Longtime Westlake High Soccer Coach Steps Down

WESTLAKE, OH — Longtime Westlake High soccer coach Mike Besu is stepping down, the district announced on Wednesday. He began his career in Westlake in 1987.

Besu leads the boys soccer team. He has won five SWC Championships and took teams to the state semifinals in 1993 and 2004. He was named the SWC Coach of the Year and the Cleveland Plain Dealer Division 1 Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2015. His overall career record as a head coach is 434-124-67.

He also started the girls soccer program at Lake Ridge Academy and served as their head coach for two years, while continuing to coach at Westlake. He has also worked with youth soccer players while running camps at the Westlake Recreation Center. He also runs the Westside Stars Soccer Club.

District officials described Besu's career as "illustrious," adding that he always enjoyed working with students.

"Throughout his career, he was a very endearing coach and an unforgettable character. He was a well-known personality in the soccer community and his demeanor brought smiles and laughter from many who interacted with him," the district said in a statement on Wednesday.

Besu will continue to serve as an educational aide at Westlake High.

The search for Besu's replacement will begin immediately, the district said.