Salisbury, MD -- Salisbury State will offer a softball alternative to March Madness this week as the Sea Gulls host a two-day, 12-team tournament beginning on Friday. The Sea Gull Invitational field features four teams ranked in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association preseason poll, including three teams in the top 10.

SSU, ranked sixth in the nation, brings a 7-3 overall into the tournament following a doubleheader split at second-ranked Rowan on Tuesday. Rowan is one of three top 10 teams playing in the Sea Gull Invitational.

"This is certainly one of the strongest fields in any tournament on the East Coast this season," said SSU Head Coach Margie Knight. "There are 12 outstanding teams representing two geographic regions."

All tournament games will be played at the Wicomico County Complex located on Naylor Mill Road. The tournament's 12-team field is divided into three pools of four teams each. Friday's schedule features a round-robin within each pool, with games played concurrently on three fields. The top two round-robin finishers from each pool advance into Saturday's championship bracket. The bottom two from each pool will play in a consolation bracket.

"We're fortunate to have a facility like this to utilize," said Knight. "In other tournaments, teams are spaced out in two or three different locations. By having one location, the teams and fans can watch all the games at one time. We also have three sponsors, Townsends, Rommel's Ace Home Center, and Don's Bella Donna Restaurant, who are providing great support. We certainly appreciate their contributions."

In addition to Salisbury State and Rowan, other nationally-ranked teams participating include #7 Bethany and #14 Chowan.

The Sea Gulls begin play on Friday at 9 a.m. against Moravian. SSU will also play Western Maryland and Bethany in Friday's round-robin action.

"We have a chance to win this tournament, but we need to be more consistent with our bats than we've been so far, and we'll need some clutch hits," said Knight.

Cooke, from East Windsor, NJ/Notre Dame HS, averaged 14.6 ppg for the Sea Gulls this year while starting all 26 games. In addition, she led the CAC and ranked second in the nation in assists with 7.9/game. Cooke finished with 205 assists this season, four shy of Salisbury State's single-season record. The 5'5" junior also finished among the conference leaders in three-point field goal percentage (35.3%) and steals (3.0/game). Cooke also added her name to the Sea Gull recordbook by tying the single-game assist mark with 15 against Catholic on December 3.

Latour, from Bricktown, NJ/St. Rose HS, finished as SSU's leading scorer with an average of 15.6 ppg. She started alongside Cooke in SSU's final 19 games of the season, after missing the first seven games while recovering from a preseason knee injury. Latour also finished with the team's highest three-point field goal percentage (41.4) and was second in the conference in free throw percentage at 83.5% (86-103). Latour earns all-conference honors for the second straight season. She was a member of the all-CAC first team as a freshman last year.

Salisbury State finished 14-12 overall and advanced to the semifinals of the CAC Tournament.

Robinson led the Sea Gulls in both scoring and rebounding this season, finishing with averages of 17.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg. He also led the team in steals, with 71, and field goal percentage, at 52.3%. Robinson was Salisbury State's leading scorer in 12 of 25 games, and leading rebounder 10 times. The 5'10" guard also established a new single-game personal best of 29 points in two games, including SSU's season finale at St. Mary's on February 23.

A two-year letterwinner at Salisbury State after transferring from Howard (Md) CC, Robinson finished his Sea Gull career with 871 points scored in two seasons and a career average of 15.6 ppg. He also tallied 124 steals, finishing 15th all-time in SSU history.

Robinson played in all 25 games for SSU this season, starting 15. Salisbury State finished 11-14 overall.

SALISBURY, MD -- Salisbury State is ranked sixth in the nation in the NCAA Division III softball preseason poll, released on February 19. The poll is voted on by members of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The Sea Gulls open the 1998 season at home on March 9 against St. Joseph's (ME).

Salisbury State is coming off a 33-14 campaign last season, and advanced to the final game of the Atlantic Regionals. SSU finished one game shy of earning its first-ever trip to the Division III World Series, and finished ranked sixth in the final national ranking. The Sea Gulls were champions of the Capital Athletic Conference, finishing unbeaten during the CAC regular season and postseason tournament.

SSU, led by second-year Head Coach Margie Knight, returns 11 letterwinners from last year's squad, including six of eight starting non-pitchers.

SSU's schedule features seven games against opponents ranked in the preseason top 25, including matchups against number two Rowan, number four Cortland State, number seven Bethany and 10th ranked Montclair State.

