Marcus Ziemer Memorial

Marcus Ziemer (1963–2026)

Marcus Ziemer’s soccer roots were deeply embedded in west Sonoma County. His father, Herb, was a founding member of the Sebastopol Soccer League — now Wesco United — the very community where Marcus grew up and fell in love with the beautiful game.

Marcus began his playing career as a youth player in the Sebastopol Soccer League, where he quickly excelled and went on to compete at higher levels throughout Northern California before eventually playing at Sonoma State University. Even in those early days, his passion for teaching the game was unmistakable. He could often be found coaching his younger brothers, helping train their Sebastopol Soccer League teams, and eventually lending his talents to the Analy High School program.

That passion grew into something far greater. Marcus founded the Ziemer Brothers Soccer Camps, which began humbly at Ragle Ranch Park in Sebastopol and expanded to serve players across all of California, ultimately becoming one of the most respected youth soccer camps in the nation.

A former Sonoma State student-athlete who earned two all-conference honors, Marcus transitioned into coaching and was named Head Coach of the Seawolves in 1991. In his very first season, he guided Sonoma State to a national runner-up finish — a remarkable debut that set the tone for what would become one of the most accomplished coaching careers in NCAA Division II men’s soccer. Over 35 years leading the Seawolves program, Marcus brought home eight conference championships and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, establishing himself as one of the most respected figures in collegiate soccer.

Throughout his extraordinary journey — from the fields of Sebastopol to the national stage — Marcus positively shaped the lives of thousands of players, coaches, and soccer families, leaving an enduring mark on the game and on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Wesco United, formerly the Sebastopol Soccer League, is deeply proud to honor Marcus’s legacy by renaming our annual tournament in his memory. Going forward, the Apple Classic will be known as the Marcus Ziemer Memorial Apple Classic.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of one of the most influential, passionate, and lovable personalities in Northern California soccer history. His spirit will live on in every match played by the next generation of young players.

In his memory.