University of Redlands Coach Ralph Perez, a former Galaxy assistant coach, is a class act.
He (gently) coached me when I participated in a Galaxy fantasy camp for a column.
He is often an analyst on Galaxy radio broadcasts with Joe Tutino.
And he has assumed numerous coaching roles – arguably at more levels than anyone else – over decades of service to the sport.
Now he will receive the 2012 Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual National Soccer Coaches Association of America Foundation-Walt Chyzowych Awards Ceremony Jan. 14 at the 2012 NSCAA Convention in Kansas City, Mo.
I’ve known Perez for a long time now dating back to his tenure with the Galaxy as an assistant coach.
He’s one of the good guys of American soccer: Selfless, dedicated and an ambassador for the sport.
Sister paper the Redlands Daily Facts has more.