Former Hobart Soccer Head Coach Wilhelm "Fiffi" (Willi) Steinrotter, who led the Statesmen to an undefeated regular season and the No. 1 ranking heading into the 1992 NCAA tournament, passed away on Monday, April 20. He was 82.
 
Friends and family are invited to call from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at Norton Funeral Home, 45 W. Main St., Sodus, N.Y. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Brantling Ski Slopes, 4015 Fish Farm Rd., Sodus.
 
During 18 seasons at the helm of the Hobart soccer program, Steinrotter posted a 166-130-25 record. From 1981 through the 1999 season, he guided the Statesmen to six postseason berths—five ECAC Upstate Tournament berths and the 1992 NCAA tournament berth. His Hobart teams won ECAC Upstate Championships in 1985 and 1988.
 
"I had the pleasure of playing under Fiffi when he first arrived at Hobart," said Josh Turner '85. "I remember him for his calm yet determined demeanor, his ability to bring out the best in his players and his ever-positive attitude. He always had that sparkle in his eye, and a quick smile to go with it. He was a man of few words, but they were always well meaning, insightful and delivered respectfully. Like so many others, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for him and to call him my friend."
 
The 1992 season was Steinrotter's finest, leading the Statesmen to their best record in school history, which included a 15-0-0 regular season record and an NCAA Tournament bid. It was the first undefeated season in school history and tied the mark for most wins in a season. He was recognized for his achievements, receiving both the Division III National Coach of the Year and the Regional Coach of the Year awards from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He was named Empire Athletic Association Coach of the Year that season as well. In the first round of the program's first NCAA tournament appearance, Hobart tied RIT 1-1, but the Tigers advanced on penalty kicks.
 
"Willi certainly left his mark here at Hobart," said Shawn Griffin, the Thomas B. Poole '61 and Family Head Coach of Hobart Soccer. "Even after being away from the college soccer sidelines for more than 20 years, I still would have people asking about Willi. He made a lasting impression on so many of his players and was certainly loved by everyone. Hobart soccer lost a legend, but his legacy will live on forever."
 
A native of West Germany, Steinrotter moved to Canada in 1962 where he played for the Calgary Kickers. He also was a member of the Canadian National team, which played a number of exhibition games around the world. During the 1973 and 1974 seasons, Steinrotter played for the Rochester Lancers of the North American Soccer League.
 
"Willi was a great guy," said Dave Leahy '01, who played three seasons for Steinrotter. "I loved our trip to his hometown, Bad Wiessee, Germany. I still play soccer with Nick Smith '01, and we constantly yell Coach Willi things at each other during play in our best German accents. His was a life well lived!"
 
Steinrotter is survived by his son, Willi Steinrotter and his wife Jamie (Bennett), and their daughters Emmie and Ava of Potsdam, N.Y.; and by his daughter, Michele (Steinrotter) DiMarzo and her husband Steven, and their daughter Angelina of Pittsford, N.Y. He is also survived by his sister Anneliese; his brother Heine; and many relatives and dear family friends. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Patricia (Pat); his parents Hermann and Maria; and his brothers Hermann and Hans.