Cornell Men’s Lacrosse Promotes Paul Richards, Adds Matt Kerwick To Coaching Staff

May 21, 2011; Hempstead NY, USA; Cornell Big Red midfielder Doug Tesoriero (16) and Virginia Cavaliers midfielder Garrett Ince (15), battle for a faceoff in the first quarter during the quarterfinal round of 2011 NCAA mens lacrosse tournament at James M. Shuart Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-US PRESSWIRE

ITHACA, N.Y. – Ben DeLuca, the Richard M. Moran Head Coach Of Men’s Lacrosse, has announced that Paul Richards has been named the Mario St. George Boiardi ’04 Assistant Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse, while Matt Kerwick will join the Big Red as an assistant coach for the 2013 season. Kerwick comes to East Hill with 15 years of head coaching experience under his belt and will look to bolster an offensive attack that ranked ninth in the nation a season ago.

“Paul is a rising star in the coaching world, and is very deserving of this honor,” said DeLuca. “His work ethic, passion, knowledge of the game and attention to detail will continue to benefit our program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our coaching staff,” DeLuca added. “Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a former player and coach at various levels of the sport of lacrosse, and we believe he will be a tremendous addition to our program. Everyone affiliated with our program recognizes the value that Matt brings to the table, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to the Cornell Lacrosse Family.”

Kerwick spent last season with Georgetown, working as an associate head coach on Dave Urick’s staff. Kerwick played for Urick at Hobart College, where he was a two-time All-American, won four consecutive Division III national championships, and was named the 1989 NCAA Tournament MVP.

Prior to his time at Georgetown, Kerwick spent two seasons building the program at Jacksonville University, which played its inaugural season at the Division I level in 2010. The Dolphins posted a 6-7 record in their first season, beating nationally-ranked, and 2011 final four participant, Denver for the program’s first win. JU also recorded victories against other established programs such as Rutgers, Providence and Sacred Heart. In 2011, the Dolphins moved from an independent to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and finished the season with a 5-10 overall record and a 3-3 mark in the conference.

Kerwick went to Jacksonville with 13 years of combined head coaching experience at Randolph-Macon, Alfred and his alma mater, Hobart, where he spent seven years.

During his time with the Statesmen, Kerwick led Hobart to the Patriot League championship in 2002 and to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2002, 2004). After winning the conference championship in 2002, he earned Patriot League Coach of the Year honors. Kerwick was also selected as the ECAC Co-Coach of the Year in 2008 after guiding Hobart to an 8-6 record, including a win over No. 15 Loyola (Md.).

Kerwick began his coaching career as the head coach at Randolph-Macon, where he spent three seasons before being named an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania. He revived the program at Randolph-Macon, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 27-14 record, at the time the three most successful seasons in the program’s history.

After one season at Penn, Kerwick took the head coach position at Alfred University and in his three seasons he led the Saxons to the postseason each year, earning a spot in the 1997 NCAA Tournament field, as well as berths in the 1996 and 1998 ECAC Upstate Tournament. Alfred was 25-17 (.595) in his three seasons. Following his 1996 Super Six Lacrosse League Coach of the Year Award, Kerwick was named the 1997 “Babe” Kraus Division III Coach of the Year.

Kerwick moved on from Alfred to Georgetown for his first stint as an assistant coach on the Hoyas’ staff. During his three seasons, Kerwick helped Georgetown amass a 36-9 record and make an appearance in the final four in 1999 before returning to his alma mater as head coach.

Kerwick graduated from Hobart in 1990 with a degree in economics. An all-around athlete, he was also a four-year letter winner on the Statesmen hockey team, serving as captain of both the lacrosse and hockey teams during his senior season. Kerwick finished his career by being named the William C. Stiles Award winner, presented to the Hobart senior student-athlete for leadership, determination and character. Following his collegiate career, he played in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League from 1991 through 1996, earning the Baltimore Thunder’s “Unsung Hero” award twice and was an All- Star selection in 1992.

Kerwick and his wife Mary reside in Ithaca with their two sons, Thomas and Sean.

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