Gannon University
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water polo
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head coach don sherman
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Don Sherman
Gannon
Associate Director of Athletics Don Sherman begins his second stint as head
water polo coach in 2007. He was named head women’s and men’s water polo coach
on January 30, 2007 and will continue to also serve as the school’s Associate
A.D.
Sherman is no stranger to the Gannon water polo teams. He started both programs
from scratch and moved the teams from club status to the varsity level in
2001. He coached the women’s team for five seasons on the varsity level and
the men’s squad for four seasons until stepping down after the 2004-05 campaigns
to concentrate on the Associate A.D. position.
“I’m very excited to be back at the helm and have the opportunity to coach
again,” said Sherman. “Coaching has always been a passion for me. Our goal
when the University moved the programs to the varsity level was to make them
the most successful programs on the East Coast. Now, I have the opportunity
to achieve those goals.”
Sherman built the Gannon water polo programs into annual post-season contenders
during his previous coaching stint. The women’s program had a 78-40 record
and posted a winning record during all five seasons (2001-05) under Sherman’s
tutelage. The Lady Knights qualified for back-to-back Eastern Championships
in 2003 and 2004, being the only non-Division I school at both events. The
Eastern Championships are the equivalent to the NCAA Regionals in other sports.
“While searching for a new water polo coach, it became clear that the best
candidate was sitting down the hall,” noted Gannon Director of Athletics Bill
Elias. “I am thrilled that Don agreed to go back on deck and coach the water
polo teams. Don’s commitment to Gannon University and his dedication to our
student-athletes will enrich their collegiate experience.”
Sherman was named Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Women’s Coach
of the Year in 2002 after leading the Lady Knights to a 12-7 record in their
second year on the varsity level. The squad then went on to win a school-record
20 matches in 2004. The Lady Knights finished 11th at the 2003 Eastern Championships
after posting an 8-3 victory over Villanova.
The men’s water polo program also flourished under Sherman, recording a
53-43 record in four seasons. The Golden Knights posted a winning record
(13-10) during their second year on the varsity level in 2002 and posted
three consecutive winning seasons before he stepped down.
Sherman was at his best during local rivalries. His water polo teams were
25-2 all-time against Mercyhurst (Men 12-2 / Women 13-0) and 26-0 all-time
against Penn State Behrend (Men 14-0 / Women 12-0).
The Erie, Pa., native began his career at Gannon as an assistant swimming
and diving coach under former Gannon head coach Rick Goerlitz. He was appointed
head women’s and men’s swimming coach in the summer of 1997. The men’s program
had four consecutive winning seasons while the women’s program produced winning
records in four of Sherman’s last five campaigns. Both squads went 10-1 during
Sherman’s last season in 2004-05.
Sherman has 26 years of involvement with aquatics and pool management as
a coach, instructor, swimmer, and lifeguard. He served as the Financial Director
for the Downtown Erie YMCA prior to coming to Gannon.
Sherman graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree
in Physical Education and Sports Management. He was a member of the Rocket
water polo team that finished eighth at the NCAA National Championships in
1984. He later served as an assistant student coach for the Slippery Rock
men’s swimming team, and also has experience as the Cathedral Prep assistant
swimming and water polo coach.
Gannon University~University Square ~ Erie, PA 16541-0001
Toll Free: 1-800-GANNON-U
Sports Press Box E-mail
updated 9/12/07 by: drt
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