Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/23/21
The Saint Joseph’s University men’s lacrosse program has announced the addition of Patrick O’Donoghue (Ursinus) to the Hawks’ coaching staff as a volunteer assistant, 10th-year head coach Taylor Wray announced on Friday afternoon.
O’Donoghue was a four-year long stick midfielder and close defenseman at Division III Ursinus College from 2013-16 and will work primarily with SJU’s defensive personnel and face-off men while coordinating the Hawks’ scout team offense and scout team extra man unit. He will also assist with film break down, scouting, and logistical operations.
“We are thrilled to have Patrick join our staff for the 2021 season,” said Wray. “He is an enthusiastic and energetic coach who fits in well with the culture of our program. A former team captain and All-Conference defenseman, Patrick knows the work it takes to compete and win at the college level.”
“I am truly honored to represent the rich history and culture of Saint Joseph’s,” said O’Donoghue. “I have quickly realized the presence of family this team has through its fans, parents, alumni, and current players. All in, I look forward to adding more championship mentality to this team. As I join the SJU staff with Coach Wray, Coach [Mike] Horowitz, and Coach [Scott] Meehan, I am amazed by the wealth of knowledge and passion these coaches bring to the game. I can’t wait to add to that energy!”
O’Donoghue currently works at NXT Sports as a Sales Associate for Boys Events, where he is responsible for directing tournaments and events in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest area. He owns extensive coaching experience at the club level as he is in his third year as the head coach for the NXT Lacrosse Club 2027 squad and previously coached for the New Jersey-based Red and Black Elite Lacrosse Club for four years.
A 2016 graduate of Ursinus College, O’Donoghue led the Bears to the program’s first-ever Centennial Conference Championship appearance in 2015… and repeated the feat as a captain in 2016. O’Donoghue was an integral part of the squad’s defensive unit in 2015 as Ursinus made its first-ever National Tournament appearance, defeating Cabrini in the First Round to advance to the Sweet 16.
A two-time All-Conference selection as a long stick midfielder during his junior season and close defenseman during his senior season, O’Donoghue finished his career with 147 ground balls and 53 caused turnovers to go with 10 points (9g, 1a) in 64 appearances. He holds the program record for caused turnovers in a season (31 in 2016) and went on to earn an invitation to the North/South All-Star Game as a senior.
A native of Hunterdon County, N.J. and product of Hunterdon Central Regional High School, O’Donoghue earned All-County honors and was tabbed the squad’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2012. He led the Red Devils to back-to-back state championship appearances in 2011 and 2012, playing alongside former SJU defenseman Shane Taggert (SJU ’17, Hunterdon Central ’13).
O’Donoghue replaces Mike Rastivo ’17, who served as the Hawks’ volunteer assistant coach for the 2020 season and accepted a full-time position as an assistant coach at LIU back in September.
“I’m so happy for Mike to be joining the DI coaching ranks in his first full-time position,” said Wray of Rastivo, who starred on Hawk Hill from 2014-18. “Obviously, I’m sad to see him leave. I would have loved to have had him with us for another year, but that’s what happens with quality coaches, they get hired.
“LIU is getting a great young coach and an even better man. He will make an immediate impact on their program. Mike is a great leader and a great teacher, and he eats, breathes, and sleeps the game. The LIU lacrosse program and the LIU community have made a terrific addition.”
“I am so thankful for Saint Joseph’s allowing me to begin my coaching career at a place that is so special to me,” said Rastivo. “One of the main reasons I wanted to become a coach was because of Coach Wray and Coach [Dan] Keating. Having the opportunity to learn from them, as well as Coach Horowitz and Coach Meehan has provided me with lessons I can bring with me to Long Island University as I continue my career.”