Yavapai College head coach Mike Pantalione walks across the field before the Roughriders take on Phoenix on Sept. 5, 2017, in Prescott Valley. Pantalione is taking a family medical leave of absence from the program, effective immediately, the school announced Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (Les Stukenberg/Courier, file)

PRESCOTT — Yavapai College men's soccer head coach Mike Pantalione, the all-time wins leader in junior college history, is taking a family medical leave of absence, effective immediately, the school announced Friday.
Longtime assistant coach Hugh Bell will act as head coach moving forward this season until further notice.
"Mike is a wonderful guy and a great coach, and the college is supportive of him and his family while he takes this time off," Yavapai College Athletic Director Brad Clifford said, who added soccer program is in good hands with Bell.
"We expect the members of the team to continue to excel and achieve as we proceed with our season," Clifford said.
Clifford said Pantalione is in good health, but is on family medical leave.
The Roughriders (5-2-0, 5-2-0 ACCAC) are scheduled to play Saturday, Sept. 15, against Paradise Valley in Phoenix.
Pantalione, who entered his 30th season on the sideline for the Roughriders and is the only coach the program has ever had, began 2018 with 620 wins, which is No. 1 all time in junior college history.
In 2006, Pantalione was the first active coach elected to the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame.
A native of Philadelphia and former goalkeeper, Pantalione previously coached soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the University of Montana, Kenyon College in Ohio, Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, and Archbishop Wood High School in Philadelphia.
Pantalione has led the Roughriders to seven national titles and 27 ACCAC championships, recently making it to the NJCAA Final Four in 2017.
Brian M. Bergner Jr. is news/sports editor for The Daily Courier of Prescott News Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and SoundCloud at @NewsSportsNotes. Email bbergner@prescottaz.com or call 928-445-3333, ext. 1106.
- National Weather Service warns of major winter storm approaching Prescott, Prescott Valley area
- UPDATE: Latest prediction is 14 to 23 inches of snow in quad-city area
- Drivers advised to limit travel later this week
- Why are flags at half-staff today, Feb. 9, 2019
- Prescott, Prescott Valley school districts avoid snow day due to holiday; procedures in place for upcoming storms
- Prescott street crews mobilize for expected one-two punch of snow events
- Prescott Police arrest 59-year-old woman for allegedly operating prostitution house
- 4 to 6 inches of snow forecast for greater Prescott area
- Monday's school delays, closures
- Obituary: Sandra Kay Sorenson
- Why are flags at half-staff today, Feb. 9, 2019
- Teenager killed while crossing Spouse Drive in Prescott Valley
- ‘Prescott Valley Fire’ burns about 300 acres north of Highway 89A
- Wind-driven wildfire quickly moving northeast of Prescott
- Prescott home total loss in difficult firefight
- Young Prescott man arrested for sexual assault of teen
- Multiple pedestrians struck by cars in downtown Prescott on Thursday
- Local fire departments frustrated with Life Line response times
- Firefighters battling home fire in Prescott
- Missing 18-year-old found after night in woods
More like this story
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to:
This Week's Circulars
To view money-saving ads...
Community Calendar | ||
---|---|---|
WED
20
|
Prescott Stamp Club meeting,
|
|
WED
20
|
WaterSmart: Drop by Drop
|
|
WED
20
|
Open Office Hours with City Manager
|
|
THU
21
|
Prescott Caregiver Support Group
|
|
THU
21
|
You Too! Mentor
|
|
View More Events...
|
||