Former University of Portland men's soccer head coach Dennis O'Meara passed away on Saturday, February 16 from cardiac arrest, according to reports from friends and family. O'Meara was a strong voice and advocate for soccer both at the University, as well as the greater Portland community.

O'Meara served as head coach of the men's soccer team on The Bluff from 1974-78, transitioning the program from club to NCAA varsity status prior to the 1977 season. He led the Pilots to a remarkable 14-5-1 record in the first season as a varsity program, coming up one win shy of advancing the team to the NCAA playoffs.

O'Meara recruited and coached Pilot Hall of Famer and the program's all-time leading scorer, Jim Tursi, who played for the Pilots from 1977-80 and scored 66 goals with 35 assists. 

In addition to his impact on the men's side, O'Meara was also instrumental in the creation of the first women's soccer club team in 1978.

Portland soccer has gone on to be one of the premier collegiate programs in the nation, and O'Meara was one of the strongest supporters throughout the years. He detailed the remarkable history of soccer on campus in a Portland Magazine story he authored in 2013.

"Dennis was an incredible man who deeply loved Portland soccer," said Pilot men's soccer head coach, Nick Carlin-Voigt. "For decades he loyally supported UP soccer and will be remembered as an architect in the program's storied history." 

O'Meara coordinated the 40th anniversary of men's varsity soccer celebration in the fall of 2017. In front of more 4,385 fans for the team's season-opener, the Pilots recognized 26 players from the 1977 team, including all 11 starters, five assistant coaches and O'Meara prior to kick-off. 
 
"Recently, Dennis become even more involved in the program as he supported our strategic plan," Carlin-Voigt added. "He and his wife Barbara often traveled to both home and away games, always sending notes of encouragement to the team and coaches. He was instrumental in organizing the 40th anniversary of UP men's varsity soccer, which was another program milestone. Everyone associated with Portland soccer has benefited from Dennis' incredible contributions to the program. We wish his family and Barbara all the best during this difficult time. Dennis left a lasting legacy on the program and the players he coached on The Bluff benefited greatly from his guidance." 

O'Meara's ties to the University extended beyond soccer as he was the son of UP graduate Edward (Ed) F. O'Meara ('37). Ed O'Meara was named Outstanding Alumnus in 1963, served as the managing editor for the Oregon Journal newspaper, and was the Catholic Sentinel's long-time book columnist.

In addition to his connections on The Bluff, Dennis O'Meara served as the first public relations director for the Portland Timbers franchise prior to his career as a Wall Street banker.

A Mass of Christian Burial has been set for noon on Thursday, March 14 at Ascension Catholic Church in Portland. The family has asked that donations be made in Dennis' memory to UP Men's Soccer in support of the physical, academic, and personal development of the student athletes in the program at www.giving.up.edu/OMeara. A remembrance is also being planned to coincide with the opening of the men's soccer season in late August.