8/29/08 - Men's Soccer
SMC vs. Molloy
Saint Michael's
12 p.m.
DoubleTree Kick Off Classic

8/29/08 - Men's Soccer
Felician vs. Merrimack
Saint Michael's
2 p.m.
DoubleTree Kick Off Classic

8/30/08 - Men's Soccer
Merrimack vs. Molloy
Saint Michael's
10 a.m.
DoubleTree Kick Off Classic

8/30/08 - Men's Soccer
SMC vs. Felician
Saint Michael's
12 p.m.
DoubleTree Kick Off Classic

 

 


 
 

Men's Soccer 

JAMES FRANKLIN NAMED PURPLE KNIGHTS’ MEN’S SOCCER HEAD COACH
Former UVM, Norwich coach becomes 11th men’s soccer head coach in SMC program history

COLCHESTER, Vt. – James Franklin, a former head coach at Vassar College and Norwich University, and assistant coach at the University of Vermont, has been named head coach of men’s soccer at Saint Michael’s College. Franklin replaces Wade Jean, who led the Purple Knights to a combined 21-10-8 record in his two seasons at the helm of the program.

In announcing the appointment today, Director of Athletics Geri Knortz said, “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of James’ experience and accomplishments join the Saint Michael’s athletics department and lead our men’s soccer program. He is a talented coach and a great fit for Saint Michael’s College.”

“I would like to thank Geri Knortz and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to lead the men’s soccer program at Saint Michael’s College,” said Franklin. “It is a privilege to take over the program from Coach Jean, who has transformed the program into a regionally competitive team. I will work hard to continue to build on the team’s recent success, and I cannot wait to get started.”

Franklin, a native of Staffordshire, England, has 11 years of collegiate coaching experience. Most recently, Franklin served as an assistant coach for the UVM women’s soccer program in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, helping the NCAA Division I Catamounts qualify for the America East Conference playoffs in 2006.

Prior to joining UVM, Franklin was men’s soccer head coach at Norwich University from 2003-06. He rebuilt the NCAA Division III program in just three seasons, taking the Cadets from a 6-13-0 record in his first season to a 13-6-1 record in his final season at Norwich. Franklin also served as the men’s tennis head coach at Norwich, and directed the university’s NCAA Life Skills program.

Before arriving at Norwich, Franklin served as head coach of men’s soccer and assistant athletic director for facilities at Division III Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Franklin spent two years as an assistant coach at Vassar prior to being promoted to head coach, and in 2002 was named the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (now the Liberty League) Coach of the Year after guiding the Brewers to an 11-7-0 overall record.

Franklin played collegiate soccer at nearby Champlain College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Following his collegiate career, he stayed at Champlain to serve as an assistant coach with both the men’s and women’s soccer programs. Franklin has also played professionally with Crewe Alexandra in his native England, as well as with the Vermont Voltage.

Franklin will begin his duties with Saint Michael’s in May. The Purple Knights are coming off a 10-5-4 season in 2007 and second straight appearance in the Northeast-10 Conference playoffs.

TRANSACTION – SAINT MICHAEL’S: Announced the hiring of James Franklin, men’s head soccer coach and athletics administrator.