Executive Director of Athletics Don Cook has announced that Andy Lausier will take the reins of Sacred Heart wrestling as the program's new head coach.  Lausier served as the Head Assistant Coach at Princeton University for four seasons starting in 2007, where he was a vital part of rebuilding the Tigers.  His resume also includes a four year stretch as the Head Coach at Stevens Tech in which the Ducks made three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament.  Lausier finished his collegiate career at Lycoming College as an All-American with an impressive 121-29 record and three Middle Atlantic Conference titles.

"Andy Lausier brings to Sacred Heart a wealth of coaching experience," commented Cook.  "He has a well-placed grounded perspective as to where wrestling fits in the student-athlete collegiate experience. He prioritizes the collegiate model, that it's a privilege to be a college wrestler, and that a commitment to academics is a top priority."

Lausier aided in Princeton's recent resurgence as the Tigers just completed their most successful season in 23 years.  He is also a distinguished recruiter, putting together a USA Top-25 ranked prospect class at Princeton.  Lausier coached a two-time NCAA qualifier as well as placing a student-athlete on the NWCA All-Academic Team every year.

Lausier was the first head coach in the history of Stevens Tech as he was responsible for the development of the program from its inception in 2003 to 2007.  The Ducks reached the NCAA Tournament in their first three seasons of competition and Lausier was named the Centennial Conference Rookie Coach of the Year.  During his time, Stevens Tech boasted a Centennial Conference Wrestler of the Year, a pair of Scholar All-Americans, and reached seventh in the NWCA All-Academic Team rankings.

Lausier was inducted into the hall of fame of his alma mater as well as the athletic hall of fame at Culver Military Academy.  The Pioneers will look to rebuild under their new head coach as the 2012-13 campaign is set to begin November 4 at Franklin & Marshall.

"Andy's experience and organizational skills will result in creating a system of structure and accountability for our wrestlers that will assure success on the mat and in the classroom," said Cook.