RIT Hires Coon to Replace Peluso

from press releases

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Lou Spiotti, RIT Director for the Center for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation has named Jake Coon as the 13th head coach of the Rochester Institute of Technology men's lacrosse program. Coon brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the RIT program.

"We are pleased and proud to be able to attract a coach of Jake's caliber," said Spiotti. "We look forward to working with Jake to build upon our past successes and create a bright future for our men's lacrosse program."

Coon comes to RIT after spending the last five years at UMASS-Amherst as an assistant coach. He served as the second assistant from 2005-06, and the first assistant from 2006 thru 2009.

"I am extremely excited to start this new chapter of my life in Rochester as the new head lacrosse coach at RIT," stated Coon. "I would like to thank Mr. Spiotti and the RIT staff for giving me the opportunity. It is an honor to associate myself with such a prestigious institution, and a lacrosse program with such a rich tradition."

While at UMASS, Coon's responsibilities included recruiting, budgeting, alumni relations, and academic advisement to go along with his on-the-field responsibilities. He helped the Minutemen to a NCAA Division I Tournament appearance in 2009 and a Final Four berth in 2006.

Coon, who takes over for Gene Peluso who resigned in July, is a 2001 graduate of Nazareth College, where he excelled on the field, helping the Golden Flyers to the 1997 NCAA Division III championship. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in social science and a minor in sports management. He was a four-time All-American, two-year captain and a two-time Division III Goalie of the Year selection. He was inducted into the Nazareth College Hall of Fame in 2009.

After graduation, Coon played professionally for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League from 2000-2003. He played for the Rochester Rattlers of the Major League Lacrosse from 2001-2005 and the Boston Cannons from 2005-2009.

"I am looking forward to working with a great staff and group of young men here at RIT, who seem to be focused and driving to be the best student athletes they can be."