HAMILTON – Colgate Athletics is mourning the passing of John Beyer MA '63, legendary head men's and women's soccer coach at Colgate University.
 
Beyer came to Colgate in 1962 and served as coach of the freshman soccer, basketball, and tennis teams while earning his Master of Arts degree in history and administration. Later, he served as the director of Physical Education in 1973.

"We are saddened in Athletics this week, with the knowledge that one of Colgate's great former coaches, and simply a good soul and mentor to many former students is no longer with us," said Colgate Vice President and Director of Athletics Nicki Moore.
 
"I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Beyer last fall at a soccer game. He had a warm smile and a clear love for this place and for the good that his sport has done in the lives of generations of Colgate student-athletes.
 
"We are fortunate that he will be remembered for years to come as a namesake of our Colgate soccer stadium, and we will strive to continue his legacy in the ways we compete, learn, and strive for excellence every day."
 
A 2011 Colgate Hall of Honor inductee, Beyer was the head men's soccer coach from 1966-1979, leading the team to eight winning seasons, three national rankings, and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1966. He mentored six All-Region student-athletes and one All-American – Barry Small – while posting an 81-66-15 overall record during his men's soccer tenure.
 
"The Colgate community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of John Beyer, former men's soccer coach," said Colgate John W. Beyer head men's soccer coach Erik Ronning. "He was a principled and extraordinarily revered leader of young men and women - a true Colgate treasure who impacted the lives of countless student-athletes, including me, as an educator, coach, mentor, and friend.

"On behalf of Colgate Soccer alumni and alumnae, the Colgate Athletic Department, and Colgate University, we are, and will remain, immensely thankful for his contributions. To state that he will be greatly missed is to understate his abiding influence on scores of students he taught and mentored over decades of service at Colgate. 

"John's enduring legacy will continue to live in our hearts and thoughts, and will always be present on Beyer-Small '76 Field as future soccer players continue to compete at the highest levels and honor his memory."
 
Beyer spearheaded the Colgate Women's Soccer program as the first head coach in program history from 1982-83. He led the team to a 22-10-1 record over his two years at the helm. Combining to achieve over 100 wins as head coach at Colgate, Beyer's all-time record stands at 103-76-16.
 
"The passing of John Beyer may mark the end of an era, but his legacy lives on," said Colgate women's soccer head coach Kathy Brawn.

"His impact on our Raider soccer programs, his student-athletes, co-workers and friends everywhere, was and remains, profound.
 
"John was an athlete, a player's coach, and, in the best way, a tough task master, who genuinely cared about people. Our nearly 30-year friendship included watching and assessing lots of soccer games together, antiquing, and, always, entertaining thought-provoking conversations. John was a friend, mentor, teacher, coach, and so much more." 
 
In 2005, the John W. Beyer Endowed Coach for Men's Soccer was established in his honor. The Raiders' home facility was renamed after Beyer and Small in August, 2014, and still stands today as Beyer-Small '76 Field. 
 
Beyer's and Small's partnership on the field spanned four seasons between 1972 and 1975, forging a lasting relationship that is the hallmark of a great Colgate experience.
 
"John Beyer will forever represent the very best of Colgate, coaching and teaching," Small said. "He inspired me, and so many others, to challenge ourselves to fulfill our potential with humility and respect. 

"John was witty and wise with endless curiosity about ideas and people. Laurie and I will always cherish John because he will always be part of us."

A 1951 graduate of Carroll College, Beyer was captain of the Pioneers' basketball and tennis teams.
 
A memorial service is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9:30 a.m. at the Baptist Church in Hamilton. There will be a brief service to follow at the Colgate cemetery, followed by a repast at the Colgate Inn. In lieu of flowers, Beyer has requested that individuals please consider sending contributions to Colgate's Advancement office to support the John W. Beyer Endowed Coaches Chair. 

Colgate Men's Soccer is also scheduled to host Loyola on Saturday, Oct. 19, with kickoff slated for 2:30 p.m. from Beyer-Small '76 Field. There will be a brief pre-game ceremony honoring Beyer and his long-lasting impact on the Raiders soccer program.