Pro lacrosse: Philly’s Slate is replaced by former Penn standout, coach Stagnitta as Denver Outlaws coach

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/18/11
From Press Releases

The Denver Outlaws have agreed to terms with former Penn standout and Rutgers coach Jim Stagnitta to become the fifth head coach in franchise history, the team announced on Tuesday.

He replaces Philly’s Tom Slate, whose contract expired after the 2011 season. Stagnitta comes to Denver after spending the past 10 years (2002-11) as the head coach at Rutgers University.

“Jim Stagnitta brings more than 30 years of lacrosse coaching experience to the Denver Outlaws,
General Manager Tony Seaman said. “He is someone that I am very comfortable with to lead our team. I have known Jim as a college player and as an assistant coach for me at the University of Pennsylvania. I have admired his outstanding career as the head man at Washington and Lee, as well as at Rutgers. I am very excited to have him with us for the upcoming season.”

Slate, who previously was head coach at Downingtown East and led the Cougars to the state title in 2007, also was formerly coach of the now-defunct San Francisco Dragons. He is a Springfield-Deco grad.

Prior to coaching at Rutgers, Stagnitta was the head coach at Washington and Lee University for 12 seasons (1990-2001) and spent three seasons (1987-89) as an assistant coach at his Alma matter, the University of Pennsylvania. During his collegiate coaching career, Stagnitta has compiled an overall record of 194-124 (.610 pct.) and has led his team to seven NCAA Tournament berths and two Final Fours.

In 2003, Stagnitta was named the NCAA Coach of the Year after leading Rutgers to the largest turnaround in college lacrosse and finishing with a 10-5 record while leading the school a postseason tournament bid for the first time in 12 years.

Under his guidance, Washington and Lee finished with winning records in each of the 12 seasons that he coached the squad and never lost more than five games in a season.

A three-year letterman as a defenseman at the University of Pennsylvania, Stagnitta led the Quakers to two Ivy League Championships, and one NCAA Final Four. He is a former president of the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association and is the owner/operator of MVP Camps.