RIT men’s hockey Head Coach Wayne Wilson signs contract extension through 2024-25 season
ROCHESTER, NY – RIT Men’s Hockey Head Coach Wayne Wilson signed a contract extension through the 2024-25 season, announced by Lou Spiotti Jr., Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Wilson, who recently wrapped up his 20th season behind the bench at RIT in 2018-19, has an overall record of 366-254-67. He has led the Tigers to three Atlantic Hockey Championships and three NCAA Division I Tournament appearances, including an appearance in the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four.
Wilson is the only head coach to win both the Edward Jeremiah Award (2001 Division III National Coach of the Year) and the Spencer Penrose Award (2010 Division I National Coach of the Year).
“We are thrilled to be able to extend this offer to Wayne, whose contributions, success, track record and legacy has meant so much to our men’s hockey program and the university,” said Spiotti. “We believe in all of the things he has done, going back to Division III and a string of success that is unique to Division I hockey. We are looking forward to working with Wayne and his staff to bring RIT to the forefront at the national level.”
The Tigers have won at least 20 games in a season eight times under Wilson. In 2010, Wilson led the squad to a 28-12-1 record, while making its storied run to the Frozen Four. Since moving to Division I in 2005, RIT has a 194-122-44 record in Atlantic Hockey league play, with four regular season championships and three conference titles (2010, 2015, 2016).
In 2015, RIT knocked off the No. 1 team in the country for the first time, defeating Minnesota State in the NCAA Midwest Regional Semifinal. Last season, RIT finished with 17 victories and advanced to the Atlantic Hockey Tournament Semifinals.
Under Wilson’s tutelage, the Tigers have not only excelled on the ice and in the classroom, but have become active members in the community, with several fundraising initiatives for organizations such as Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, “One Team One Fight”, and Testicular Cancer Foundation of Western New York among others.
Wilson began his tenure as RIT’s head coach in 1999. Prior to RIT moving into Division I, he led the Tigers to three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, including the national championship game in 2001.
“It’s been a great 20 years and I am excited to continue being a part of our program’s future,” said Wilson. “I’m thrilled with how the program has grown and evolved over the last 20 years. I am excited to try and lead our program to more NCAA appearances and another Frozen Four with a great staff in (associate head coach) Brian Hills and (assistant coach) Dave Insalaco. We are looking forward to the challenge.
I believe in the vision of our leadership team from (RIT President) Dr. Munson, (RIT Senior Vice President of Student Affairs) Dr. Sandy Johnson and Lou Spiotti. I am excited to be a part of RIT’s future growth.”
(RIT Photo)
