Men’s soccer coach David Holmes deserves, among other things, a pat on the back.

In his 18 years at Western, he’s been running a one-man coaching show. His team is considered, at best, sixth priority among Western’s sports.

It’s unfortunate, but Holmes and company have made the most of the circumstances.

In the past four years, the men’s soccer team has posted a 52-39-2 record. Holmes has also brought in one of the nation’s top recruiting classes this year.

But not without a struggle.

He’s the only coach in the Missouri Valley who doesn’t have an assistant. He hasn’t had one in his 18 years at Western.

Holmes has had to do everything on his own, a task many wouldn’t take on.

In addition to coaching, he does all of the recruiting on his own. Usually, that forces recruiting back until the season ends in November. His competitors start during the season.

And despite that, he still carries on.

Though Western can’t offer him more money to help ease his struggles, we commend him and his team’s efforts on the field.

The next home game is Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. We think everyone should stop by, watch the match and give Holmes a pat on the back.

He deserves it.

This editorial represents the majority opinion of the Herald’s 10-member board of student editors.