By Mike Hutchens, Union City Schools Communications Director
Lazzarus Scribner has ascended up the Union City High School soccer ladder in the most traditional way.
Scribner, a three-year starter as a player and then an assistant coach in both the middle and high school, has been named the new head coach of the UCHS program.
The 25-year-old Scribner – who was also a standout quarterback on the football team and graduated from UCHS in 2017 – takes the natural next step within the Twister soccer program in replacing Travis VanHooser.
Van Hooser stepped down at the end of the recently completed 2024 campaign after posting a 7-4-3 record. In three seasons, his teams went 19-17-4 combined.
The new Union City skipper, who is just the third coach in the 12-year history of the program, says he hopes to combine his youth and infectious enthusiasm to help establish the Tornadoes as a consistent winner.
“I want to be a part of putting Union City soccer on the map with the other programs who compete at a high level every year,” he said. “Part of getting there is to help people understand the game and to make it enjoyable for the kids to play and the fans to watch.
“I hope to use my youth as an advantage. I’ll bring a lot of energy, and I believe that will help me connect with our players and build relationships. I think controlled emotion is critical in successful programs, and I believe it can be contagious.
“More than anything, I want to do things the right way.”
During his high school playing days, Scribner shined as a two-sport athlete for the Purple and Gold.
He showcased his versatility on the pitch by playing four positions – midfielder, wing, defender, and goalie. As a signal-caller for the Golden Tornadoes, the speedy quarterback set the program record for most yards rushing in one game by a QB when he rolled up 368 yards and scored four touchdowns in a romp over Trenton during his senior season.
Scribner will teach math full-time in the 2024-25 school year after splitting time as an IT assistant and in the math lab for the past two years.
