Submitted by the Oly Town Artesians
The Oly Town Artesians are excited to announce that Ray Finn has been named Head Coach for their inaugural season in the outdoor Evergreen Premier League. Finn took over as head coach of the Artesians indoor side this season and is an assistant men’s soccer coach at The Evergreen State College. In addition, Finn and Oly Town FC have set open tryout dates for March 23, 25 and 26.
“Ray is an excellent fit for our club and has earned our player’s respect over the course of the WISL indoor season,” said Artesians owner Tim Smith. “This team will play at the highest level of any sport in Olympia, so it’s important that we represent our community well. We’ve talked about it a lot, and I know Ray embraces that responsibility.”
Finn took over the reins of the Artesians indoor squad shortly before the season when Jason Gjertsen stepped away from the club and will continue to lead the team outdoors. He will preside over open tryouts on Thursday, March 23rd at Evergreen, Saturday, March 25th at a location to be announced, and Sunday, March 26th back at Evergreen. Tryouts are $20 and pre-registration is encouraged and available on the Artesians website at www.olytownfc.com.
Finn, a native of Lincroft, New Jersey, journeyed to Olympia four years ago, joining the men’s soccer program at Evergreen as an assistant coach. Working under John Purtteman, the Geoducks have posted a 31-13-7 record during his three seasons, reaching the Cascade Collegiate Conference semi-finals twice.
He played club soccer for Rutgers University and for club teams after college and was an avid cyclist, triathlete and runner. He spent two decades managing a private catering operation but a tragic experience with his brother prompted him to make a major life change and return to coaching, first with youth in the Princeton Soccer Association.
During his time with PSA and Advanced Total Soccer Coaching, Finn earned his National, Advanced National and Premier Coaching Badges from the NSCAA and his National Youth License from the USSF. Hungry for more, Ray studied and received his Master’s in Coaching Education from Ohio University and then led Hightstown, New Jersey’s Peddie School to the State Championship match.
Finn and the indoor Artesians travel to Olympic on Saturday night with a playoff spot still on the line. Keep up to date with the Artesians all year long by visiting their website, following them on Twitter at twitter.com/OlyTownFC and liking them on Facebook at FB.com/OlyTownFC.
