Stevens Institute of Technology Men's Lacrosse

Gene Peluso is in his 17th season as the head coach of the Stevens men’s lacrosse team and begins the 2026 season with a 216-72 record in his tenure with the Ducks. He is the winningest coach in program history. Peluso has led the Ducks to nine NCAA Tournament Appearances, the MAC Freedom Tournament and regular season title each of the last five seasons, a pair of Empire 8 Conference Tournament Championships and four Empire 8 Regular Season titles. Under Peluso's leadership, the Ducks, the Ducks have won at least one NCAA game in eight trips to the national tournament.  Additionally, Peluso has coached a total of 59 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-Americans and 50 USILA Academic All-Americans. A six-time MAC Freedom Coach of the Year, Peluso also earned Empire 8 Coach of the Year honors four times and was named the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2018. In his career, Peluso has compiled an overall record of 345-151 as a head coach heading into the 2026 campaign and he enters the season third in career victories among all active Division III men's lacrosse coaches. 2024: Round of 16 2023: Round of 16 2022: Round of 16 2021: Round of 16 2018: Round of 16 2013: Round of 16 2012: Round of 16 2011: Round of 16 2024: Bryan Creamer - Second Team 2024: Kevin Holtby - Honorable Mention 2024: Keegan Hughes - Honorable Mention 2024: Matthew Pergola - Honorable Mention 2024: Luke Lesizza - Honorable Mention 2023: Joseph Cawley – Third Team 2023: Ryan Leahy – Honorable Mention 2023: Kevin Crowley – Honorable Mention 2023: Keegan Hughes – Honorable Mention 2023: Bryan Creamer – Honorable Mention 2023: Matthew Pergola – Honorable Mention 2022: Joseph Cawley - Honorable Mention 2022: Ryan Caplis - Honorable Mention 2022: Craig Stockfeder - Honorable Mention 2021: Shawn Coutler – Short Stick Defensive Midfielder of the Year / First Team 2021: Ryan Gebhardt – First Team 2021: Daniel Crotty – Third Team 2021: Michael Burns – Honorable Mention 2021: Joe Cawley – Honorable Mention 2021: Bubba Brennan – Honorable Mention 2019: Max Bailey – Third Team 2019: Dean Peluso – Third Team 2019: Ryan Gebhardt – Honorable Mention 2019: Eric Radbourne – Honorable Mention 2019: Bubba Brennan – Honorable Mention 2019: Carson White – Honorable Mention 2018: Max Bailey – Third Team 2018: Tommy Dawson – Honorable Mention 2018: John Boutureira – Honorable Mention 2018: Dallas Creamer – Honorable Mention 2018: Daniel Crotty – Honorable Mention 2017: Max Bailey – Honorable Mention 2017: Tommy Dawson – Honorable Mention 2017: John Boutureira – Honorable Mention 2017: Chris Contino – Honorable Mention 2017: Jan Schoonen – Honorable Mentionu 2016: Matt Ferentini – Second Team 2016: Jan Schoonen – Honorable Mention 2016: Tim Fair – Honorable Mention 2016: Andrew Scrutchfield – Honorable Mention 2015: Michael Maroon – Honorable Mention 2013: Rich Dupras – Third Team 2013: Nicholas Philippi – First Team 2012: Rich Dupras – First Team 2012: Matt Marks – Third Team 2012: Mike Steinhauser – Honorable Mention 2012: Harrison Dorne – Honorable Mention 2012: Nicolas Philippi – Honorable Mention 2012: Alex Hofrichter – Honorable Mention 2011: Brandon Faubert – Third Team 2011: Zach McHugh – Third Team 2011: Chris Lurita – Honorable Mention 2010: Zach McHugh – Honorable Mention 2010: Dave Decker – Honorable Mention 2020: Bubba Brennan – Third Team All-American 2020: Daniel Crotty – Honorable Mention All-American 2020: Ryan Gebhardt – Honorable Mention All-American 2020: Shawn Coutler – Honorable Mention All-American 2020: Connor Murphy – Honorable Mention All-American 2024: Matthew Pergola - Attacker of the Year 2024: Keegan Hughes - Midfielder of the Year 2024: Luke Lesizza - Defender of the Year 2024: Bryan Creamer - Specialist of the Year 2024: Kevin Holtby - Goalkeeper of the Year 2024: Jackson Penn - Rookie of the Year 2024: Coach of the Year 2023: Matthew Pergola – Attacker of the Year 2023: Keegan Hughes – Midfielder of the Year 