Our Story
Six decades of Lock Haven soccer excellence. From Coach Herrmann's first season to a national championship and beyond — the legacy that built a brotherhood.
A Legacy Unfolding
Key moments in the history of Lock Haven soccer and the Olde Boys Soccer Club.
Coach Karl Herrmann Arrives at Lock Haven
Karl Herrmann joins Lock Haven State College as a faculty member in Health Sciences and head men's soccer coach — what was supposed to be a one-year replacement position. It would last 32 years. A graduate of Oberlin College and Penn State, Herrmann would compile a 71-29-16 record and coach three Division I All-Americans, building the foundation for a soccer dynasty in central Pennsylvania.
Herrmann Launches Youth Soccer in Clinton County
Coach Herrmann begins organizing informal Sunday afternoon pickup games on the Lock Haven State College field for local children, including his own son. These casual sessions plant the seed for organized youth soccer in the region, eventually leading to the formation of the West Branch Soccer Club and the establishment of AYSO Region 445 in Lock Haven. Herrmann is now recognized as the founding father of Clinton County youth soccer.
NCAA Division III Championship — First National Title
The Lock Haven Bald Eagles capture their first-ever NCAA national championship, winning the Division III soccer tournament. It marks the beginning of an unprecedented dynasty that would see the program claim three national titles in four years.
Back-to-Back — Second NCAA Division III Title
Lock Haven defends its national championship, winning a second consecutive NCAA Division III soccer title and cementing the program's reputation as one of the premier college soccer programs in the country.
NCAA Division II National Championship — 21-0-0
Now competing at the Division II level, the Lock Haven Bald Eagles complete a perfect 21-0-0 season, defeating Florida International University 1-0 in overtime in Miami to claim the NCAA Division II National Championship. Tim Gagan and Trevor Adair earn All-American honors. Three national titles in four years — a dynasty by any measure.
West Branch Soccer Club Founded
The seeds Coach Herrmann planted in 1975 bear fruit when the West Branch Soccer Club is formally established on February 9, 1984 in Room 108 of Lock Haven Senior High. WBSC affiliates with AYSO and establishes Region 445, bringing organized youth soccer to Clinton County. Former Herrmann player Tom Ellis serves as the club's first vice president.
Coach Herrmann Earns Emeritus Status
After 32 years of service to Lock Haven University, Karl Herrmann earns emeritus status. His legacy extends far beyond his 71-29-16 coaching record — he is inducted into both the Oberlin College Athletic Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to soccer coaching and promotion of the sport.
Olde Boys Soccer Club Established
Lock Haven soccer alumni formally organize the Olde Boys Soccer Club to maintain connections between generations of players and provide ongoing support to the university's soccer programs.
Lock Haven Loses Coach Karl Herrmann
Karl Herrmann passes away on September 20, 2020 at the age of 81. In his honor, the LHU Foundation Board of Directors establishes the endowed Karl Herrmann Foundation Scholarship. The Olde Boys Soccer Club rallies to support the fund, setting an initial goal of $14,000 — a figure that would be exceeded through the generosity of alumni from every era of the program.
Digital Relaunch & Podcast Debut
The Olde Boys Soccer Club launches a revamped digital presence and debuts a podcast to share stories, connect alumni, and grow the club's reach to a new generation.
NCAA Division II
1980
21-0-0
Defeated Florida International University 1-0 (OT)
The Perfect Season
The 1980 Lock Haven Bald Eagles delivered one of the most remarkable seasons in collegiate soccer history. An unblemished 21-0-0 record, capped by a dramatic 1-0 overtime victory against Florida International University in the NCAA Division II National Championship final.
Under Coach Karl Herrmann's leadership, this squad embodied relentless discipline and attacking brilliance that set the standard for every team that followed.
Who We Are
Uniting alumni from every era to support the past, present, and future of Lock Haven soccer.
1965
Year Founded
Coach Karl Herrmann established the Lock Haven State College men's soccer program, laying the foundation for decades of excellence.
Mission
Our Purpose
To unify the financial and intellectual resources of LHU soccer alumni to support the men's and women's soccer programs at the university.
Bald Eagles
Affiliation
Proudly affiliated with Commonwealth University — Lock Haven, competing in the PSAC (NCAA Division II).
Be Part of the Legacy
Whether you played in the 1970s or graduated last year, there's a place for you in the Olde Boys Soccer Club. Join fellow alumni in supporting LHU soccer.