By Jonah Bronstein
Niagara Gazette
June 10, 2009 10:16 pm
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Rob McCoy is no longer the interim head baseball coach at Niagara University. He’s got the job full-time.
Ed McLaughlin, university athletics director, announced Wednesday that McCoy will stay on as the head coach, after guiding the Purple Eagles to a fourth-place finish in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this past season.
“I am extremely thankful to Mr. McLaughlin for this tremendous opportunity. I am looking forward to the challenge of establishing a program of champions both on and off the field,” McCoy said in an e-mail.
McLaughlin said in a statement that McCoy “handled a tremendous challenge during our time of transition and did it with class and integrity.”
McCoy, a Niagara assistant since 2006, became interim coach during preseason practices when Chris Chernisky resigned.
According to multiple sources, Chernisky was forced to resign over an inappropriate video that was found on the university’s computer system. Chernisky is helping to coach the Peninsula (Va.) Pilots in the Coastal Plain League this summer.
After parting ways with 10 different players who were on Niagara’s roster in the fall, McCoy led Niagara to 14-10 record in conference play, and had the team on the verge of a MAAC tournament berth before the Purple Eagles were swept in a season-ending series at Canisius.
Pitcher Michael Kellar was voted first-team all-MAAC, while outfielder Matt Wietlispach was a second-team selection. The Purple Eagles had eight players named to the conference’s all-academic team.
McCoy is also credited with recruiting most of the players who had a role in last season’s success.
“There isn’t a better person deserving of the position than coach McCoy,” pitcher Bill Rafferty said in a statement. “His dedication and knowledge that he shared with the program over the years has been outstanding. He absolutely represents what it truly means to be a Purple Eagle, and as a team, we are looking forward to an even greater year with him at the helm.”
E-mail reporter Jonah Bronstein at jonah.bronstein@niagara-gazette.com
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Photos
James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - Niagara University Purple Eagles Baseball Coach Rob McCoy shouts some encouragement? during a game against the Siena Saints at Sal Maglie Stadium on Saturday.