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May 9, 2008
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Bonus Resigns as Women’s Soccer/Lacrosse Coach at Allegheny May 12, 2005 MEADVILLE, Pa. – Allegheny College has announced that women’s soccer and lacrosse head coach Paul Bonus has resigned after three years at the helm of both programs. The last day for Bonus, who is leaving to finish his Master’s degree in education at LeMoyne (N.Y.) College, will be May 20. “When I came here, I was already working towards my Master’s before I left,” said Bonus when asked about the timing of his decision. “I always said I wanted to go back and I just feel this is a good time in my life to do it. It will open up more career options down the road and it gives me a chance to move back closer to my family in Syracuse, so this is the right time for me.” “Paul has been a tremendous coach and dedicated professional during his tenure with Allegheny College,” said Allegheny Athletic Director Larry Lee. “Under Paul’s outstanding leadership, the soccer and lacrosse programs achieved historic milestones and because of his hard work and dedication in recruiting high quality student-athletes for both sports, the women’s soccer and lacrosse programs will be strong for many years to come.” In his three years at Allegheny, Bonus has maintained the proud tradition the women’s soccer program has established, posting a 38-13-6 record during his tenure. The highlight of his time was the 2003 season. He led the Gators to a 15-2-2 record and a perfect 8-0 record in the NCAC, including a 3-1 victory over #1 Ohio Wesleyan University to snap the nation’s longest winning streak at 60 games. It also gave AC its first NCAC regular season championship since 1989. Allegheny, who was ranked as high as #10 in the country during the season and finished 17th, would also earn its first invitation to the NCAA Tournament since 1998. Following the outstanding campaign, Bonus was named the NCAC and Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year. Individually, 15 different players earned All-NCAC recognition and Bonus helped develop seven of those into All-Great Lakes Region selections. In 2003, defender Lauren Moser was named an NSCAA First Team All-American, becoming just the 10th player in the 20-year history of the program to earn that recognition. Perhaps more impressive than his accomplishments as the soccer coach is Bonus’ achievements as the lacrosse coach. Prior to his arrival, the Gators had not posted a winning season or won more than five games. In just his second season in 2004, Bonus led AC to an 8-6 record and a spot in the NCAC Tournament championship game, which helped earn him the NCAC Co-Coach of the Year award. In 2005, Allegheny matched the school-record for single-season wins by going 8-6 and qualifying for the NCAC Tournament for just the second time in the program’s 12-year history. Bonus also played a huge role in the development of several Allegheny players. Before he took over in 2003, only 11 AC players had ever earned All-NCAC honors. In the last three years, nine different players have received all-conference recognition and two, current juniors Emily Deering (Hollis, Maine/ Bonny Eagle) and Ashley Rogerson (Fairport, N.Y.), have received all-region awards, while Deering has become the program’s all-time leader in goals scored in less than three years. “I think what is even more special was what he was able to accomplish for the lacrosse program,” said Lee. “He changed the culture of the program and taught them how to win and he did so with no prior lacrosse experience.” “Paul was passionate about the experience of the ladies on both of his squads and it showed on the fields of endeavor and in how his teams feel about him,” said Lee. “While I am saddened by his resignation, I know that he will be an outstanding teacher and will bring talents, values, expertise and experience to thousands of young people through his day-to-day interaction as a teacher.” Since he coached two sports and took teams to five conference tournaments, Bonus said it would be nearly impossible to pick just one moment from the past three years as his favorite. “For me, it was a combination of things,” said Bonus. “In soccer, it was being able to win the NCAC championship and beat Ohio Wesleyan to end the nation’s longest winning streak. In lacrosse, it was seeing the turnaround we were able to make and reach the NCAC Tournament championship game in my second year. “But overall, I would have to say seeing and being a part of the growth of both programs since I’ve been here will be what I remember the most,” said Bonus. “What’s making it the hardest to leave are the outstanding scholar-athletes and colleagues I’ve had a chance to work with over the years. It’s been a true learning and growing experience and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.” Bonus Coaching Record Lacrosse
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