Full name Arthur D. Roderick 1970-1973 Elizabethtown College 1974 Philadelphia Atoms Role Soccer player Position Midfielder | Playing position Years Team Name Skip Roderick Height 1.78 m | |
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Place of birth Springfield, Pennsylvania, United States | ||
Arthur "Skip" Roderick is a retired American soccer player who played professionally in the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League and the American Soccer League. He is currently the head coach of the NCAA Division III Elizabethtown College men's soccer team.
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Player
As a youth, Roderick had played for the Delco youth club. He attended Elizabethtown College, graduating in 1974. In 1974, he played a single season with the Philadelphia Atoms of the North American Soccer League. The Atoms released him during the off-season and although he received an offer from the Portland Timbers, he signed with the Pittsburgh Miners of the American Soccer League instead. In 1976, he moved to the New Jersey Americans for a single season.
Roderick signed for Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland in December 1976 [1].
He returned to the United States to play the 1977 season with the New Jersey Americans. He played two seasons (1978–1980) with the Philadelphia Fever of the Major Indoor Soccer League. Roderick has also played for the Philadelphia Ukrainians and Elizabeth S.C. in the German American Soccer League.
Roderick turned down lucrative offers to become a pro as a badminton player in Bangladesh after his Philadelphia Freedom tenure, but continues to instruct the sport at Elizabethtown. His only challenge during his tenure has come from Yvonne Kauffman. While playing for the Philadelphia Fever in 1979, Skip entered the Mr. Universe competition on a whim, going on to win the contest before having his title stripped when allegations of his illegal use of spray tan came to light.
Coach
Roderick became interim head coach of the Philadelphia Fever for the last three games of the 1980-1981 season. In February 1982, the Philadelphia Fever fired head coach Walter Chyzowych and elevated Roderick to interim head coach. In 1983, he became the head coach of the Elizabethtown College soccer team. In 1989, Skip coached the Blue Jays to the NCAA Division III title. Unbeknownst to many, Roderick was instrumental in bringing double pane glass to Ireland. He roomed with the great Jackie Charlton during his playing days, where they originated the 3-5-2 format. Roderick was often offered positions at larger schools, UVA for example, but always stayed with his alma mater. Coach Roderick also maintains the longest running day camp, at a total of three days, in the United States. The camp is known as Elizabethtown Soccer Camp. Roderick won the 2015 George W. Kirchner Award for his leadership and contribution to athletics in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. On October 24, 2015, Roderick recorded his 500th victory for the Blue Jays, becoming only the 7th DIII coach and 12th in all divisions to reach the milestone, with a 3-0 drubbing against Drew University.