With just two games left on the District 8-5A boys soccer calendar, it appears this run through district play will be the last in the career of Plano Senior boys soccer head coach Bob Weir.

The longtime coach of the Wildcats plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2012 season, capping one of the most storied coaching careers in the state's high school soccer history.

"I think over the last few years," Weir said, "it had been a situation where the work and the stress of being outside in the weather and all the things that come with this, I just figured it's time that maybe somebody else comes in and works with these kids.

"... I just think you know when it's that time."

Weir is currently in the midst of his 35th season at Plano. During that span, he has captured a Texas-record six state championships, claiming titles in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2000 and 2009.

"I've talked with my wife and family and that's just the way it was," Weir said. "We've decided this will be my last year and after that, I don't know yet. I know I'll stay busy and do something."

Weir notified his players of the news Tuesday night following the Wildcats' 2-1 victory over Lewisville. Currently, Plano (6-2-4, 16 points) is locked into a three-way tie for first place in 8-5A alongside Flower Mound Marcus and Allen as the Wildcats eye their second straight district title.

"I think they're excited and I want the kids to accomplish their goals too," Weir said. "We've been working real hard so I think they want to do the best they can. We're in a big race to get into the playoffs right now so I'm hoping we can focus on that and not so much on my retirement.

"When the season's over, we'll worry about that."

Those same players were on hand for the Jan. 27 non-district matchup against Richardson, a 3-0 shutout during which Weir won the 500th game of his career. Weir currently sits at 507-163-97 overall.

Below is the story detailing Weir's 500th career victory, originally published in the Feb. 2 edition of the Plano Star Courier.

Milestone: Weir celebrates 500th career victory

BY Matt Welch, mwelch@starlocalnews.com

When Plano Senior boys soccer head coach Bob Weir came on board to helm the Wildcats for the 1978 season, he was just glad to have a job.

It was an ideal situation and a system that fit the Weir, then in his mid-20s.

"I didn't have any focus for how long I'd be here," he said. "I just felt that as long as I enjoyed it and they'd keep me here, I'd go as long as I could."

To say Weir's gotten plenty out of his time coaching Plano would be an understatement, and that was no more evident than Friday night when he enjoyed not just a 3-0 shutout of Richardson, but the 500th win of his career.

"It wasn't something that I ever thought I'd achieve or a goal I had set," Weir said. "I felt things like winning 300 or 400 were tremendous, but I wasn't sure if I would be around for 500. The kids have worked really hard for this program and we've had some successful years as of late that helped get toward this mark."

In the midst of his 35th year coaching the Wildcats, Weir has built up a resume that holds up among the state's best. Currently sitting at 501-161-93, Weir has guided the Wildcats to a Texas-record six state championships. The most recent title came in 2009, a campaign that also netted Weir the National Soccer Coach of the Year from the National Federation of State High School Associations.

"It certainly is a coaching milestone," said Diane Davey, Plano girls soccer head coach. "[Weir has] put in an enormous amount of time with his players, not just from a soccer aspect but encouraging them athletically and encouraging them to have good citizenship and sportsmanship.

"He's the complete package from a coaching perspective and it's been a good road to travel with him."

Since joining Plano, Weir has endured just two losing seasons -- 1981 and 2001--while raking in a bevy of district and postseason accolades.

He's also helped produce some standout talent along the way.

"[Weir] was a unique coach in that he was laid back but still able to instill a sense of urgency in us," said Dillon Powers, Notre Dame junior and Plano alum. "A lot of coaches are guilty of trying to over-manage or influence their players. Coach Weir is one who really gave us a lot of freedom. I always tell people how valuable my high school experience was and a big reason for that is coach Weir.

"I am very happy for him."

Powers, the 2008-09 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year, was on hand for Weir's last state title and a member of the 2007 Plano squad that celebrated Weir's 400th win -- a 3-1 victory over Lake Highlands.

Weir's first crack at 500 came Jan. 21 in what would be a 2-2 tie with Garland Naaman Forest. Attempt No. 2 was dashed due to inclement weather. Sitting on 499 for a week, Weir and the Wildcats took to the field from Eagle-Mustang Stadium Friday for a tussle with Richardson. Weir noted Plano had as many fans present as Richardson did and spectators were holding paws with 500 inscribed.

Of course, there was still a game to play.

"Richardson actually dominated the ball for the first 15 minutes," Weir said. "They worked the ball around real well, but we were able to send the ball forward and get a couple breaks going."

Junior Steven Cypert and senior Ramon Gallegos accounted for first-half goals and a 2-0 lead before junior Jessey Hein converted for the insurance goal late in the match. Once the clock reached 80 minutes and the win was official, Weir emphasized staying humble in playing on the road, but the excitement was certainly there among his players and spectators.

Thanking the fans and taking pictures with a 500 sign in commemoration of the victory, Weir was spared a celebratory Gatorade shower.

"It was a cold night and since we were playing away, we just brought our water bottles over," he said. "We had six water bottles on hand and we figured that would just enough. I've had the Gatorade bath before and that stuff sticks. I didn't have a change of clothes either, so I was pretty pleased that we didn't have any around."

It was back to business with Monday's 2-1 victory over Boyd capping non-district play and all sights turned toward Friday's District 8-5A opener against Allen, set for 7:45 p.m. at Clark Stadium.

Now 60 years old, the thought of where Weir's win total may end isn't even on the radar at the moment, although 600 seems a bit dicey.

"I think I'll be gone by then," he said. "If that ever happens, I think I'll be in the wheelchair rolling out."

Regardless, Weir's journey is still being written and as the accolades continue to pile up, the coach is simply content enjoying what has been a joyous ride over the years.

"It's been more than you could ever write down and the script on that has just worked out so well," Weir said. "There have been ups and downs, but there are so many good things that have happened and it's been such a great situation."

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