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A 1934 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, John Eiler was a teacher and soccer coach at Mauch Chunk High School before enlisting in the Navy where he was a pilot in World War II prior to coming to Slippery Rock.
Eiler took over the Slippery Rock soccer program in 1946. Over the next 10 seasons he helped build the foundation of proud tradition and success that the program has become accustomed to over the last 70 years. Eiler guided Slippery Rock to a 53-15-10 record and three conference championships over 10 seasons.
John coached seven student-athletes that have gone on to be enshrined in the Ring of Honor. Additionally, his 53 victories at Slippery Rock are the third most by a head coach in program history.Â
In addition to coaching soccer at Slippery Rock, Eiler also coached gymnastics and track & field in addition to being the Dean of Men and a professor for health and physical education.
Eiler left Slippery Rock to become the head coach at East Stroudsburg University, his alma mater, following the 1955 season. Just as he had done at Slippery Rock, Eiler continued to produce winning teams at East Stroudsburg. He was 77-25-7 over 10 seasons with the Warriors. His crowning achievement at East Stroudsburg was leading his 1962 squad to the NAIA national championship.
He went on to serve as the East Stroudsburg Athletic Director for 18 years before retiring. The East Stroudsburg University football/soccer stadium is named in his honor.
Eiler was voted into the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame in 1994. He died on Aug. 19, 2006 at the age of 93.
Don Walter and 2015 Ring of Honor inductee Frank Vicchy are posthumously inducting John tonight.