The NFCA Preseason Top 10
(including last year's record)

1-Simpson (IA).....39-7
2-Wheaton (MA)..45-7
(t)Rowan (NJ)......35-5
4-Cortland St (NY)..30-14
5-Central (IA)......35-12
6-Salisbury State..33-14
7-Bethany (WV)...34-11
8-Alma (MI).........33-9
9-Wisc-Oshkosh...23-16
10-Montclair State..38-11

Fortunately for Disbennett, there are plenty of "old" faces back this spring as he inherits a veteran ballclub that has won 20 or more games in each of the past three seasons. The Sea Gulls return 12 lettermen and six of eight everyday players from last year's 23-15 squad.

"I'm excited about this season and we have some high goals," said Disbennett. "With the squad we have and the seniors we return, we're capable of reaching those goals."

A closer look at the 1998 Sea Gulls, by position:

Pitching
The top three returning starters from last year combined for a 10-2 record, with all three registering ERAs of 3.35 or lower. Junior Chris Barulic enjoyed a breakthrough season, emerging as one of the top righthanders in the Capital Athletic Conference and earning the team's MVP award. Barulic posted a 5-1 record and finished with a team-leading 42 strikeouts in 48 innings.

Senior Jeff Wilson (3-1, 3.16 ERA) and sophomore Jason Baynard (2-0, 1.09) will join Barulic to form the nucleus of the starting rotation. Wilson, a hard thrower with good location, had the second best strikeout-to-walk ratio on the squad in 1997. Baynard finished with a team's lowest earned run average.

Behind these three, the Gulls will be counting on several transfers and freshman to provide further mound help. Junior transfer Matt Leviton may emerge as the fourth starter. The lefthander has Division I experience at South Carolina and Kent State. Two other transfers, junior Mike Ruck and sophomore Cory Huston, may also provide immmediate help.The freshman hurlers include Doug Batten, Michael Bostian, Jon Riker and Dan Warner.

"I feel good about our three returning pitchers," said Disbennett. "The newcomers have lots of talent and potential, but they're untested. We'll see how they perform in game situations. We need the freshman to step up and fill the holes."

Infield
Four of five starters return around the infield, led by all-South Region and all-CAC third baseman Dave Westervelt. A three-year starter, the senior led the club with eight home runs and 36 RBI last year while hitting .340. He was also the team leader in hits (50) and runs scored (36) while placing second in doubles (10).

Seniors Jeff Purgason and Chris Lloyd are steady and experienced players in the middle infield. 2B Purgason was limited to just 20 games last year due to injury, but hopes to reclaim the form he displayed in 1996, when he hit .309. Lloyd established himself as the everyday shortstop last year, providing good range in addition to a .321 batting average. He is the projected starter again in 1998.

Sophomore Tim Hilyard (.260) will likely share some of the duties at shortstop. Sophomore transfer Danny Payne will serve as the primary backup at second base.

Junior Brian Burden (.231) has shared the starting job at first base in his first two seasons, and will have a chance to fill the role fulltime this year. Freshman Bobby Hamel is the top backup at both corner infield positions.

Senior Chris Vaccaro split duty behind the plate last season and will be the everyday catcher this spring. Vaccaro led the team with a .378 batting average and .648 slugging percentage in 1997 while seeing action in 22 games.

Senior Cable Miller, a first team all-CAC selectee at DH, returns to that role again in 1998. Miller hit .328 last spring with a team-high 12 doubles. He may also spell Vaccaro on occasion behind the plate.

"I feel good about this group heading into the season," said Disbennett. "It's a veteran infield and a good defensive infield. We have good depth at all the positions, with Westervelt probably among the best players in the conference. They should do a great job."

Outfield
The Gulls lost two of three starters from last year, including first team all-CAC performer Matt Criscimagna, but have a number of players ready to fill the void. Sophomore Dane Schriver (.247) is the top returner, and will patrol centerfield. The speedy Schriver will also serve as the team's leadoff hitter.

Junior Matt Morraye, who missed virtually the entire 97 season due to injury, returns as the projected starter in left field.

Senior Tom Rey (.305) moves from the infield to the outfield and will likely occupy right field. Two newcomers, sophomore John Harrison and freshman Jay Bilbrough, will also see action.

"We have good athletes in the outfield," said Disbennett. "I'm confident that they will all field well and make some plays for us. If we can also get some offensive production from them, we'll be in real good shape."

Overview
"I'm extremely optimistic about the season," said Disbennett. "We've got a great staff that's very enthusiastic, and I think that energy has trickled down to the players. Our seniors also have some big expectations, and we'll have great leadership from them this year.

