Wisconsin Soccer Central

John Ziperski, who led Sugar River to its first WIAA state final last spring, was named the National Federation of State High School Associations Central Section Girls Soccer Coach of the Year for the 2015-16 school year, the organization announced.

It was just the second state tournament appearance for the Raiders (24-3-2), and their first in 12 years. They beat Seymour 1-0 in the semifinals for their first state victory before falling to powerhouse Waukesha Catholic Memorial 5-0 in the championship game.

Ziperski, who has recorded a 286-90-38 record in 18 seasons coaching the co-op team with players from Belleville and New Glarus, also was the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association Small Schools Coach of the Year and the Wisconsin State Journal All-Area Coach of the Year for his efforts last season. The NFHS Central Section includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan.

The Raiders are scheduled to kick off their 2017 season April 4 with a non-conference match at DeForest.

• Pete Melloy, who started the New Richmond boys program and led the Tigers to their first state appearance last fall, stepped down in December after 12 seasons. Melloy cited increaed family and work obligations as the reasons for his resignation. New Richmond (19-5-1) lost to Elkhorn 2-1 in the Division 2 semifinals last November in its state debut. Read more in the New Richmond News

Do you know of other prep coaching changes for the 2017 season? Let us know at wisconsinsoccercentral@gmail.com