Chico State men's soccer coach Mike O'Malley has been selected the the Division II coach of the year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

O'Malley led the Wildcats to a 21-5-1 record and a berth in the Division II championship game, where they were beaten 2-1 by Lynn University (Fla.).

"I'm extremely honored and totally blown away at the same time," said O'Malley. "To me this award represents 24 athletes who were willing to set aside their own egos and personal agendas."

"I couldn't have done it without my assistant coach, Larry Nees. He's the best in the business. The players were the ones who made the boat move, we just told them how to put the oars in the water. What a ride."

Chico State set several school records in bouncing back from a 6-13-1 record in 2002. The Wildcats finished the regular season ranked 10th in the country before winning their first four postseason games to reach the title match.