Championship in 1972, Benben began
a stint as a professional player for the Dallas Tornado of the
NASL. However, coaching consumed him and he returned to SIUE
as an assistant to coaching legend Bob Guelker. While
coaching at SIUE, Benben continued his work with amateur and youth
players through the United States Olympic Development Program and
the creation of the Scott Gallagher Soccer Club. After three
NCAA Final Four appearances at SIUE, Benben added another National
Championship to his resume in 1979.
After that, the professional ranks came calling
again as Benben moved to Kansas City to coach the Comets of the
MISL. Rising from Assistant Coach to Head Coach &
Director of Player Personnel, the Comets enjoyed an era of success
under Benben that is still fondly remembered in Kansas City.
Benben holds a USSF A License, chaired the Midwest NSCAA Rankings
Committee, and is involved in the community as a volunteer coach
for the Kansas City Parks & Recreation Dept. and recently as a board
member for Southwest United Soccer Club.
FRED
SCHLICHTING
UMKC
Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach
As
the current Associate Head Coach of the UMKC Men's soccer team,
Fred Schlichting is in his 13th year as an integral member of
the UMKC Men's soccer coaching staff. Schlichting was
the Assistant Soccer Coach at both Rockhurst High School and St.
Teresa's Academy before continuing his coaching at UMKC.
He was the Coach of the six-time KSYSA State Boys'
Champion Grasshoppers club team and was named the 2005 KS
Boys’ Coach of the Year. He is the
current coach of two-time KSYSA Boys' State Champion KCFC United
94/95. Fred is respected across the
country as one of the top assistant coaches in the college game
and was recognized by College Soccer News as a NCAA Division I
Top 20 Assistant Coach. He has served as a Kansas State
ODP Coach and holds a USSF B License.
Schlichting grew up in St. Louis, playing for the Scott
Gallagher Soccer Club and DeSmet Jesuit High School. He
then took his talents to Notre Dame, where he played and was
recognized as the Soccer Freshman Award winner as
well as being honored as a Notre Dame Scholar Athlete.
During his tenure at UMKC, Schlichting has become entrenched in
the Kansas City community - coaching club soccer, volunteering
to coach with Missouri Special Olympics and the Kansas City
Parks & Recreation Dept. and spends much of his free time
watching high school and youth games in the area.