Jim Curtin Signs, Big Cliff Returns, Steven Okert Dazzles
Jim Curtin Signs With IPZ
Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union Head Coach and two-time Major League Soccer Coach of the Year, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today.
The former 2004 MLS All-Star played more than 170 games in Major League Soccer (MLS) before transitioning into coaching, taking the Head Coaching position of his hometown Philadelphia Union in 2014. Under Curtin’s leadership the Philadelphia Union have become one of the top clubs in Major League Soccer.
Curtin, in his ninth year with the Union, is currently one of the longest tenured coaches in MLS. Curtin is one of the most respected coaches in North America and was named MLS Coach of the year in 2020 and 2022, becoming the youngest two-time recipient of the honor and fifth coach overall in league history to win the award multiple times.
“I’m excited to join IPZ”, said Curtin. “IPZ has worked with top brands and businesses across all industries and their experience and reputation is second to none. I’m excited to begin our long-term partnership”.
“Through college and professional soccer as a player…and now as the coach of the Philadelphia Union, Jim has been respected by teammates, players and management,” said Robert Zito, IPZ managing partner. “He’s an amazing family man who will be an asset for brands, especially in the Philadelphia area. We’re thrilled to welcome Jim to the IPZ family.”
Cliff Omoruyi Decides To Return To Rutgers
Rutgers star center Cliff Omoruyi announced this week that he withdrew his name from the NBA draft pool and will return to Rutgers for the 2023-24 basketball season. The All-Big Ten center showed his love for Rutgers on social media via his Instagram post, “Last Go Round”.
Cliff’s commitment to family and love for Rutgers shines through in his statement: “I’ve built a legacy at Rutgers. Coach Pikiell has a vision for this program to compete for a national championship next season and I believe in his vision. I plan to fulfill my promise to my mom to finish what I started and graduate with a college degree. I am excited for what’s to come! Rutgers Nation, Are You Ready?!”
Cliff returns to Rutgers after he posted a career year averaging 13.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and was named to the Associated Press All-Big Ten Second team. His return will make Rutgers a contender for the top 4 of the Big Ten Conference.
Steven Okert gets Second Win of the Season
Last Wednesday was an enjoyable night in Miami for Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins. The Marlins deployed their star reliever Steven Okert in the top of the 9th as his team trailed 1-0.
Okert struck out the side and his teammates pushed across two runs in the bottom of the 9th for the walk-off win, handing Okert his second win of the season. Okert now, through 21 games played and 18.1 innings pitched holds a steady 1.96 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and has only allowed 5 hits on his way to a flawless 2-0 record.
The Marlins and Okert kick off a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics Tuesday as they begin their push into the All-Star break. They currently sit in an NL Wild Card spot with a 29-28 record.
