“He’s a consummate professional,” Midland Park athletic director Pat Clark said. “He’s someone who comes in with a very clearly defined practice plan with what they are going to do and what they are going to work on. And very even-keeled.”
A ‘Year’ to remember
Yearing is only the second girls soccer coach in Bergen County history to reach the milestone. Former Ramapo coach Paul Heenehan leads the county and the state, with 747 wins.
In some ways, the record book is symbolic. The two men who stand on top would often stand feet apart as division rivals in the Big North Freedom.
“He was extremely prepared,” Heenehan said. “Very current with systems of play and defensive organization. (Ridgewood) was always a much improved team by the end of the season.”
Yearing built a legendary career at Ridgewood, winning 15 league titles, four sectional titles and two county championships over 31 seasons. But it looked like that career was all but over when Yearing resigned after the 2017 season. He had to deal with a serious medical battle from cancer to a collapsed lung to atrial fibrillation.
“For three years I was in full remission and then I had a relapse,” Yearing said. “So I’ve been on an oral chemo now monthly for three years. My doctors just say keep doing what you’re doing. It’s going great.”
Getting back in the game
Yearing laughs that he needed to have a long conversation with his wife, Barbara, before getting back into coaching. He eased his way in as an assistant at Indian Hills and the experience gave him the confidence to go for more.
“I’m never pleased with what I do,” Yearing said. “I’m always a perfectionist. I think a good coach is never satisfied with the learning process. I’m always looking to learn from anybody.”
Still, the program he stepped into at Midland Park was much different than the one he nurtured for more than three decades. He went from a place that routinely had 80 to 90 players to a one that’s often in the teens.
While some could see it as a humbling transition, Yearing said he is fortunate to get the position at the Group 1 school. He describes last year as one of the best experiences of his career, even though it culminated with one win in 19 games.
“I’m trying to create that atmosphere now and these kids are starting to believe in themselves a little bit,” Yearing said. “That’s good. It’s all part of the process. If I’m the package that can deliver that, then I’m happy to do that as an educator.”
This year, the Panthers are young – only three of their 16 players are upperclassmen – but the wins have come more plentiful. Tuesday was the third straight victory for Midland Park (5-6) and the outcome was never in doubt.
The Panthers put four shots in the back of the net in the first 15 minutes with goals from Alexa Hermanns, Samantha Weston, Samantha Tuozzo and Valentina Vitetta. Tuozzo, whose mom played for Yearing at Ridgewood, buried another goal late in the half.
Yearing pauses during a post-game interview while his players pass by on the way off the field. The perfectionist is ready for the next lesson.
“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Yearing said. “Same time. Same station.”
