ITHACA, N.Y. – John Wallace, a long-time contributor to the Ithaca College Athletic Department, has announced his retirement after 21 years of service to Bomber programs in a number of capacities.

Most recently, Wallace was the Athletics Operations and Facilities Assistant, a position he held for the last 20 years. In this role, he was the equipment manager for Ithaca College football, baseball, lacrosse and outdoor track & field programs and worked out of the Ceracche Athletic Center. He became the first certified athletics equipment manager at Ithaca through the certification program of the Athletics Equipment Manager Association.

"I consider myself extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Ithaca College's outstanding coaches and administrators," Wallace said. "I am especially honored to have shared in the experiences of our Bomber student-athletes."

Wallace began his career in Bomber athletics as a manager for the Ithaca wrestling team in 1992. He moved into a coaching role with the wrestling program over 10 years and helped contribute to the program's national championship in 1994. He was a volunteer assistant coach of the varsity team, and served as head coach of the varsity B team over those 10 years. In 1993, Wallace received the wrestling program's Herb Broadwell Award for making outstanding contributions to the program.

Wallace spent 17 years on the coaching staff for the Ithaca College men's lacrosse team. He was an assistant coach and worked with the team's face-off specialists. He was part of the coaching staff that led Ithaca to Final Four appearances in 2002 and 2008.

During the 2012-13 year, Wallace received special recognition at the football program's end-of-season banquet and at the Ithaca College Athletics Senior-Athlete Luncheon. In 2010, Wallace was the recipient of the Sports Industry Leadership and Service Award from the Ithaca College Department of Sport Management and Media.

Wallace will relocate to enjoy his retirement in Arizona with his wife.