ITHACA, N.Y. – Ithaca College's head men's lacrosse coach, Jeff Long, officially announced the addition of Nick Hourigan to his staff for the upcoming 2017 season. Hourigan will begin his work with IC effective immediately.
 
Hourigan joins the Bombers' men's lacrosse program after a one-year stint as the top assistant and recruiting coordinator at Skidmore College. Serving on a new staff under first-year head coach, Tucker Kear, Hourigan had his influence felt in a variety of facets. He did extensive work in creating and implementing both practice and game plans, while he also coordinated film sessions and the Thoroughbreds' strength and conditioning programs. His in-game responsibilities were mostly focused on defense, as he served as defensive coordinator, goalie coach and conducted the program's faceoff strategy.
 
"I'm excited for this opportunity to join Coach Long's staff," Hourigan said. "He has a tremendous track record of success at IC and has built the program into one of the best. I think Ithaca is poised to take the next step and I'm excited to be a part of it."
 
A graduate of Le Moyne College in May of 2015, Hourigan enjoyed a decorated collegiate career as a four-year member of the Dolphins' men's lacrosse team. He played an integral on one of the stingiest defenses in NCAA Division II, as the Dolphins had the lowest goals-against average in the country in three of his four seasons, which included the lowest season average (4.39) in Division II history in 2012.
 
Over the course of his career, he helped lead the Dolphins to two Northeast-10 conference titles, while Le Moyne qualified for the NCAA Division II tournament during all four of his years with the program. The Dolphins advanced to the Division II National Championship Game twice, while they took home the National Title in 2013. Hourigan was named a team captain during his senior season, while he also earned InsideLacrosse Faceoff-Yearbook Preseason All-American honors. He made 58 career appearances, finishing his career with 110 ground balls and 44 caused turnovers.
 
His leadership capabilities were also prevalent off the field, Hourigan was a member of Le Moyne's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Le Moyne Leadership and Enhancement Awareness Program (LEAP).
 
"We are very excited to have Nick come on board with us," Coach Long said. "He brings knowledge, experience, passion, and a fierce competitive nature. He will indeed be a huge asset to the program and a great role model for our student-athletes."
 
With his extensive experience both playing and coaching, Hourigan's focus will be on working with the Bombers' defensemen.
 
"Nick will play a big role in coordinating and executing our defensive strategies," Long continued. "He also will help coordinate our recruiting and be in charge of film breakdown."
 
Hourigan is a native of Clifton Park, N.Y., where he attended Shenendehowa High School. He was a three-year starter and two-time captain on the men's lacrosse team, earning First-Team All-Suburban Council, as well as First-Team honors from both the Troy Record and the Saratogian news outlets during his senior season. Hourigan was also a two-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete.