Bob Durocher, Senior Associate Vice President for Athletics at St. Lawrence University, has announced his intention to retire from his role after nine years leading the Athletic Department.
Durocher will remain in the position until a successor is selected. A nationwide search will begin immediately.
A member of the athletics department for 35 years, the Canton, N.Y. native has left an indelible mark on the department. He joined as assistant men's and women's soccer coach in 1989 and head men's coach in 1990 before becoming an assistant athletic director in 2000. He was then selected to lead athletics in 2015, and has served in the role ever since.
The highlights of his tenure as head of the athletic department include two phases of renovation at Appleton Arena. The first phase included a multi-million dollar renovation of the arena, with the completely donor-funded project resulting in totally renovated player lounges and locker rooms, as well as an updated ice rink and production facilities.
Phase two, currently underway, will mark the installment of the Karpus Athletic Center on St. Lawrence's campus. The new facility includes an expansion of the Michael "Buddy" Cornacchia '74 Strength and Conditioning Center for all student-athletes, as well as new locker rooms and team facilities for the field hockey and softball teams, and the men's and women's lacrosse and rowing teams. An athletic training and treatment center for Division III student-athletes, a dedicated strategy room for coaches, a player's lounge, and a video/media room are also part of the project.
St. Lawrence expanded its varsity sport members during Durocher's tenure, adding Esports in 2021. He was also instrumental in enhancing the Robert J. Sheldon Hall of Fame, which honors former Saints for their outstanding athletic accomplishments, other undergraduate activities and honors, and success following graduation in one's profession or community.
Saints athletics programs hit many milestones under the leadership of their coaches during Durocher's tenure. They have won 38 conference and regional championships, and 88 student-athletes earned All-America honors.
Durocher became the third men's soccer coach in St. Lawrence University history in 1990 and established the Saints as one of the premiere programs in the nation. In 1999, his Saints became the first team in NCAA Division III history to go undefeated and untied en route to the program's first national championship and Durocher was named NSCAA Division III Coach of the Year for his efforts. In total, the Saints made 17 appearances in the NCAA Tournament under Durocher, including nine straight from 1998-2006. He completed his SLU soccer coaching career with a 323-101-45 record.
In addition to his national Coach of the Year award, Durocher earned Northeast Regional Coach of the Year recognition seven times and was named the conference Coach of the Year 12 times.
Saints men's soccer captured 17 conference titles and also won the ECAC Northeast Championship in 1997 with Durocher at the helm.
He produced 87 regional All-Americas and 22 national All-America players during his tenure, including a National Player of the Year in Danny Annan, Jr. '00 in 1999.
Durocher began his coaching career close to home at SUNY Canton as its women's coach and took that team to the NJCAA Tournament. He then moved to Florida where he was a player and an assistant coach in a USASA league before returning to the North Country.
A three-sport high school athlete, Durocher was a two-year captain, a four-year starter, and an all-conference player at Ithaca College.
