Oct. 14, 2009

FRISCO, Texas (SMU) - The late Jim Benedek, SMU's first men's soccer coach, will be inducted into the Texans Walk Of Fame at Pizza Hut Park on Saturday, October 17. The ceremony will take place at 6:20 p.m. before the FC Dallas match against Colorado Rapids that night at Pizza Hut Park.

The Walk of Fame is the facility's largest landmark and is the vision of SMU alumnus and soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt, who established the concept to recognize those who have made significant contributions to soccer in Texas.

Benedek coached the Mustangs for the first nine seasons in which SMU had a team, from 1975-83. During that time, he led SMU to a 129-31-15 record and the first three NCAA Tournament appearances in school history (in 1979, 1980 and 1983).

Under Benedek's guidance, four SMU players earned All-America honors a total of five times, and his .765 winning percentage remains the highest in school history.

As a player, Benedek played for the Houston Stars and Dallas Tornado of the NASL, and earned four caps with the US National Team. Benedek coached at North Lake College in Irving and was a consultant to the US National Team until his passing in March.

Saturday October 17th
5:30pm - VIP Reception in Stadium Club
6:20pm- Ceremony in Soccer Park honoring Jimmy Benedek
7:30pm - Kickoff: FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids (Texans Credit Union hosting post ceremony VIP reception at NE Terrace)