2023: Joseph Cawley – Defenseman of the Year 2023: Bryan Creamer – Specialist of the Year 2023: Ryan Leahy – Goalie of the Year 2023: Matthew Pergola – Rookie of the Year 2023: Coach of the Year 2022: Craig Stockfeder – Specialist of the Year 2022: Coach of the Year 2022: Regular Season and Tournament Champions 2021: Ryan Gebhardt – Offensive Player of the Year 2021: Daniel Crotty – Defensive Player of the Year 2021: Shawn Coulter – Specialist of the Year 2021: Coach of the Year 2021: Regular Season and Tournament Champions 2019: Regular Season Champions 2019: Max Bailey – Player of the Year 2019: Carson White – Goalkeeper of the Year 2019: Coach of the Year 2018: Regular Season and Tournament Champions 2018: Max Bailey – Player of the Year 2018: Ryan Gebhardt – Rookie of the Year 2018: Carson White – Goalkeeper of the Year 2018: Coach of the Year 2018: IMCLA East Region Coaching Staff of the Year 2017: Regular Season Champions 2016: Max Bailey – Rookie of the Year 2012: Rich Dupras – Player of the Year 2012: Regular Season and Tournament Champions 2012: Coach of the Year 2011: Christian Saley – Rookie of the Year 2010: David Decker – Goalkeeper of the Year 2021: Ryan Gebhardt – MAC Senior Scholar-Athlete USILA Scholar All-Americans 2024: David Bendis 2024: Kevin Holtby 2024: Chris Kirschner 2024: Joseph Grippo 2024: Keegan Hughes 2024: Paddy Phelps 2024: Jack Savarese 2023: Ryan Leahy 2023: Kevin Crowley 2023: Joseph Cawley 2023: David Bendis 2022: Aidan Hinphy 2022: Sean Scadden 2022: Owen Stempkovski 2022: Craig Stockfeder 2021: Ryan Caplis 2021: Shawn Coulter 2021: Ryan Gebhardt 2020: Bubba Brennan 2020: Brendan Monteleone 2020: Connor Murphy 2020: Daniel Crotty 2019: Max Bailey 2019: Dean Peluso 2019: Eric Radburne 2018: Dallas Creamer 2018: Tommy Dawson 2018: Bryan Rogers 2017: Chris Contino 2017: Connor McKeon 2017: Jan Schoonen 2016: Andrew Scrutchfield 2016: Matt Ferentini 2015: Michael Maroon 2015: Geoff Cancro 2014: Tim Culloty 2014: Charlie Cronin 2013: Harrison Dorne 2013: Nicolas Philippi 2012: Mike Steinhauser 2012: Alex Hofrichter 2011: Zach McHugh 2011: Brandon Faubert 2010: Dave Decker USILA Team Academic Award 2024 2023 2022 2021 Guided the Ducks to a fourth straight MAC Freedom title in 2024 with a perfect 8-0 mark in league play. Coached Stevens to the MAC Freedom Championship and the NCAA Tournament with a perfect record in conference play in 2021 Led the Ducks to the Empire 8 Championship and the third round of the NCAA Tournament after posting a program-record 18 wins in 2018 In 2013, the Ducks earned an at large bid to the NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship and advanced to its third consecutive second round appearance in the tournament Named E8 Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2012 after leading Stevens to the E8 Tournament title in each of those years Earned IMCLA Coach of the Year in 2018 With an 11-9 victory over St. John Fisher on April 21, 2019, Peluso won his 132nd career game to become the winningest coach in program history Was selected to coach the USILA North-South All-Star game in 2013 for the second time in his career (2008) Has coached a total of 34 USILA All-Americans and 26 USILA Academic All-Americans at Stevens His .730 career winning percentage at Stevens entering the 2021 season is the best in program history Amassed an 88-45 overall record in seven seasons with the Tigers Helped develop 21 USILA All-Americans and 12 North-South All-Star Game participants Coached a total of 60 All-Empire 8 Honorees, including the 2004 and 2006 E8 Players of the Year Produced three Verizon Academic All-Americans and seven USILA Academic All-Americans Chosen to coach the North squad in the 2008 North/South All-Star Game Selected as the 2004 Empire 8 Coach of the Year Was the first men’s lacrosse coach in program history Directed the Warriors to a 41-34 record, including a 32-14 mark over his final three seasons Led Lycoming to a 12-4 record in 2001 and the MAC Regular Season Championship Coached two