CALDWELL, N.J. – Blase Mantineo, who served as assistant coach at Caldwell University last year, has been named Caldwell's third head men's lacrosse coach and athletics administrator, it was announced today by Mark A. Corino, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Mantineo replaces Alex Lopes, who resigned earlier this month to pursue other opportunities.
In addition to his work on the sidelines for the Cougars in 2022-23, Mantineo coached at Division I NJIT from 2017-2022, starting as a volunteer assistant and ascending to the lead assistant spot in the fall of 2021.
"I see this as a tremendous opportunity to lead a growing program, and I'm grateful to Mr. Corino and the Caldwell athletic department for their faith in my ability," said Mantineo. "I saw so much potential in this team in my role as assistant coach last year, and I'm ready to help us take the next step toward the top of the CACC and Region."
"We are extremely fortunate to have someone with the coaching skill and connections in the lacrosse world that Blase Mantineo possesses, already on our sidelines," said Corino. "It was a natural to promote him to the head men's lacrosse coaching position, with the positive momentum that was built in large part through his efforts last year, and we are confident that with Blase at the helm it will continue in that direction."
Mantineo, a 2017 graduate of Montclair State University, enjoyed a record-setting four-year career as faceoff specialist for the Red Hawks. He earned numerous honors, including being named to the USILA Division III All-America Team (Honorable Mention) twice, First-Team Skyline Conference twice, and the USILA North/South Game. As a senior, Mantineo ranked fourth in the country in faceoff percentage (.723), setting the school's single-season mark, as well as graduating as the school's all-time leader in ground balls, faceoff wins and percentage.
Mantineo also spent a brief time in the training camp of Major League League Lacrosse's Charlotte Hounds after his time at MSU.
In addition to his head coaching responsibilities, Mantineo will have duties as an athletics administrator in various areas of the department.
Mantineo lives in his hometown of Flemington, N.J.
