PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Robert Morris Director of Athletics Chris King isn't ready to give up on hockey. King naming men's hockey coach Derek Schooley now the head coach and director of hockey operations for both the Colonials men's and women's programs.
King is also bringing aboard an Olympian. Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle is a 2011 graduate and a goalie on the 2010 and 2014 US Olympic teams. McLaughlin-Bittle is currently the goaltending coach for the US Women's National Team.
"Naming Derek as the head coach and director of operations for both teams adds stability as we continue to work with the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation in the goal of reinstating both teams," King said in a statement released by Robert Morris University.
"Derek is synonymous with hockey at Robert Morris and is well-respected in the Pittsburgh hockey community and beyond. Having him in charge of both programs this fall is crucial as we strive for viable solutions and a sustainable financial model to support both programs."
Schooley is the only head coach in RMU men's hockey history, building the program from its origin in August of 2003.
"This is another big step in the process of reinstatement of the RMU hockey teams," Schooley said in a statement. "I look forward to working with hockey alumni, the RMU administration, donors, corporations and the Pittsburgh College Hockey Foundation toward returning Robert Morris hockey to the pinnacle of their respective conferences."
Along with her Olympic accomplishments, McLaughlin-Bittle set the NCAA record with 3,809 career saves during four years as the Colonials starting goalie.
"I'm excited to work more closely with the Robert Morris athletic department in an effort to get these teams back," said McLaughlin-Bittle. "They mean so much to us and the hockey community, and I'm hopeful we can get them back on the ice."
RMU says it needs to raise a total of $1.4 million immediately and another $1.4 million by December 15 to reinstate both programs in time for the 2022-23 seasons. That would cover operating expenses for two years.