"Our biggest question mark heading into the season is with the pitching. I believe we have talent on the staff, it's just untested at this point.

"The attitude of the team, as a whole, is outstanding. These guys really care about each other, and I think that will show itself in game situations."

FREDERICKSBURG, VA -- The Salisbury State men's and women's swim teams closed the 1997-98 season with some standout performances and record times as both squads enjoyed best-ever finishes in the Capital Athletic Conference Championships last weekend. The Sea Gull women placed fourth among eight competing schools, while the men finished fourth among seven.

"Our teams certainly met the expectations I had for them," said third-year Head Coach Jill Stephenson. "I think our men's finish may have been a surprise, but we had several people slip into the scoring that we didn't anticipate."

The two Sea Gull squads combined for 13 new school records, and also had two swimmers earn individual CAC championships, a first for the SSU programs. Senior Chris Bembenek actually earned two titles, winning both the 100 and 200-yard backstroke events. Bembenek's record-setting times in both events have also earned provisional spots for next month's NCAA Division III National Championship Meet. Bembenek also finished second in the 200 butterfly.

"Chris swam very well," said Stephenson. "He had season-best times in all three events. It will be interesting to see where he goes from here."

On the women's side, freshman Alison Calcaterra was conference champion in the 100-yard freestyle, setting new SSU and CAC records with a time of 53.99 seconds. Like Bembenek, she has met the provisional qualifying time in the event for the NCAA Championship Meet. Freshman Rebecca Mitchell also met the NCAA provisional qualifying time in the 200 freestyle, finishing second in the event with an SSU record 1:57.37.

"We didn't think Alison could win the 100 free as a freshman," said Stephenson. "That's a big accomplishment."

Other individual standouts for the men included senior Doug Lloyd, who had career-best times in three events, and sophomore Dan Hutton, who finished with a school-record time of 4:46.09 in the 400 individual medley.

In addition to Calcaterra and Mitchell, top female performers included sophomore Teresa Piekarski, who placed third in the 100 breaststroke, and junior Ali Dispenzieri, who contributed on two record relay teams.

Final team standings:
(Men)
Mary Washington 505 pts
Catholic 470
St. Mary's 347
Salisbury State 182
York 173
Marymount 168
Goucher 89

(Women)
Mary Washington 549 pts
Catholic 423
St. Mary's 279
Salisbury State 254
Marymount 209
Goucher 109
Gallaudet 84
York 72

Coming off a 5-5 regular season, the Sea Gull women have a realistic shot at their highest championship finish ever. The Sea Gulls may not have the depth to challenge favorites Catholic and Mary Washington, but Head Coach Jill Stephenson believes her squad could finish as high as third place in the eight team event. The top twelve finishers in individual events score points towards their team's total, while the top eight teams in relay events generate points.

"I think it'll probably come down to Salisbury and St. Mary's for third place," said Stephenson.

Two freshmen, Alison Calcaterra and Rebecca Mitchell, will have a large say in how the Gulls fare. Calcaterra enters the championship meet as the CAC's top seed in both the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyles, and is the third seed in the 200 free. Mitchell is seeded second in both the 100 and 200 free, and fourth in the 50 free.

"We're definitely counting on big points from both of them," said Stephenson. "Our hope is that by having them stacked in the same events, we'll shut some other teams out of the top spots."

Other top contenders for the Sea Gull women include junior Jen Herzig in the 100 and 200 breaststroke; freshman Heather Faron in the 100 and 200 backstroke; and sophomore Teresa Piekarski in three events: the 200 individual medley, the 100 breaststroke and the 100 freestyle.

"When you get eight teams in one pool, the energy level is higher than any time during the season," said Stephenson, now in her third year at SSU. "It's a completely different atmosphere, but we've got some real good competitors. I think we'll do well."

As he has done most of the season, senior Chris Bembenek will once again lead the charge for the SSU men, who finished 2-6 in the regular season. Bembenek enters the championship meet as the number one seed in both the 100 and 200 backstroke, and the number two seed in the 200 butterfly.

"Chris is about a full second ahead of his closest competitor in the 100, and about five seconds ahead in the 200," explained Stephenson. "He will help us in the point total."

Sophomore Mike Nusbaum is also among the top candidates in the 500 freestyle and the 400 individual medley. Additional scoring could come from sophomore Dan Hutton in the 400 individual medley, sophomore Aaron Talasnik in the 100 and 200 backstrokes, and junior Jeff Waltz in the 50 freestyle.

