June 29, 2004

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University Head Men's Lacrosse Coach John Espey has relinquished his position as head coach and will assume a new role within the department of athletics, Director of Athletics Jim Fiore announced today.

The third coach in the program's history, Espey guided Stony Brook from the Division III ranks to the NCAA Division I level. After taking over the program in 1988, he produced six winning seasons and, as a first-year member of the America East in 2002, his squad went 10-7 en route to capturing the America East tournament championship and earning SBU's first-ever NCAA Division I postseason berth.

"I want to thank John for his hard work and dedication on behalf of Stony Brook University and in particular our Men's Lacrosse program," said Fiore. "John has been a very loyal member of the Stony Brook family and we are happy that he will assume new responsibilities within the department of athletics."

The Seawolves posted a 9-6 overall record and a fourth place finish in the America East Conference in 2004. The season ended with a loss to Binghamton University in the America East semifinals. In his 16 years at Stony Brook, Espey compiled a 116-123 mark and has an overall career record of 157-164.

A national search for Espey's successor will begin immediately.