NEWARK, N.J. — NJIT Men's Lacrosse head coach Eric Wolf has announced a pair of hires to complete his first coaching staff. Joining Highlander Nation alongside Wolf will be assistant coaches Sean Eccles and Jack Kearney, who bring quality experience on different sides of the ball and varying degrees of connection to the America East.

"Our team is in great hands with Sean and Jack. They are hardworking, relatable coaches who are going to put in the time and effort to help develop our team," said Wolf of his new hires.

Eccles comes to NJIT after one season each at Division III SUNY Oswego and Division II Georgian Court. Eccles joined the Lakers' program in June 2021 as Offensive Coordinator in preparation for the 2022 campaign but was elevated to Interim Head Coach and led Oswego to an 8-6 overall record (3-4 SUNYAC) in his first lead role. Oswego produced three SUNYAC All-Conference selections under Eccles: Rookie of the Year Logan Prescott and Second Team honorees Weston Gray, Gavin Elston and Prescott.

"Sean has a tremendous mind for the game and I couldn't be more excited to have him on board. He has all of the qualities that I look for in a coach. He is extremely hard working and exemplifies what it means to be tough and gritty. His playing experience within the America East will prove to be invaluable as well as the wealth of knowledge he has developed throughout his coaching career. I have the utmost confidence in Sean to be a leader within our program," added Wolf.

In his lone season on staff at Georgian Court as Offensive Coordinator, Eccles helped the Lions record an 8-5 record (3-3 CACC), make an appearance in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Semifinals, and earn four All-CACC selections: Austin Geissel (Goalkeeper of the Year; First Team), Luke Bellucci (Defensive Player of the Year; First Team), Tanner Lee (First Team) and P.J. Saracino (Second Team).

On the field, Eccles was drafted 11th overall by the Denver Outlaws in the 2019 Major League Lacrosse Draft after playing at UAlbany four years (83 G, 28 A). Eccles was a two-year captain, two-time All-America East Second Team selection for the Great Danes and was on the 2018 team that advanced to UAlbany's first-ever Final Four.

Eccles graduated from UAlbany in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a minor in Sociology.

Kearney joins NJIT after spending a pair of seasons at newest America East member Bryant (2021-22) and three seasons at Division II Post University (2018-20).

As Bryant's Volunteer Assistant and Goalie Coach, Kearney has a chance to work with all facets of the program while coaching up the Bulldogs' goalkeepers. Kearney's time at Bryant coincided with the program winning the 2021 NEC Championship, playing in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, and reaching two NEC Tournaments. Among the several NEC and New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) award winners Bryant produced over the last two years was goalie Luke Caracciolo (2021 NEC Tourney MVP, First Team All-NEILA), who was coached directly by Kearney.

Kearney got his start in coaching at Post, serving as an assistant and defensive coordinator for the Eagles. He graduated from Post in 2017 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was a four-year starter and four-year captain, and still holds school records for games played and caused turnovers. Kearney is one of two players in program history to earn NEILA All-New England honors.

"Jack is one of the hardest working coaches in the country. He has worked himself up through the coaching ranks and I am thrilled to have him in our program. His work ethic and ability to communicate are really going to resonate with our team. Toughness is something that I am always looking for and Jack embodies that as a person and as a coach," said Wolf.