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GARY PUCCIO, HEAD COACH (65-55, 5th year) Gary Puccio begins his fifth year at the helm at Briarcliffe College,
and if the first four years are any indication, the Seahawks will receive their fifth straight bid to the USCAA NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIP in 2010.
Puccio, who took over a Briarcliffe baseball team that went 13-29 in 2005, quickly righted the program. The 2006 team started
2-8, but finished strong, winning 14 of their last 17 and receiving a bid to the USCAA National Championships. Once there,
the Seahawks would not be denied, winning the 2006 USCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. In 2007, Puccio led the team to
another bid and a final four appearance. Again in 2008 and 2009 the Seahawks received tournament bids, but once again
failed in their attempt to achieve the top prize. In the 2009 playoffs the Seahawks knocked off Penn College, 12-5 before
falling to eventual national champion St. Catherine's of Kentucky. The skipper also coached his 500th game as a head college coach, losing to Concordia on March 16,2008.
Puccio has amassed 269 wins in his illustrious career. His accomplishments include 6 Coach of the Year awards, including
two at the Division I level when he was the head coach at Manhattan College (1993-1998).
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ENVER LOPEZ, ASSISTANT COACH (7th year) Lopez begins his seventh year as the assistant, and fifth under
Puccio. Now the Seahawk third base coach, Lopez has been instrumental in the success of the program, having worked with outfielders
and hitters. Puccio has called Lopez "the most important ingredient in our success". Lopez was in charge during
the historic 2006 tournament championship run, and receives the most credit for that title. This year Lopez will also take
on more of the daily operations of the program and is expected to serve almost as an Associate Head Coach. Lopez, a
former standout player for Briarcliffe, is the longest running active member of the program.
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KEITH KENNY, ASSISTANT COACH (1st year) Coach Kenny joins the Seahawks coaching staff and his duties include coaching
the infield, catchers, baserunning and strength and conditioning. Coach Kenny attended Iona College in New Rochelle
and then attended Molloy College in Rockville Centre where he graduated with a bachelors degree in history. He also
plans on attaining a degree in education. While at Molloy, Coach Kenny was the captain of the Lions baseball team.
He also is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Long Island Whalers. The Seahawks will definately benefit
from his experience.
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MATT ROCCHIO, BULLPEN COACH (3RD YEAR)
Rocchio begins his third
season as the bullpen coach for the Seahawks. His primary responsibilities revolve around getting both starting pitchers
and relievers ready before entering a ballgame. Rocchio has become quite adept at having pitchers ready for action, confering
with the head coach before games to know the day's "game plan". Matt played for Coach Puccio at Suffolk
West back in 2001. He is married to Rosalba and has a baby girl.
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JUSTIN McKAY, ASSISTANT COACH (2nd year) Justin joined the Seahawk staff
after having served as the captain of the team in 2007 and as a member of the USCAA National Champions in 2006. McKay,
who has always been respected by both the coaching staff and the players, will handle hitting and recruiting for the Seahawks.
Justin received his two year associate degree in Criminal Justice from Briarcliffe.
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