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Rick
Berkman is entering his ninth season as the head coach of
the men's lacrosse program at SUNY Potsdam, and in that
time he has brought the Bears laxmen to new heights.
During
Berkman's tenure the Bears have had seven winning seasons,
four post-season appearances, a conference championship
and an impressive 28-18 mark in conference play.
In 1997, Berkman was named Empire Lacrosse League "Coach of the Year" after guiding Potsdam to its first-ever Empire Lacrosse League championship. Berkman also guided the Bears to the first of four post-season appearances in 1997.
In 1998, Berkman was named USLCA (Unites States Lacrosse Coaches Association) "Man of the Year". Berkman was recognized for his contributions to the growth of lacrosse in the North Country. He has organized several lacrosse clinics, tournaments and youth leagues since his arrival to Potsdam.
In 1999, the Bears reached the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Championship game and came within one goal of winning their first post-season title.
In 2000, the Bears set a school record for wins in a season with 10 and were an ECAC semi-finalist reaching the post-season for the fourth consecutive year.
Berkman
also serves as a Physical Education Instructor at SUNY Potsdam
and is on the NCAA Lacrosse Advisory Committee. Rick also
coaches the Men's Varsity Golf team.
Prior to Potsdam Berkman served as assistant coach at Salisbury State, where he helped guide the Seagulls to three consecutive NCAA tournaments and their first NCAA National Championship in 1995.
As a player for the Seagulls, Berkman led the team to a National Championship appearance in 1991 only to fall one goal short to eventual champion Hobart College. That season he was named a first team All-American and captained his team in the prestigious North/South game.
During the summer months Berkman works several lacrosse camps and clinics including All-American, Colorado, Vermont, and Hobart Lacrosse camps. He is also an avid golfer in the summer months and hockey player during the winter.
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