Rutgers Men's Lacrosse Adds Collins as Assistant Coach
Dec 14 | Men's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Dec. 14, 2012) - Rutgers head men's lacrosse coach Brian Brecht announced Friday that Byron Collins, a former head coach at NCAA Division III power Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J., has been named an assistant coach on his staff. Collins led the Duck program to nine-straight winning seasons from 2001-09, capturing 108 victories during that stretch. His 2004 squad advanced to the NCAA Championship quarterfinals.
Collins helped Stevens Tech to six total NCAA trips, including advancement to the tournament's second round in 2005 and 2006. The 2005 squad finished with a final rank of 10th in the nation. The Ducks captured ECAC Metro Championships in two of his last three seasons (2007, 2009) leading the program.
"We are very excited to welcome Byron and his family back to New Jersey, as well as welcome him to the Rutgers Lacrosse Family," Brecht said. "I have known Byron for over 15 years and have always been impressed with his team's preparedness and ability to execute. He is a tireless recruiter and brings with him many great relationships that he has built here in New Jersey and nationally. He will help us grow and build the Rutgers Lacrosse program as we prepare to enter the Big Ten Conference.
"Byron is also a great teacher of the game and developer of the skills necessary to play at a high level. He will no doubt be an asset to developing and honing the skills of our offensive players."
After his successful stint at Stevens, Collins moved to the Division I ranks at Penn State, serving as an assistant coach for the 2010 season. Before his appointment "On the Banks", Collins led Detroit Country Day of Beverly Hills, Mich., to consecutive Division Two State Championship appearances from 2011-12, capturing the state crown in 2011.
"My family and I are both grateful and excited for the opportunity offered by Coach Brecht to be a part of the Rutgers Lacrosse Family, as well as the surrounding community," Collins said. "Being a New Jersey native, I had the great fortune to grow up attending Rutgers lacrosse games. I am ready to help this program build into the future, and I am certainly excited to help the team prepare for the upcoming season."
Collins steps in for former RU standout player and assistant coach Keith Cromwell, who is pursuing opportunities in business.
Prior to his head appointment at Stevens Tech, Collins worked as associate head coach for the Ducks for the 1999 season. He led Greensboro College (N.C.) during the 1998 season after coaching three seasons (1995-97) at Roanoke College (Va.).
Collins graduated from Whittier College in 1993 with a degree in Business Administration. As a standout midfielder, he helped the Poets to three-straight West Coast Lacrosse League Championships. Collins has additionally served several national committees during his career, including the NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Advisory Committee and USILA All-America Committee.
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Collins Collegiate Coaching Breakdown (* head coach)
Year School Record Finish/Ranking
1995 Roanoke College (Va.) 12-3 Final Ranking: 9
1996 Roanoke College (Va.) 11-4 NCAA Championship Quarterfinals / Final Ranking: 7
1997 Roanoke College (Va.) 11-3 NCAA Championship Quarterfinals / Final Ranking: 6
1998 Greensboro College (N.C.)* 9-4 Final Ranking: 19
1999 Stevens Institute of Technology 7-6
2000 Stevens Institute of Technology* 3-11
2001 Stevens Institute of Technology* 12-4 NCAA Championship First Round
2002 Stevens Institute of Technology* 10-5 NCAA Championship First Round
2003 Stevens Institute of Technology* 10-6 NCAA Championship First Round
2004 Stevens Institute of Technology* 13-3 NCAA Championship Quarterfinals / Final Ranking: 19
2005 Stevens Institute of Technology* 13-4 NCAA Championship Second Round / Final Ranking: 10
2006 Stevens Institute of Technology* 14-4 NCAA Championship Second Round / Final Ranking: 13
2007 Stevens Institute of Technology* 16-4 ECAC Metro Champions / Final Ranking: 15
2008 Stevens Institute of Technology* 8-6 Final Ranking: 24
2009 Stevens Institute of Technology* 12-6 ECAC Metro Champions / Final Ranking: 23
2010 Penn State 2-11
Head Coaching Career Record: 120-57
Career Total: 163-84