"Other than Chris, one of the keys for our men will be our performance in the relay events," said Stephenson.

Westervelt, Salisbury's starting third baseman, hit .340 last year with eight home runs and 36 RBI in 38 games. He received several postseason honors, including first team all-Capital Athletic Conference; honorable mention all-South Region; and first team all-district academic team. Westervelt was also honored earlier this month by the Delmarva Shorebirds as the Eastern Shore's Collegiate Baseball Player of the Year.

Miller, the team's designated hitter, finished with a .328 average last spring, including a team-leading 12 doubles. He also added one home run and 19 RBI. He was a first team all-conference selectee as DH in 1997.

Salisbury State, which finished 23-15 overall last year, begins the 1998 season on February 21 at home against Shenandoah (VA) University.

Any discussion of the premier lacrosse programs at the NCAA Division III level always includes Salisbury State University. With a track record that includes nine straight NCAA Tournament appearances, two national championships (1994 and 1995), and five consecutive seasons with a number one ranking, how could the Sea Gulls be omitted?

Therefore, as the 1998 season begins, it comes as no surprise that Salisbury State is once again one of the nation's elite squads. The Sea Gulls, coming off a 12-2 campaign last year, have been tabbed third in Face-Off Magazine's national preseason poll.

Last year, SSU lost six starters, including five all-Americans, from one of the most dominate squads ever, and still compiled an 11-game winning streak. SSU was ranked number one in the national poll before losing in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament.

This year, the Gulls face the loss of eight starters, but Head Coach Jim Berkman feels the talent pool is still full enough to carry SSU successfully through one of the program's most challenging schedules ever. A closer look at the 1998 team, by position:

ATTACK
The offensive unit is regarded as one of the team's biggest strengths heading into the season. Five key veterans will spearhead a deep and experienced attack, with all likely to see ample playing time. Junior Peter Troup, an honorable mention all-American last year, is the top returning scorer. He tallied 33 goals and 14 assists to finish second on the squad with 47 total points. He is joined by senior Scott Walstrum (13g-8a), juniors Brian Smith (16g-6a) and Chris Fowler (8g-4a), and sophomore Joe High (7g-6a). In all, the Sea Gulls return nine of their top 12 scorers from the 1997 squad that averaged 16.5 goals/game.

"The guys we have on attack are all very good players," said Berkman. "They play together very well, and they all worked hard in the offseason. They're good shooters, but they also move the ball well. We'll definitely be able to score some goals again this year."

MIDFIELD
The return of seven veterans and the addition of at least three newcomers who should contribute right away provides Berkman with quality depth in the middle of the field. Senior Mike Faith, who tallied 16 goals and a team-high 23 assists last year, is a College Lacrosse USA preseason all-America candidate. Senior Erik Andersen, who missed most of last season with a hand injury, has the ability to be one of the top midfielders in the nation.

Three other seniors provide the combination of midfield speed and athleticism that propells SSU's fast-paced style. Nate Desimone (22g-5a), Kevin Geberth (8g-3a) and Brian Harvey (5g-2a) are joined by junior Josh Tidwell (5g-9a) and sophomore Paul Trentadue (1g-1a) to form a very solid nucleus of returnees at midfield.

Berkman is also counting on three newcomers who should add additional firepower to the unit. Senior David Livingston, a transfer from the University of Maryland, provides added speed and ability. Two other transfers, senior Craig McKenzie and sophomore Chris Turner, should also be immediate contributors.

"We've got a lot of good athletes in the midfield," said Berkman. "There's a lot of speed and depth on the unit."

DEFENSE
The area with the most question marks entering the season is the backline. The Gulls, who finished third in the nation last year in fewest goals allowed with 6.6/game, lost all three starters and five of its top six players at the position. Several newcomers will need to emerge as Berkman rebuilds the unit.

Three transfers offer the most immediate promise: Darren Geraci, from Framingdale (NY) JC, Tony Werner, from Limestone College, and Hirbod Azmi, from Suffern (NY) JC. Senior Brendan Gale can also play on close defense, or may serve as one of the team's long-pole midfielders. Freshman Jarod Lieberman will also see action.

"Individually, these guys all have good talent," said Berkman. "What we need is for them to play together and to know what to do in our system."

GOALIE
Berkman will use the preseason to determine who will emerge as the number one goalie. Following the graduation of last year's starter, Anthony Tufano, Berkman points to two players, sophomore John Dodson and junior transfer Jason Tarnow, as the leading contenders for the starting nod.

