Aug. 4, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Jeff Tambroni, head men's lacrosse coach at Penn State, has announced that Chris Doctor and Peter Toner have joined new mentor's staff as assistant coaches. Doctor comes to Penn State after a successful run at Lafayette while Toner joins the Nittany Lion staff from Bryant University.
"I am thrilled to announce that Chris Doctor and Peter Toner will be joining us on staff to represent the Penn State men's lacrosse program," Tambroni said. "Pete has done a tremendous job at Bryant University over the past two seasons, directing one of the nation's top defensive units. Under his guidance in 2010 the Bryant defense led the nation in goals against average allowing only 6.6 goals per game. His work ethic, knowledge of the defensive end and attention to detail will benefit our program immediately. We are also excited to welcome Chris Doctor to the staff. Chris has had a significant impact on the Lafayette program in his three years as the offensive coordinator, leading the Leopards offense, which ranked sixth in the nation with 12.6 goals per game, to one of its most successful seasons in school history."
Doctor served as offensive coordinator at Lafayette from 2007 to 2010, joining the Leopards staff right out of college. Chris assisted with planning daily practices and was a vital cog in the Lafayette recruiting effort. During his tenure there, Doctor coached seven All-Patriot League players, a Patriot League Player Midfielder of the Year and a Patriot League Rookie of the Year.
Lafayette also claimed the 2009 national leader in goals per game, finished among the nation's top ten in team goals per game in 2010 and made its first ever appearance in the Patriot League Tournament (2010), dropping a close 11-9 decision to Navy in the semifinals.
Doctor was a four-year letterman at Rutgers, where he received his degree in 2007. During his time with the Scarlet Knights, Doctor won the Alfred Sasser Award for most assists twice (2006 and 2007) and was a constant presence in the community, playing vital community service and volunteer roles for youth in and around the New Brunswick area. During his playing days, Rutgers racked up 29 wins in four seasons.
Toner served as associate head coach at Bryant, where he recently completed his third season on the staff as the program's defensive and recruiting coordinator. After playing an integral role in guiding the Bulldogs through their inaugural Division I season in 2009, a season that saw the Black & Gold go (10-5) against some of the nation's top competition, Toner helped lead the Bulldogs to an even more impressive campaign in 2010 (12-5).
Peter came to Bryant from nearby Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., where he was the head coach in 2006 and 2007. In his first season, Wheaton enjoyed their best campaign in school history, going 10-6 and earning a spot in the ECAC Division III Championship game. From September 2003 to May 2005, Toner served as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Springfield College. During that post, Toner earned his master's degree in physical education with a concentration in Athletic Administration.
A 2003 graduate of Springfield College, Toner helped lead the Pride to three NCAA tournament appearances as a standout defenseman. A two-time captain for the Pride, Toner was an All New England defenseman and was one of two intercollegiate men's lacrosse players across all Divisions named National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American.
"I feel fortunate, as will our program and players, that these young men have signed on to represent the Penn State lacrosse program," Tambroni continued. "I am confident that their impact will go well beyond the playing field as they help guide our program and players into the future."
Tambroni was named Penn State's 13th head men's lacrosse coach on June 17, replacing long-time mentor Glenn Thiel, who retired at season's end. Tambroni came to Penn State after an extremely successful tenure at Cornell, where he led the Big Red to national prominence.