Schooley leaves Air Force for Robert Morris
8/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Hockey
Aug. 21, 2003
Air Force associate head hockey coach Derek Schooley has accepted the head coaching position at Robert Morris University, as announced today by RMU athletic director Dr. Susan Hofacre. Schooley resigned at Air Force after spending four seasons as the assistant coach and one as the associate head coach.
"Air Force is losing a very good assistant coach, but this is a tremendous opportunity for Derek. He did an excellent job here and he and Alicia will be missed," said Air Force Director of Athletics Col. Randall Spetman. "He will always be part of the Falcon Family and we wish them the best in the future."
A native of St. Louis, Mo., Schooley coached the Falcon defense that broke the school record for goals-against average in two of the last four seasons. He has coached the Falcon defense to three of the top five goals-against averages in school history. Along with leading the defense, Schooley assisted with nationwide recruiting efforts.
"I felt Derek was one of the premier assistants in the country and now he has a chance to build his own program," head coach Frank Serratore said. "We lost a good man, but college hockey gained a very knowledgeable, hard-working and enthusiastic head coach."
"What a great opportunity - to be a head coach at the Division I level," Schooley said. "I am very excited to start and build a hockey tradition at Robert Morris University. However, on the downside, I am very sad to leave the Academy. I am thankful to the athletic department for believing in me and giving me the chance to work at such a quality institution. It is very hard to leave the players and the coaching staff that I am so close to. I wouldn't have had this opportunity if it wasn't for the leadership, friendship and mentoring of Frank Serratore."
A new Air Force assistant hockey coach will be named at a later date.
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