by Jennifer Decastro
03/08/2020 – In the first home game Friday night the Lady Rams did something pretty special. They took a moment to honor the Union Girls Soccer team. Below is what was read by the announcer:
“Tonight as we gather for our first home game we want to take a moment to honor the girls Union Soccer Team and their coaches. Last month one of their legacy coaches passed away unexpectedly. For 11 years when we faced Union in district games and state playoffs, they were led by Coach Brian Elliott. He will be missed. Coach Brian retired last year with multiple achievements.
After graduating from college, Brian coached at various levels before returning to NSU as an assistant coach and later interim head coach when they won the District 9 Championship for the first time. He later became head coach for the men’s team at ORU and went on to coach at Jenks High School as an assistant coach before beginning his 11 seasons as head coach of the girls’ soccer program at Union High School.
Brian led the Union girls to 11 playoffs and 5 state finals winning 3 consecutive 6A State Championships (2015-2017). Brian’s immense impact is evident in his many honors: National High School Coaches Association’s girls’ soccer coach of the year in 2016 and 2017, World’s metro coach of the year in 2015, East All-State coach (2009 and 2017), and 2012 inductee into the Oklahoma Soccer Association Hall of Fame. Brian was respected amongst his peers and all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.
The card is being presented by our Owasso girls 2020 Seniors and escorted by Owasso Senior Riley DeCastro. Riley had the privilege of playing for Coach Brian Elliot at WSA for the last two years. Included with the card is a donation from the Owasso High School soccer program. This donation will go toward the education fund for Brian’s two children Josh and Avery.
Union, we are sorry for your loss and show all respect to you and your staff during this time”
