ST. LOUIS, Mo. – This morning the American Midwest Conference announced the 2021 Hall of Fame class. Dennis Currier, who served as the Harris-Stowe State University men's soccer coach from 1992-2000, was announced as one of just two members to be inducted into the conference Hall of Fame. Currier joins Valerie Beeson as the only other Harris-Stowe State University representative in the AMC Hall of Fame.
"On behalf of all the student-athletes who allowed me to ride on their shoulders, I'd like to thank the board of the American Midwest Conference Hall of Fame for the privilege of being inducted in the 2021 class." Said Currier. "I am honored and humbled to be a part of this distinguished group. Special thanks to Mr. Velten, Dr. Henry Givens Jr., Scott Hartwig and Ms. Beeson who were all so instrumental in this wonderful journey. Finally, I would like to thank my parents and family who have all supported me while I pursue my dreams of being a college soccer coach. Harris-Stowe will always hold a special place in my heart."
Currier had a fantastic career at Harris-Stowe compiling an overall record of 134-50-29 in nine seasons at the helm. His 134 career wins is the most all time in the history of the program. He led the Hornets to AMC regular season titles in 1996, 1997 and 1999, while earning AMC Coach of of the Year honors in 1996 and 1997. In addition to the regular season titles, Currier also led the team to AMC Tournament Championships in 1997 and 1999 and was named the Midwest Region Coach of the Year in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
"From the beginning, Dennis displayed all the characteristics of an outstanding coach." Said former Harris-Stowe Athletic Director, James Velten. "He was above all a clear communicator and one who players would follow. Both his ability to communicate and passion for soccer was most effective in recruiting players. Young men believed in Dennis and wanted to play for him."
Perhaps the most successful years in Curriers tenure at Harris-Stowe came between 1996 and 2000. Currier led the Hornets to a 54-0-1 home record over the course of that time while being ranked in every NAIA Top 25 poll throughout the four seasons. The team finished in 10th place in the 1998 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships and followed that up with a quarterfinal appearance the next season. Currier's final season was his most successful as he led the team to the number one seed in the NAIA National Championships and a third-place finish. For his efforts, Currier was named an NSCAA/Adidas National Coach of the Year Finalist in 1999 and 2000.
During his time at Harris-Stowe, Currier coached 51 all-conference honorees, 26 All-Midwest Region players, and 16 NAIA All-Americans. In addition, 56 of his players were named scholar-athletes while 39 were named academic all-conference.
"I am so very proud of Dennis." Said AMC Eligibility Chair and longtime Harris-Stowe employee, Valerie Beeson. "Dennis' contributions to Harris-Stowe and to the AMC stem from one guiding principle: his commitment to student-athletes. He worked tirelessly to make sure they did what was required on them in the classroom, preparing for games, and on the field."
Following his departure from Harris-Stowe, Currier spent the next four seasons at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, where he compiled an overall record of 62-15-7. He then went on to coach at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, where he has been since 2005. He is currently the Flyers all-time wins leader with 152 wins in 15 seasons and has led them to three A-10 titles.
