Alumni In The News: Mike Noonan ’79, Brad Tursi ’97
Two Staples soccer alums have recently made the news — for very different accomplishments.
Mike Noonan ’79 was named ACC Coach of the Year. In his 10th year at the Clemson University helm, he led the Tigers this year to the conference final. They begin NCAA tournament play tomorrow (Sunday, November 24) versus the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
Noonan — a state champion at Staples, All-American at Middlebury College, and professional in the US and Sweden afterward — has had an enormously successful college coaching career. He spent 15 years at Brown University, after starting the men’s program at Wheaton College, and moving on to the University of New Hampshire.
Brad Tursi, meanwhile, snagged a Country Music Association Award in Nashville, where he lives now. His band Old Dominion was named Vocal Group of the Year — for the 2nd year in a row.
Tursi plays guitar and writes songs. Their 3rd album was just released, and their single “One Man Band” is climbing up the Billboard Hot 100.
At Staples, Tursi’s 1996 team reached the state final.
Congratulations to both former Wreckers!
Mike Noonan
Brad Tursi
