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UD introduces new men's lacrosse coach

Doug Baker
/
UD Photo Services

The University of Delaware has settled on a new men’s lacrosse coach.

 

UD is turning to Harvard associate head coach Ben DeLuca to guide its men’s lacrosse program.

 

 

 

The 42 year DeLuca replaces Bob Schillinglaw who retired at the end of the just completed 2017 season after 42 years as a head coach – 39 in Newark.

 

“I am excited and honored to take over a program from someone like Bob Shillinglaw who has meant so much to this University and to the entire sport of lacrosse," said DeLuca in a statement. "Hard work, integrity, character and a passion for greatness will be the hallmarks of our program. Well done is better than well said, and here at the University of Delaware we believe our actions will speak louder than our words."

 

DeLuca has a strong resume.  He was head coach at his alma mater –Cornell from 2011 to 2013, and led the Big Red to the 2013 NCAA Final Four in 2013. But he was fired there in Nov. 2013 in the wake of a reported hazing incident involving players.   

 

DeLuca then moved to Duke –where he was an assistant for two years –including the Blue Devils’ 2014 championship season – before landing the associate head coach job at Harvard in 2016.

 

DeLuca has also has also worked with the U.S Men’s National team

 

He replaces a Blue Hen legend in Schillinglaw- who coached an NCAA record 653 games and led UD to six NCAA tournament appearances.

 

But Schillinglaw and the Hens have struggled recently. Their 7-8 record this year marked the team’s 6th straight losing season – a trend DeLuca is charged with ending.

Tom Byrne has been a fixture covering news in Delaware for three decades. He joined Delaware Public Media in 2010 as our first news director and has guided the news team ever since. When he's not covering the news, he can be found reading history or pursuing his love of all things athletic.
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