(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring Greg Kullman, class of 1999, appeared in Bexley News on May 23, 2007)

Kullman takes over Bexley boys soccer program

By Brian Inglis
Bexley News Sports Reporter

Perhaps no one in the history of the Bexley boys soccer program has personified the rise of the Lions like Greg Kullman. So it's only fitting that the former prep star is taking the reins of his alma mater and is charged with continuing a tradition of excellence on the pitch.

A three-year starter during the Lion surge to prominence in the mid '90s, Kullman has been an assistant for four years, a span during which Bexley has twice captured Division II state championships.

The 1999 Bexley graduate replaces former coach Jim Daugherty, who accepted the same position at Division I program Dublin Coffman.

"This is something I've wanted to do since I began coaching when I was in college," Kullman said. "I worked under great coaches at Bexley in Ron Leach and Jim Daugherty and I have been fortunate in that regard.

"I'm extremely excited for the oportunity to continue the high level of success we've had recently."

Once a ballboy for the Lions in the early '90s, Kullman was a captain and all-district and all-league selection less than a decade later. He led Bexley to three district and league crowns during his career, including the first trip to the state tournament in 1996.

Upon graduation from Bexley, Kullman went on to suit up for Ohio Wesleyan and eventually earned his undergraduate degree at that institution. He's currently pursuing a graduate degree.

Aside from assistant duties for the Lions under Leach and Daugherty, Kullman has been an active part of the Columbus East Soccer Association (CESA), including youth coaching stints and administrative work.

According to Bexley athletics director John Morgan, Kullman is a natural fit to lead his alma mater, both on and off the field.

"Actually, that is one of the things that is exciting about Greg, the fact that he is a former player," Morgan said. "It is really clear that he is genuinely excited that Bexley has been so successful of late. He has a lot of pride in the program and in the community."

In the last year under Daugherty, the Lions went 18-2-2 and advanced to the state tournament for the second straight season before a narrow 1-0 overtime defeat in the semis to Kettering Alter.

Moreover, Bexley captured the Mid-State League Ohio Division crown for the fourth consecutive time, going unbeaten in league matches along the way.

Four years ago, Kullman joined the staff under Leach prior to the 2003 state title run, a feat repeated just two years later under Daugherty. Younger brother Nick Kullman was a member of the first state champs.

Nowadays, former Lion start Mike Price will be Kullman's top assistant. The new head coach figures Bexley will be primed for another assault on its Ohio competitors.

"We have a great group coming back," Kullman said. "Several starters return in key spots, although we will need to find some goal-scorers. But all in all, we have the ingredients to have another tremendous campaign."

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