Mar. 27: St. Lawrence University President William L. Fox announced today that Bob Durocher has been named the next Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation. Having served as the University's head coach for men's soccer since 1990 and assistant director of athletics since 2000, Durocher will begin his new duties April 1.

"Our national search led us to the candidate with the best credentials, the strongest experience, and the highest level of esteem that a coach can earn.  Bob Durocher understands the role of athletics in a liberal arts college, he is a superb mentor of student-athletes, he has well-honed financial and organizational skills, and he is proud of his abiding loyalty to St. Lawrence," said President  Fox.
 
Durocher will replace Margie F. Strait, who served in the position from 1997 to January 2015. Durocher will oversee strategic leadership of all sports programs, staff and facilities of the Athletics Department, which includes 83 employees. Additionally, he will serve as chair of the University's sports studies and exercise science minor.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected to build upon the achievements of our department and the University," Durocher said. "We will continue to measure our success by how well we inspire our student-athletes and provide them the best experience possible. I will work hard to uphold the outstanding legacies of the directors who came before me."

Durocher joined St. Lawrence in 1990 as an instructor for exercise physiology and head coach for men's soccer. He led the 1999 team on its 22-0-0 run to win the NCAA Division III national championship. Over the last 25 years, he has steered the team to 17 conference championships, 17 NCAA championship appearances and an overall record of 323 wins, 101 losses and 45 ties.

From 1993 to 2000, Durocher also served as director of the Stafford Fitness Center. In 2000, he was promoted to assistant director of athletics. In this role, he oversaw the administration and management of the Augsbury Physical Education Center and Newell Field House complex.

St. Lawrence University offers 32 intercollegiate athletic teams with approximately 800 men and women, or 31 percent of all undergraduates, participating in varsity athletics. Most teams are NCAA Division III level with the exception of men's and women's ice hockey, which are NCAA Division, I teams. In addition to intercollegiate athletics, the University fields a robust intramural and club sports program as well as fitness and wellness classes.