North/South participants, four USILA All-Americans and 33 All-MAC award winners Named the 1999 MAC Coach of the Year Was also the coach of the women's team from 1997-2000 Peluso enjoyed an accomplished playing career at Nazareth, leading the Golden Flyers to the NCAA Division III semifinals in his final season Compiled a 23-7 overall record in two seasons as a player with Nazareth Achieved his bachelor’s degree from Nazareth in business management in 1992 Peluso enjoyed an accomplished playing career at SUNY Cobleskill (Junior College), leading the Tigers to Junior College Regional Championship in both seasons Was a captain and All-Regional All-American Defenseman in 1989 Serves on the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Committee, the USILA All American Committee and the IMLCA Advisory Committee and the IMLCA Regional All-American Committee Peluso was inducted to the US Lacrosse (Greater Rochester Chapter) Hall of Fame in 2010 Peluso resides in Branchburg, N.J. with his wife Beth and two children, daughter Stefani and son Patrick.

DiBetta begins his third year as an assistant coach to the Stevens Institute of Technology mens lacrosse staff for the upcoming 2016-17 academic year. DiBetta is responsible for a defensive units in addition to the faceoff specialists. Senior Brett Incollingo was named Second Team All-Empire 8 after winning 133 faceoffs in 2016. The 2016 defense, led by USILA Honorable Mention All-American defenders Jan Schoonen and Tim Fair, forced 165 turnovers while holding opponents to 9.13 goals against. A familiar face to the Empire 8 Conference, DiBetta graduated from Ithaca College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and is currently working towards his MBA on Castle Point. The Goldens Bridge, N.Y. native was most recently an assistant for Scranton over the past two seasons where he was assigned defensive and face-off coaching responsibilities as well as a recruiting coordinator. DiBetta helped the Royals to an overall record of 18-14 in his two-year stint to go along with a 9-2 mark in the Landmark Conference. As a student-athlete at Ithaca, DiBetta was a team captain his senior season and played in 55 career games which concluded with 217 face-off wins, 76 ground balls, 23 goals and 21 assists for 44 points. He was named Ithacas Sportsman of the Year by the Empire 8 in 2012 and was an all-conference performer in 2011. DiBetta received Deans List honors from Ithaca during his senior year and also landed on the Empire 8s Presidents List.  

The Stevens Institute of Technology is excited to announce the promotion of Thomas Francy to Assistant Lacrosse Coach and Offensive Coordinator of the men's lacrosse team in 2025. After two successful years on the coaching staff, Francy's leadership, passion, and commitment to the program have earned him this well-deserved promotion. Francy has been a dynamic presence on and off the field since joining Stevens in 2022. Known for his high energy and infectious enthusiasm, he has quickly earned the respect and admiration of both players and coaches. His ability to connect with athletes, motivate them, and bring out their best on a daily basis has been instrumental in shaping the team's culture. Before transitioning into coaching, Francy had an outstanding playing career. He was an All-American goalie at Kean University in 2021, where he was recognized for his exceptional skill, leadership, and determination between the pipes. His playing experience has proven invaluable in his coaching role, where he is able to provide unique insights into the game, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. In his new role as Offensive Coordinator, Francy will be responsible for developing and implementing the team's offensive strategy, focusing on helping players refine their skills and work together to execute a fast-paced and efficient attack. His deep understanding of the game, combined with his experience as a standout player, positions him to make an immediate impact in this role.  

