A shuffling of coaches in Division I men?s lacrosse coaches left Johns Hopkins University without one of the brains behind the Blue Jays? potent offensive attack. Hopkins associate head coach Seth Tierney, 37, took the head coaching position at Hofstra University, athletic department officials said yesterday.
Former Hofstra coach John Danowski replaced Mike Pressler at Duke University, who resigned in April following the sexual assault scandal involving several Duke players.
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“We are disappointed to be losing Seth as a member of our staff, but we are excited for him as he moves on to become the head coach at Hofstra University,” Hopkins head coach Dave Pietramala said in a press release. “He has been a big part of the success we have enjoyed here over the last six years, and Hofstra has made an excellent selection.”
The Blue Jays led the nation in scoring offense and extra-man offense under Tierney?s guidance in 2003. That year, the team had six different players score 22 or more goals. In 2004, four players scored 26 or more goals, and nine scored 10 or more in 2005, showcasing Tierney?s emphasis on a balanced attack.
Tierney, who could not be reached for comment, played for Hopkins from 1988 to ?91, helping to take the team to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons and to the championship game in 1989. He also served as captain his senior year.
For Hofstra, Tierney brings a sense of familiarity to the program. He served the Prideas an assistant coach in 1995-2000.
“He has played and coached at the highest level,” Hofstra athletic director Jack Hayes said. “He has played on Long Island. He has recruited for Hofstra. He has what it would take for our program to be nationally competitive.”
Hayes said the future looks even brighter for a program with eight conference championships in Danowski?s 21 years with the team.
“[Tierney] comes with tremendous energy,” Hayes said. “The people who played here during the time that he was an assistant were thrilled to hear that he was coming back.”
The Tierney File
Age: 37
College: Johns Hopkins
Did you know? As a senior, Tierney received Hopkins? Turnbull-Reynolds Award as the player most exemplifying leadership and sportsmanship.
