After his graduating McCluer, Coach Chris Kenny took his soccer playing talents to Florissant Valley Community College and was awarded All-American Honors in 1981. Transferring to St. Louis University, Chris was awarded with Second Team All-American Honors in 1983 and in 1995 Chris was inducted into the St. Louis University Athletic Hall of Fame. Immediately following SLU, Chris found his way to the Chicago Sting in the NASL and played indoor and outdoor for Chicago.
The Indoor game was then the main stage for Chris. He returned to St. Louis to play Indoor with the St. Louis Steamers for three years, then to Kansas City Comets for one year. Returning to St. Louis, Chris played seven more years with the St. Louis Ambush and the return of the Steamers for one year.
It was around the time that Chris returned to St. Louis that he began playing for local teams, but more important, Chris began his coaching career. In 1991 Chris was the coach of boys at Lafayette and a couple of years later when Marquette opened their doors, it would be a natural fit. Coaching the girls, he has accumulated 26 years under his belt and another 12 years in coaching the boys.
Chris’s demeanor while playing was always let your talents show the way to success. Much the same are his coaching traits. If one watches the way he “talks” to his players in a cool and calm collective manner, you can tell they are listening to every word. He has always been a favorite with the referees since they know if he raises his voice at all to them. They can rest assured that they probably missed the play.
Chris has always been the coach that has his team prepared for any circumstances or conditions. And he knows that on any given day his team will always be in the game.
Chris Kenny
Maureen Dunn daughter of Edward "Ebbie" and Eva Dunn presenting to Chris Kenny, along with Jim Leeker
Chris Kenny and Jim Leeker
PREVIOUS HONOREES: 2019 Chris Kenny 2018 Brian Haddock 2017 “Buzz” Demling 2016 Patrick Turner, 2015 Tim Cashel; 2014 Jeff Robben, 2013 Dan Bokern, 2012 Dick Westbrook, 2011 Bill Daues, 2010 Greg Koeller, 2009 Al Trost , 2008 Tim Walters , 2007 Joe Morgan, 2006 John Mohrmann, 2005 Charlie Martel, 2004 Dave Thurmer, 2003 Maureen McVey, 2002 Dan Hogan, 2001 Chris Werstein, 2000 Ray Beckman, 1999 Ray Stahl , 1998 Mike Gauvain, 1997 Dave Robben, 1996 Vince Nowack, 1995 Glen Mehrhoff, 1994 Nate Wolf, 1993 Tom Holmes, 1992 Greg Vitello, 1991 Terry Michler, 1990 Vince Drake, 1989 Gene Baker, 1988 Mike Villa.
THE HISTORY OF THE JIMMY DUNN AWARD
The Jimmy Dunn Award was originated in 1988 by his son, Edward, to honor his father who was Captain of the Ben Miller Team of 1920 which won the National Open Cup Championship. Jimmy scored the winning goal against Fore River Massachusetts, a team of Portuguese Professionals, to win the game 2-1.
Edward Dunn started playing Soccer at St. Luke’s parish in Richmond Heights in the late 30’s. He learned the game from his father, the great Jimmy Dunn. During his years at CBC High School and Saint Louis University he played baseball and football. Soccer was not available at this time at these schools.
Edward started his coaching career at Saint Louis University High in 1955. He remained there for 38 years, leading the Junior Bills to State titles in 1973 and 1990, and reached the Final 4 many times. He retired after the 1993 season with a record of 592 wins, 197 losses and 104 ties. At that time, he was known as the Coach to have the most wins in the country. Some of the prominent players he coached were Pat McBride and Ty Keough, both All Americans at SLU and Pro Soccer players.
Edward received the Msgr. Jimmy Johnston Award in 1986, the CYC Golden Boot Award in 1995 and was inducted into the CBC Hall of Fame, National Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in 1996 and St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame in 1994.
Edward developed cancer around the year 2000 and he succumbed to the disease on January 10th, 2002. He was 73 years old.