Stockel joined the men's lacrosse staff as an assistant coach primarily focusing on the offense in 2016. "We are excited about having Kevin join our staff. He was clearly the person that our students, and staff recognized as an excellent candidate," Peluso said. "His experiences as an assistant coach at Division I Drexel and his most recent success at Gettysburg speaks volumes about his abilities to coach, recruit and motivate student-athletes." Stockel joins the Ducks after a one year stint as an assistant coach at Gettysburg College, where he helped guide the Bullets to the semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Primarily responsible for the offense, Gettysburg averaged 13.2 goals per game which was 24th in the country while producing three offensive All-Americans. Additionally, Stockel served as an athletic communications intern with the Bullets, assisting with scoreboard operations and public address announcements. Prior to his time in Gettysburg, the New York native served as a volunteer assistant coach with his alma mater Drexel University, coaching the Dragons to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Tournament and the 2014 Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Championship. Stockel was a two-time captain at Drexel while tallying 74 career points in his four seasons. He was named to the CAA All-Tournament team in 2010 while claiming CAA Rookie of the Week honors in 2008. In 2012, Stockel received the CAA Academic Achievement Award. WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING "He was a really good player, and a 2x captain for me. Just an excellent leader and teammate. He did a great job for me as a volunteer. He had good ideas, worked hard, and related well to the players. I was close to hiring him as my offensive coordinator last year. I think he'd do a great job for you." Brian Voelker, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Drexel University "Kevin has always been a hard worker and a great leader on and off of the field both as a player for us at Drexel and for two years as our volunteer assistant.  He is organized and enthusiastic and also does an incredible job of relating to the student athletes. In his two years as the volunteer at Drexel he had the opportunity to work with our face-off personnel as well as our goalies which has allowed him to develop some methodology for the two specialized positions that can be under coached so often at every level of the game."  Conor Ford, Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, University of Michigan "I have known Kevin Stockel for a number of years and he worked for Prime Time as a Head Coach. He is a very hardworking individual who is extremely responsible, diligent and knowledgeable coach. As a person he is a pleasure to be around and is someone who will be a tremendous addition to the Stevens family."  Nick Daniello, Director & Founder of Prime Time Lacrosse "I have had the pleasure of knowing Kevin for quite some time, our relationship thru the game of lacrosse has navigated the last 15 years.  Both growing up in Hudson Valley, New York I have coached Kevin on many levels, Youth Empire State Games, Camps, and most recently Drexel University seasons 2010 to 2012.  I have also had the chance to work alongside Kevin for the 2013 and 2014 season as Kevin was a member of our coaching staff that helped our Drexel 2014 Dragons win a CAA Title and a NCAA Quarterfinals appearance.  His passion for the game is admirable, and his ability to connect with young players is remarkable." Chris Collins, Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, Drexel University Kevin Stockel Assistant Coach Kevin Stockel joined the men's lacrosse staff as an assistant coach primarily focusing on the offense in 2016. "We are excited about having Kevin join our staff. He was clearly the person that our students, and staff recognized as an excellent candidate," Peluso said. "His experiences as an assistant coach at Division I Drexel and his most recent success at Gettysburg speaks volumes about his abilities to coach, recruit and motivate student-athletes." Stockel joins the Ducks after a one year stint as an assistant coach at Gettysburg College, where he helped guide the Bullets to the semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Primarily responsible for the offense, Gettysburg averaged 13.2 goals per game which was 24th in the country while producing three offensive All-Americans. Additionally, Stockel served as an athletic communications intern with the Bullets, assisting with scoreboard operations and public address announcements. Prior to his time in Gettysburg, the New York native served as a volunteer assistant coach with his alma mater Drexel University, coaching the Dragons to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Tournament and the 2014 Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Championship. Stockel was a two-time captain at Drexel while tallying 74 career points in his four seasons. He was named to the CAA All-Tournament team in 2010 while claiming CAA Rookie of the Week honors in 2008. In 2012, Stockel received the CAA Academic Achievement Award. WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING "He was a really good player, and a 2x captain for me. Just an excellent leader and teammate. He did a great job for me as a volunteer. He had good ideas, worked hard, and related well to the players. I was close to hiring him as my offensive coordinator last year. I think he'd do a great job for you." Brian Voelker, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Drexel University "Kevin has always been a hard worker and a great leader on and off of the field both as a player for us at Drexel and for two years as our volunteer assistant.  