McLachlan Brings History of Success to Cougar Men’s Soccer Program

Chris McLachlan is a well-known figure in the Westman soccer community and will soon broaden his base as the new coach of the Cougar Men’s Soccer Team.

McLachlan has been a mathematics teacher and soccer coach of the varsity boys’ Plainsman at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School for the last 16 years. With a foundation based on teamwork, accountability and sportsmanship he led the Plainsman to five consecutive Zone 15 titles and Provincial AAAA Soccer Championship appearances, including a bronze medal in 2019. His teams also won the Challenge Cup Soccer Tournament title held in Kenora, ON in 2015, 2017 and 2018. The Plainsman have accumulated an impressive 50-8-1 record in the last five seasons.

McLachlan will be taking on the new challenge as the Cougars men’s soccer coach in his inaugural season in September 2021.

“I’ve coached many players who have excelled at college level and I’m excited to get a chance to coach at a level beyond high school sport,” said McLachlan.

“My success so far has come from creating a culture where the only thing that matters is team success, where players are willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team. Sometimes it’s encouraging a teammate to pull his grades up or playing an unfamiliar position on the field… when everyone buys in, we experience success.” “I hope to be able to establish some consistency with the program and ensure we field a competitive team year after year,” McLachlan continues.

“I try to take an interest in each of my players on and off the field. I’ve found when you establish trust with your players they commit and will be more comfortable sharing and more willing to accept feedback.”

The Cougars have struggled to gain any momentum, winning only a handful of games since the team’s inception in 2013. The team needs the right person at the helm to cultivate success and McLachlan is the man to do it.

“Chris brings passion, a wealth of knowledge of the game and a good understanding of the commitment to academics that’s required,” said Athletics Manager, Lindsay McLaughlin. “We are excited to have Chris lead us into a new era of men’s soccer as our league now joins the Canadian Colleges Athletic Conference and competes for a chance at a national title.”

McLachlan has over 30 years of playing experience (soccer) and has also coached hockey, basketball, track and field and floor hockey. He is grateful to his wife Lindsay, daughter Calista and son Justin for their support in this new endeavor.