Gannon University
|
|
|
|
water polo
|
|
|
head coach don sherman
|
Head Coach Don Sherman
Don
Sherman begins his seventh season as Gannon’s head women’s water polo coach.
He started both the women’s and men’s programs from scratch and moved them
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 his Associate
Director of Athletics position. Sherman returned to the deck last season
after a brief one-year hiatus while continuing to serve as the Associate
A.D. in addition to his coaching duties.
“I’m very excited to be back at the helm and have the opportunity to coach
again,” said Sherman upon his return. “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 we set when the University started
the programs.”
Following an 11-11 record in 2006, Sherman immediately turned the Lady Knights
back into post-season contenders during his first year back in 2007. The squad
went 16-11 and finished third at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA)
Western Division Championships. As a result, he was named CWPA Western Division
Coach of the Year for the second time. The program has never recorded a losing
record during its seven-year history.
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 upon Sherman’s return. “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 recieved his first CWPA 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 has also flourished under Sherman, recording
a 66-52 record in five seasons. The Golden Knights posted a winning record
(13-10) during their second year on the varsity level in 2002 and accumulated
three consecutive winning seasons before he stepped down. The squad returned
to its winning ways with a 13-9 record during Sherman’s first season back
last fall.
Sherman is at his best during local rivalries. His water polo teams are
28-4 all-time against Mercyhurst (Men 13-4 / Women 15-0) and 29-0 all-time
against Penn State Behrend (Men 16-0 / Women 13-0).
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 27 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 2/21/08 by: drt
|
|