Gilbert adds to Longwood soccer staff

Finn Jurak has been hired as a Longwood men’s soccer assistant coach, head coach Paul Gilbert announced on Thursday.

Jurak, who will mentor the Lancers’ goalkeepers, comes to Farmville following a four-year career from 2020-23 at Oakland. He helped the Golden Grizzlies to the 2021 Horizon League championship and an NCAA tournament berth.

In 33 starts at Oakland, the Canberra, Australia native went 18-11-3 with a 1.50 goals-against average and .692 save percentage with eight shutouts.

“I am so excited to welcome Finn Jurak to the Longwood University men’s soccer staff,” said Gilbert. “Finn is coming off an impressive career at Oakland University where he trained under [former head coach] Eric Pogue. Throughout our search for a goalkeeper coach, I was very impressed with Finn’s positive energy and excitement about moving into a coaching role and sharing his experiences to help develop our goalkeepers here at Longwood.

“I believe that Finn’s vibrant personality and appetite for growth will be a perfect fit amongst our staff and an asset to our program. Please join me in welcoming Finn to Longwood!”

Jurak was twice named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week in 2023, finishing second in the conference in goals-against average (1.22) and tied for second with four clean sheets.

“Cannot wait to get to Longwood,” said Jurak. “Super keen to get started and meet the lads and coaching staff. Exciting things to come!”

Jurak is a 2024 graduate of Oakland with a degree in integrative studies.

Longwood opens the 2024 season – its first under Gilbert and staff – Aug. 10 at Virginia in exhibition action. The regular season begins Aug. 22 at East Tennessee State at 8:30 p.m.

SportsPlus

Editorials

From the Editor’s Desk: What we learn from the Christmas bells

Church & Community

Christmas worship by Candlelight: Calendar for the week of Dec. 21

Local

State Police investigate Union Grove Road accident

Columns

Treasures on the Shelves: The best books of the Christmas season

Church & Community

Mary Simmons: A Psalm helps us remember the love of Jesus

Local

One person dies in Lunenburg hunting accident

Local

‘Keep the town charming’ : Kenbridge expands Christmas program

Education

Lunenburg Schools launch Eagle Awards, chosen by students, staff

Lifestyle Main

Christmas comes to Victoria through Friday’s parade

Local

Wanda Morrison wants to make an impact in Kenbridge

Education

Security funding will help Lunenburg schools pay for upgrades

Business

Kenbridge officials talk about water bills

Lifestyle Main

Geminid meteor shower arrives: Here’s how to watch

Church & Community

A First for St. Luke’s : Lunenburg church becomes Episcopal shrine

Local

Kenbridge Town Council members detail their goals and focus

Education

Central High Chargers enter 2nd round, looking for signature win

Local

Lunenburg County Christmas Parade gets date set

Local

Miyares Makes A Deal: Will decision impact Lunenburg County?

Education

Central High advances, as Chargers beat Greensville County

Local

Luther Cifers plans to run for 10th District State Senate seat

Local

When will Lunenburg County election results be certified?

Lifestyle Main

Virginia Veterans Network launches. How will it aid local residents?

Education

Policy changes take effect at Central High athletic games

Education

Central High makes the list, earns ‘Highest Achievement Award’