Sept. 6, 2005

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University head football coach Sam Kornhauser will relinquish his duties as head coach at the conclusion of the 2005 season, Director of Athletics Jim Fiore announced today.

The only varsity coach in Stony Brook football history, Kornhauser is entering his 22nd season at the University. He guided the football program through its transition from Division III status to the NCAA Division I-AA level in 1999 and enters the 2005 campaign one win shy of 100 for his career.

"I have had a terrific run at Stony Brook and I am humbled to have witnessed and helped contribute to the development of a competitive football program," said Kornhauser, who informed the team of his decision Monday night after practice. "I will fondly remember Stony Brook football and the relationships I was fortunate to develop with so many of the student-athletes I was privileged to coach. I look forward to making the upcoming season one all of us can be proud of."

"Sam Kornhauser helped build a program based on tremendous relationships with the players he coached, represented the University in a positive manner both on and off the field, and his program carried itself with class throughout his coaching tenure," Fiore said. "I know what a difficult decision it was for Sam to make, especially this close to the start of the season. Sam will always be a big part of the Stony Brook family and we are happy that he will continue to be a part of the University."

"Sam Kornhauser has made enormous contributions to our university and he has served as a role model for our student-athletes and coaches," Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny said. "His legacy will always be a big part of Stony Brook University and our community."

Kornhauser is a four-time Stony Brook Men's Athletics Coach of the Year selection, earning the award after the 1988, 1993, 1996 and 2002 seasons. Kornhauser was honored in 1995 by the Metropolitan Chapter of the Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Football officials with its Metro Award for his undying efforts to the game of college football. He also received the Johnny Vaught Head Coach Award from the All American Football Foundation in 2004.

In his 21 years as head coach, Kornhauser has posted 10 winning seasons and guided Stony Brook to a program-best 8-2 season in 2002. That year saw Stony Brook make its first appearance in The Sports Network I-AA Mid-Major Top 10 Poll and climb to the No. 4 spot by season's end. Since joining the Division I level in 1999, Kornhauser has produced 25 all-conference selections, including the 2001 Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year, 12 mid-major all-america picks and last spring saw one of his players sign an NFL free agent contract.

The Seawolves posted a 3-7 mark in 2004 and a seventh place finish in the Northeast Conference. In his 21 years at Stony Brook, he has compiled an overall record of 99-105-2. Following the season, Kornhauser will remain as an employee within the University.

In addition to his coaching duties he also served as the Men's Athletic Director for three years. A member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) since 1979, he is the past chairman of the District I AFCA All-American committee, served on the AFCA Summer Manual Committee and is presently is on the AFCA Public Relations Committee.

Stony Brook, which this year will be playing 11 games for the first time in school history, opens the season this Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. (September 10th) vs. Bucknell at LaValle Stadium.

A national search for Kornhauser's successor will begin at the conclusion of the 2005 season.