"We have two very good keepers who can both get the job done," said Berkman. "We'll let them battle it out through the preseason, but regardless of who starts, we feel solid at the position."

OVERVIEW
"There's lots of returning talent on this year's team, especially on attack and at midfield," said Berkman. "This is a team that will be able to score. There's no question that we begin the year with some inexperience on defense. How quickly the defense matures and comes together will ultimately determine how far we go this season. We certainly have enough talent that on any given day, we can beat anybody in the country."

SSU Lacrosse in the 90s
1990 11-4 NCAA Semifinalists
1991 15-1 NCAA Finalists
1992 12-2 NCAA Quarterfinalists
1993 13-1 NCAA Quarterfinalists
1994 16-0 NCAA National Champions
1995 17-0 NCAA National Champions
1996 14-1 NCAA Semifinalists
1997 12-2 NCAA Quarterfinalists

SALISBURY, MD -- Salisbury State University's men's and women's basketball coaches could both post significant personal victories within four days if all goes according to plan on Saturday. Both Sea Gull teams visit Goucher in a day-night doubleheader, with the women's game scheduled for 2 p.m. and the men set for an 8 p.m. tip-off.

Women's coach Bridget Benshetler has already set the table. Now in her eighth year with the Sea Gulls, Benshetler notched her 100th career victory on Tuesday with an 80-69 win at the College of Notre Dame. Her team recognized her achievement by presenting her with a commemorative game ball prior to Thursday's home game against Gallaudet.

Meanwhile, men's coach Ward Lambert is in position to record his 400th career victory on Saturday. Now in his 28th season at SSU, Lambert would become the 17th active Division III coach to reach the 400-win plateau, and just the 23rd all-time.

Lambert already ranks as the second winningest coach, in any sport, in Salisbury State history. He trails only Deane Deshon, who retired in 1997 as SSU's baseball coach with 553 diamond victories plus another 35 wins during his tenure as the basketball coach prior to Lambert's arrival in 1970.

Salisbury takes a 6-5 overall record and 2-1 Capital Athletic Conference mark into Saturday's game.The Gulls provided Lambert with victory number 399 on Wednesday with a 103-83 win at home over Gallaudet. Goucher is 8-4 overall and 2-0 in the CAC.

The SSU women (5-7, 2-1) hope to rebound from a 94-81 loss to Gallaudet on Thursday. Benshetler's squad is in the midst of a five-games-in-nine-days stretch that continues with a visit to Wesley on Monday and a trip to Marymount next Wednesday.

While its almost impossible to condense a full-year's highlights and achievements into a meager list of 10, we've decided to try it anyway. With apologies to David Letterman, Mr. Blackwell and all others who have refined the art of the top-10 ranking, here are SSU's year-end highlights, in descending order, for 1997:

10) Football team becomes charter member of Atlantic Central Football Conference (Nov.17)
Begins ACFC play in 1998, ending 26 years of independent, non-conference status.

9) Senior Stacie Gado finishes 3rd in the nation in the javelin (May 23)
Throw of 144 '0" earns Gado all-America track honors for the second time in three years.

8) Women's Lacrosse hits number two in the national poll (March 25)
SSU receives highest-ever ranking in team history.

7) Tennis partners Doug Neagle and Nathan Bell earn dual all-America honors (May 21)
Both advance to singles round of 16 in NCAA Tournament; advance to final four as doubles duo.

6) Men's Lacrosse climbs to number one in the national poll (May 5)
Sea Gulls claim top ranking in final regular season poll for the fifth straight year.

5) Sea Gulls place 25th in national Sears Directors Cup standings. (June 17)
SSU finishes among top eight percent in ranking of nearly 400 NCAA Division III schools.

4) Softball advances to Atlantic Region finals by defeating nation's #2 and #3 ranked teams (May 11)
Gulls finish one-game away from College World Series; end year with #6 national ranking.

3) Baseball Coach Deane Deshon retires after 34 seasons (May 10)
6-4 win over Maryville caps career after 553 wins, 1,011 games coached.

2) Field Hockey upsets the College of New Jersey (Oct. 19)
1-0 victory snaps 48-game home win streak; propels Gulls to number one ranking in national poll.

1) Men's Basketball advances to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight (March 15)
Sea Gulls finish 25-6 overall and five points shy of first-ever Final Four appearance.

Two members of this year's squad were recognized on the all-conference team, with senior outside hitter Sandy Palasek named to the first team and junior outisde hitter jen O'Neill named to the second team.

