Camas boys soccer coach Roland Minder was philosophical about his decision to step down.
“We come kicking and screaming into this world. Then we go away,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just time.”
His players and fans just might be screaming his name in celebration as he exits the program. Minder won 348 matches in his 23 seasons, including three state championships.
Those fans will still get to cheer for him in the fall, though. Minder will remain the head coach of the Camas girls soccer team. In all, the boys and girls programs won five state championships under Minder.
That would have been crazy talk just prior to his arrival. In the four seasons before he took over the boys program, the Papermakers were 9-46-6.
“We were the doormats of Southwest Washington,” he told ClarkCountyToday.com Monday evening.
“I thought the guys deserved better. I knew I’d be willing to work hard enough to make it happen,” he said. “We did, with a lot of help from a lot of people. The program is in great shape.”
The Camas boys went 348-65-26 under Minder, winning state titles in 2006, 2008, and 2011.
“I have a great coaching staff, young assistant coaches,” he said. “Time for me to step back. I have full confidence in the assistants.”
Rory Oster, Camas’ athletic director, said the head coaching position likely will be filled this week.
Today, however, is time to honor the outgoing coach.
“If I was to say everything about Coach Minder, it would be too long,” Oster said. “He’s iconic with Camas High School, Clark County, and soccer in general. We’re sure going to miss him as the head of that program. Totally understand and respect his wishes of wanting to slow down a little bit.”
Minder will remain a teacher at Camas. He teaches German and French.
Macaya tabbed to replace Minder
Oster announced Friday that Camas has hired assistant boys soccer coach Dan Macaya as their new head boys soccer coach.
“I am extremely excited for Coach Macaya’s opportunity to run this program,” Oster said. “He has been a large part of the history and success of this program both as a player and as a coach for the past fifteen years.”
Macaya is a 2003 graduate of Camas High School and played a large role on the 2003 boys’ soccer team that finished as runner-up state champions, and is a member of the Camas High School Hall of Fame. Macaya has been an assistant coach with the Papermaker boys’ soccer program since 2011 and is a teacher at Liberty Middle School in Camas.
“Camas High School boys’ soccer program has the history of an extremely successful program, and other than Coach Minder himself, I cannot think of another individual that has contributed more to that success than Coach Macaya,” Oster said. “He is the absolute perfect fit to keep and build upon the tradition, foundation and values that have been set by his mentor. Papermaker soccer is in great hands.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to coach and mentor the next wave of Camas student-athletes,” Macaya said. “Having been a part of the Camas community since 1994 and in the program for many years now, I believe I’m ready to continue the success and traditions that Coach Minder has worked hard to instill the past 23 years. I’m honored to be the next head coach at Camas High School and know I’ll make the school and community proud, both on and off the pitch.”
Macaya will start his official Camas High School duties next February. He will begin to prepare his staff immediately and will begin planning his transition this summer.
