Scranton coach Dugan – who recruited many Philly players and ran successful service projects – takes job with Notre Dame

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/27/10
From Press Releases and Staff Reports

Kevin Dugan, head men’s lacrosse coach at the University of Scranton, has notified athletic director Toby Lovecchio of his decision to resign, effective immediately, to accept the newly-created position of director of men’s lacrosse operations at the University of Notre Dame.

In addition, Lovecchio has announced that Tim Marshall, Dugan’s top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the past two seasons, will serve as head coach on an interim basis for the upcoming 2010 season.

Dugan, a 2001 graduate of Notre Dame, led the Royals to 26 wins and three conference post-season tournament appearances, including a berth in the championship game of the Landmark Conference tournament in 2009, over the last three seasons. In 2008, with a roster that included 28 freshmen among its 37 players, Dugan led Scranton to a school-record 12 wins. In addition, Scranton had four players earn all-conference honors that season, the most for the program since 1995.

The Royals have a roster that includes 13 players from Philadelphia schools. Several of those players spoke about Dugan’s commitment to community and international service in an article last month that focused on the “Christmas in Uganda” fundraising project run by Dugan.

Under his tutelage, seven Scranton players have earned all-conference honors, including Kyle Frank, the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year in 2007, while 15 have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom as well as on the playing field.

“I am really excited to be joining the Notre Dame staff, but at the same time, I am definitely not specifically happy or excited about leaving Scranton, I really enjoyed my time here” said Dugan. “The young men on the Scranton team are a mature, confident and determined group and I know they are excited about the opportunity they will have to take full ownership of their success this spring. I have no doubt they are going to be extremely well coached and prepared by Tim Marshall.”

Dugan has also served as ambassador for the sport, providing clinics for coaches and players of all ages not only here in Northeastern Pennsylvania but internationally as well. He founded the non-profit organization, Fields of Growth, which uses lacrosse as a platform to introduce community development projects in Uganda, East Africa. While at Scranton, Dugan became very involved in international social justice issues serving on the University’s Board of Education for Justice and leading students on service trips to El Salvador, Ecuador and Jamaica.

“I am extremely grateful for all that Coach Dugan has done for our men’s lacrosse program, the local communities, our athletic department, and of course the University,” said Lovecchio. “His positive impact on all of these areas has been tremendous. The entire University community has benefited greatly from Kevin’s deep commitment to our University mission and passion for the game of lacrosse. I wish Kevin great success, health and happiness in the life that is ahead of him at The University of Notre Dame.”