Support Us Button Widget

Celebrating 50 years of Men’s Soccer at the College of Charleston

The College of Charleston’s Men’s Soccer program transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division I status in 1991.

An overhead shot of Patriots Point Soccer Stadium, with the Cooper River in the background.

The team calls Patriots Point Athletics Complex in Mount Pleasant home.

Photo provided by Follywood Productions

For five decades, generations of men donning maroon and white kits have laced up their cleats to represent the College of Charleston on the pitch. This fall, the Cougars men’s soccer team will do the same but with a little more pep in their step as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program.

Led by head coach Keith Wiggans, the team is currently 3-0. Wiggans is in his fifth season leading his alma mater after he was promoted from associate head coach in 2019. He spent 11 seasons serving under the program’s all-time winningest coach, Ralph Lundy. Wiggans also played seven seasons for the Charleston Battery.

Quick facts

  • Transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division I in 1991
  • Trans America Athletic Conference 1991-1997
  • Southern Conference 1998-2012
  • Coastal Athletic Association 2013-Present
  • 95 All-Conference selections
  • 14 All-Region selections

The team calls Patriots Point Soccer Complex home, but before the $6.5 million facility was completed in 2000, the team used to play at Stoney Field and the former MUSC Health Stadium.

Celebrate 50 years of the team and help cheer them on against Jacksonville tomorrow, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. Pro tip: Soccer games are free. During the match, the program will also honor the late Aaron Olitsky, who played for coach Ralph Lundy, and the College of Charleston from 1993 to 1996.

More from CHStoday
These holiday pop-up bars will get you in the festive mood.
CHStoday readers weigh in on the classic Thanksgiving debate of which side dish is the best, plus the proper way to pronounce pecan.
Toadfish Conservation Coalition’s annual fundraiser brings oysters and live music to Bowen’s Island Restaurant.
Use our guide to navigate dozens of holiday events happening from Summerville to IOP and everywhere in between.
The team behind 71 Wentworth aimed to preserve architectural integrity while transforming it into contemporary homes.
Hit the road and head to Savannah — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
Sweeter than Fiction also sells apparel, stickers, tumblers, candles, and stationery from its King Street store.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Charleston?
Get to know a baker who calls Charleston home and prepare to cheer her on the Food Network’s “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” competition.
Get ready to make waves at Riverfront Park.