ALTOONA, Pa. -- Robert Morris took a step toward the return of men's and women's ice hockey as Derek Schooley was named head coach/director of men's and women's hockey operations Tuesday afternoon.
Schooley is the only head coach the men's program has ever known, taking over the program from its inception in August of 2003. In that time, Schooley has led the program to six tournament championship games and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2014.
"This is another big step in the process of reinstatement of the Robert Morris hockey team," Schooley said in a release. "I look forward to working with hockey alumni, the Robert Morris administration, donors, corporations and the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation toward returning Robert Morris hockey to the pinnacle of their respective conferences."
The hiring of Schooley doesn't mean hockey is back quite yet at Robert Morris, but it gives the university and the athletic department stability that's desperately needed
"Naming Derek as the head coach and director of operations for both teams adds stability as we continue to work with the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation in the goal of reinstating both teams," Robert Morris athletic director Chris King said. "Derek is synonymous with hockey at Robert Morris is well-respected in the Pittsburgh hockey community and beyond.
"Having him in charge of both programs this fall is crucial as we strive for viable solutions and a sustainable financial model to support both programs."
It won't just be a one-man show for Robert Morris and Schooley as it was announced Brianne McLaughlin would assume the role of Special Assistant for Hockey Operations. McLaughlin will continue to aid the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation and Robert Morris in raising funds and working to sustain both programs in the future.
"I'm excited to work more closely with the Robert Morris athletic department in an effort to get these teams back," McLaughlin said. "They mean so much to us and the hockey community, and I'm hopeful we can get them back on the ice.
The university is still looking to raise a total of $1.4 million in immediate contributions and another $1.4 million by December 15.
