AVILA INDUCTS FIRST ATHLETIC DIRECTOR INTO THE HALL OF FAME

On September 7, 2008 during the halftime of the 3:00 PM Avila Men's Soccer game versus Briar Cliff, Avila University will induct Scott Royal-Ferris into our Athletics Hall of Fame.

Scott is from Wilmette , Illinois and was a member of 3 consecutive soccer state championships at Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan . He was a 4 year soccer letter winner at Western Michigan University and at the time of his graduation, he was the all time leading scorer. In 1977, Scott was drafted by the Los Angeles Sky Hawks of the American Soccer League.

After 5 years as the Western Michigan University head soccer coach, Scott came to Avila and began his career as the Men's Soccer coach in 1983. Coach Royal-Ferris compiled an impressive 95-24-13 record during his 7 years at Avila . Scott's coaching career has many highlights including: being named NAIA coach of the year in 1987 by the National Soccer Coaches Association with his team winning the District Soccer Championship and competing in the National Tournament, finishing the season ranked 6 th in the nation in 1986, but what Coach Royal-Ferris was most proud of during his time at Avila was the near 100% graduation rate for all of his student/athletes.

In 1984, Scott became Avila 's first Athletic Director. During his tenure he was responsible for many changes in the athletic department including: starting both the baseball and softball programs, establishing the booster club, purchasing the first video equipment, starting the Wall of Fame, overseeing the creation of the Zarda Complex, hiring the first Athletic Trainer and developing the Athletic Training Room from scratch. Scott and Dr. Geer, still currently the Faculty Athletic Representative, did all the eligibility for the student/athletes.all without a secretary and air conditioning!

Scott loved his time at Avila , because of the great people and supporters like Sister Olive Louise, Carol Frevert, Tom Lease and Fred Geer. Coach Royal-Ferris would also like recognize the incredible support from Sister Ann Dominic and Sister Rose Anthony. Both sisters never missed a game for any team while Scott was at Avila .

Currently, Scott is the Director of Sales for Select Brands located in Lenexa , Kansas . He and his wife Julie , an Avila Alumni in the MBA program, live in Kalamazoo , Michigan . They have 5 children, all in attendance today, Jessica, Trevor, Dylan, Michelle, and Ryan. He is currently in his 39 th year of coaching youth soccer and looks forward to playing golf and traveling with his wife after his youngest son goes on to high school sports in the Fall of 2009.

Scott Royal-Ferris' Hall of Fame plaque will be unveiled on the Hall of Fame wall at the conclusion of the September 7th game. Please stop by Mabee Fieldhouse to see this great honor.