MORRISVILLE, N.Y. – SUNY Morrisville athletics director Matt Grawrock has announced the addition of Chris Cooper as head coach of the men's lacrosse program for the Spring 2023 season, following the departure of Jason Longo.
 
"For more than 14 years, Jason was synonymous with Morrisville lacrosse," Grawrock said.
 
"He built a program that is respected in the region and the on-field success is a testament to the time and commitment he gave to the young men, the department, and the institution.
 
"What's even more powerful is the relationships he's built with the members of the team. As I've seen men's lacrosse alumni return, I have witnessed the devotion and loyalty they have for Jason and their fellow teammates.
 
"What he's created here is special and we will have big shoes to fill to continue that momentum on and off the field. I am incredibly grateful for everything he gave to Morrisville Athletics, and we truly wish him the best in his next stop in his career."
 
During Longo's time as head coach on the Mustang sidelines, he guided Morrisville to nine undefeated NEAC / United East regular season records, collected 10 regular season conference titles, seven conference tournament titles, 12-total post-season appearances, five NCAA Division III Championship appearances and was a seven-time Coach of the Year honoree, while registering a 127-64 overall record. Within league play, Longo's squads went 80-5 overall.
 
"With the huge void to fill, we are incredibly fortunate that Chris Cooper was in a position to step in for the spring to help us during this transitional period," Grawrock said.
 
"Chris' background speaks for itself, and we are excited for what he will bring to the program. We have a talented team, and I firmly believe that he can help maintain our positive momentum, and build on it this year."
 
Cooper comes to Morrisville from most recent coaching stints that included Colgate University, Binghamton University and John Carroll.
 
Cooper served as an assistant coach for the Raiders holding responsibilities of Defensive, Offensive and Recruiting Coordinator for three seasons before taking the lead role for nearby Cazenovia College.
 
Prior to Colgate, Cooper was on the sidelines for the Binghamton Bearcats where he assisted the program to a record number of wins in a season and appearance in the America East Tournament Championship finals. During that time he assisted in producing two USILA All-Americans and six All-Conference honorees, including Defensive Player of the Year and America East Coaching Staff of the Year accolades.
 
Cooper spent a year on the sidelines at John Carroll University as head coach, leading the Blue Streaks to a 12-6 overall record, an OAC regular season and tournament Championship and the program's first NCAA tournament appearance. During that time, he coached the OAC Offensive Player of the Year and garnered Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
 
Coopers first taste of Division III lacrosse came during the 2012-13 season as an assistant coach with Denison University. Over the course of two years the Big Red not only set records for consecutive wins and wins in a season (19), they captured the NCAC regular season and championship tournament titles, advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals and were named the NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year. Throughout two seasons Cooper helped Denison to a 32-4 overall record, including 19-1 mark in 2014.
 
Following Denison, Cooper served as a volunteer coach at Princeton University working primarily with the defensive unit, where the Tigers won a share of the Ivy League regular season title and advanced to the tournament championship.
 
Beginning his coaching career at Michigan State, Cooper assisted the Spartans in earning a Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) regular season and tournament title as the team's offensive coordinator, earning National Coaching Staff of the Year honors.
 
The 2013 graduate of Central Michigan University is no stranger to the lacrosse realm, having had international experience as well. Cooper served as the offensive coordinator for the Dutch National Team at the 2012 European Championships.
 
Morrisville begins the preseason January 30, with the season opener scheduled for Wednesday, February 22.
 
SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
 
The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2022 issue and was among the top 10 performers for social mobility, and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2022 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit www.morrisville.edu.