Palasek enjoyed a standout season for the Gulls, finishing as the team leader in kills, with 414, total attacks, 1081, and digs, 367. In addition, her 414 kills set a new SSU single-season record. She also joined the prestigious 30-kill club on September 26 by establishing new team records with 30 kills and 62 attempts in a match against Richard Stockton. Palasek, who also owns the SSU records for digs in a match and digs in a season, was named team MVP in 1997.

O'Neill earned second team all-conference honors while finishing second on the squad in kills, 249, total attempts, 724, digs, 241, and blocks, 87. In addition, she led the team and finished sixth in the conference in ervice aces with 68.

The Sea Gulls finished 5-2 during the conference's round-robin regular season, tied for second place. SSU defeated defending CAC champion Gallaudet, 3-1, and 97 regular season leader Mary Washington, 3-0, in the first two rounds of the conference tournament before falling to York in the CAC Championship Match.

Other highlights from the 1997 season included winning the championship of the Sea Gull Classic; a third-place finish in the Washington College Tournament; and a second-place finish in the silver-medal bracket of the Western Maryland Invitational.

Women's Soccer - Senior back Nicole Urban-Ingley (Salisbury/Parkside HS)...A four-yearstarter, she was the anchor of this year's defense and earned first team all-region honors.

Men's Cross Country - Sophomore Max Snavlin (Westminster, MD/Westminster HS)...Wins the award for the second straight year after finishing as the team's top runner in seven of eight meets.

Women's Cross Country - Sophomore Kerri Bowers (Salisbury/Parkside HS)...Like Snavlin, Bowers also wins the award for the second straight season. She won two races, including the Capital Athletic Conference championship, and paced SSU in seven of eight events.

Football Offense - Senior RB Mac James (Ft.Washington, MD/Friendly HS)...Started all nine games and led the team in rushing, with 761 yards, and touchdowns, with four.

Football Defense - Senior FS Travis Royall (Forestville, MD/Largo HS)...A four-year starter who led the team in tackles, with 71, and interceptions, with four, while earning all-region honors.

Men's Soccer - Senior back Lou Petrovia (Baltimore/Sparrows Point HS)...An all-conference defender who keyed a defense that allowed just 22 goals in 20 games this year.

Volleyball - Senior outside hitter Sandy Palasek (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial HS)...A first team all-conference selectee who led the Gulls in kills, with 414, and digs, with 367, this year.

Field Hockey - Senior goalie Kristin Archer (Pylesville, MD/North Harford HS)...A second team all-American this year, she set SSU records for shutouts in a season, with 14, and a career, with 30.

Cheerleaders - Senior Tricia Beatty (Millville, NJ)...A four-year member of the squad and the team captain, she earns the award for the second straight year.

Coffman's number "32" becomes the second lacrosse jersey and just the fourth in any sport at Salisbury State to be retired.

Coffman, who played at SSU from 1993-96, concluded his career as the all-time scoring leader in college lacrosse at any level, finishing with 249 goals, 202 assists and 451 total points. He was the first player in NCAA Division III history to earn first team all-America honors four times.

In addition, Coffman was the USILA's Division III Player of the Year in both 1994 and 1995, as well as the Attackman of the Year in 1994, 1995, and 1996.

Coffman led the Sea Gulls to the national championship with undefeated seasons in both 1994 and 1995, and completed his four-year career with a 53-0 record in regular season games. Including postseason games, SSU compiled a 60-2 overall record during Coffman's four seasons. He holds virtually every SSU scoring record, including goals, assists and points in a season and in a career, as well as single-game records for assists and points.

"This is a fitting honor for someone who has taken Salisbury State lacrosse to another level," said Head Coach Jim Berkman. "He was a tremendous player who knew how to score. His statistical accomplishments will probably never be repeated. They're beyond comprehension."

After leaving SSU, Coffman, a native of Carthage, NY, served as an assistant lacrosse coach for one season at Cornell (NY) University. He is now in his first year as an assistant at St. Lawrence (NY) University.

"This honor is something very special for me," said Coffman. "I played with a lot of great players at Salisbury, and I'm proud of what we accomplished. I think about the fact that we won two national championships at a school that had never won it before. The records we had as a team were amazing. We used to beat people by 15 or 20 goals."

Coffman says he is enjoying the transition to the coaching side of the sport, and remains active as a player with club ball and some tournament action during the summers.

"I love to coach," said Coffman. "I love being around the athletes and the sport."