In a Varsity exclusive, John Vidovich, outgoing coach of the men’s soccer team, recently took some time to answer some questions on his decision to leave the club. The following is a transcript of the recent dialogue between this newspaper and the departing coach.

The Varsity: What is the main reason you stepped down as men’s soccer coach? Were you finding the time commitment too demanding?

John Vidovich: Time was definitely the big factor. Given my other responsibilities to family and teaching, I was finding the situation less and less manageable. And since it’s not in my personality to do things half way, whether it’s family or coaching, I decided it was best for everyone for me to make a change.

TV: What do you think you will do with the extra time you will now have?

JV: It’s quite simple really: enjoy time with my son, daughter, and wife. Get myself back into shape. Focus on my teaching. Take my son to his soccer games, my daughter to gymnastics. Read. Except for my duties at Danforth Collegiate, take a break from coaching.

TV: What is your fondest memory or greatest coaching achievement at U of T?

JV: My fondest memory is our beautiful performance in defeating Waterloo 2-1 in our first playoff game in the ill-fated 2003 season. We put on a clinic; we controlled every aspect of the game. It was the best I’ve seen a U of T team play. And it was bitter sweet: that was a team that would have won the National Championship…had it not been for eligibility problem that ensued.

TV: Are you still going to be involved with the university in any way, and will you be involved in the process of finding a new head coach?

JV: I will now become a proud and active member of the Blues Soccer Alumni. I will be very interested in who U of T hires and will be of assistance to the new coach in the transition process, if asked.

TV: Finally, do you have a parting message for U of T and the guys on the teams you helped coach?

JV: I am grateful to Jim Lefkos for giving me the opportunity to join the coaching staff. I would like to thank our assistant coaches from this past season, Robert Rupf and Yuri El Kaim. They brought a great deal of professionalism to the program and have very bright futures as coaches. And finally I would like to remind the players again that there is nothing like being a varsity athlete: enjoy it while you can and give it your all because it will become one of the most special experiences in your life.