He is organized and enthusiastic and also does an incredible job of relating to the student athletes. In his two years as the volunteer at Drexel he had the opportunity to work with our face-off personnel as well as our goalies which has allowed him to develop some methodology for the two specialized positions that can be under coached so often at every level of the game."  Conor Ford, Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, University of Michigan "I have known Kevin Stockel for a number of years and he worked for Prime Time as a Head Coach. He is a very hardworking individual who is extremely responsible, diligent and knowledgeable coach. As a person he is a pleasure to be around and is someone who will be a tremendous addition to the Stevens family."  Nick Daniello, Director & Founder of Prime Time Lacrosse "I have had the pleasure of knowing Kevin for quite some time, our relationship thru the game of lacrosse has navigated the last 15 years.  Both growing up in Hudson Valley, New York I have coached Kevin on many levels, Youth Empire State Games, Camps, and most recently Drexel University seasons 2010 to 2012.  I have also had the chance to work alongside Kevin for the 2013 and 2014 season as Kevin was a member of our coaching staff that helped our Drexel 2014 Dragons win a CAA Title and a NCAA Quarterfinals appearance.  His passion for the game is admirable, and his ability to connect with young players is remarkable." Chris Collins, Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, Drexel University Kevin Stockel joined the men's lacrosse staff as an assistant coach primarily focusing on the offense in 2016. "We are excited about having Kevin join our staff. He was clearly the person that our students, and staff recognized as an excellent candidate," Peluso said. "His experiences as an assistant coach at Division I Drexel and his most recent success at Gettysburg speaks volumes about his abilities to coach, recruit and motivate student-athletes." Stockel joins the Ducks after a one year stint as an assistant coach at Gettysburg College, where he helped guide the Bullets to the semifinals in the NCAA Tournament. Primarily responsible for the offense, Gettysburg averaged 13.2 goals per game which was 24th in the country while producing three offensive All-Americans. Additionally, Stockel served as an athletic communications intern with the Bullets, assisting with scoreboard operations and public address announcements. Prior to his time in Gettysburg, the New York native served as a volunteer assistant coach with his alma mater Drexel University, coaching the Dragons to an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I Tournament and the 2014 Colonial Athletic Association Tournament Championship. Stockel was a two-time captain at Drexel while tallying 74 career points in his four seasons. He was named to the CAA All-Tournament team in 2010 while claiming CAA Rookie of the Week honors in 2008. In 2012, Stockel received the CAA Academic Achievement Award. WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING "He was a really good player, and a 2x captain for me. Just an excellent leader and teammate. He did a great job for me as a volunteer. He had good ideas, worked hard, and related well to the players. I was close to hiring him as my offensive coordinator last year. I think he'd do a great job for you." Brian Voelker, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Drexel University "Kevin has always been a hard worker and a great leader on and off of the field both as a player for us at Drexel and for two years as our volunteer assistant.  He is organized and enthusiastic and also does an incredible job of relating to the student athletes. In his two years as the volunteer at Drexel he had the opportunity to work with our face-off personnel as well as our goalies which has allowed him to develop some methodology for the two specialized positions that can be under coached so often at every level of the game."  Conor Ford, Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, University of Michigan "I have known Kevin Stockel for a number of years and he worked for Prime Time as a Head Coach. He is a very hardworking individual who is extremely responsible, diligent and knowledgeable coach. As a person he is a pleasure to be around and is someone who will be a tremendous addition to the Stevens family."  Nick Daniello, Director & Founder of Prime Time Lacrosse "I have had the pleasure of knowing Kevin for quite some time, our relationship thru the game of lacrosse has navigated the last 15 years.  Both growing up in Hudson Valley, New York I have coached Kevin on many levels, Youth Empire State Games, Camps, and most recently Drexel University seasons 2010 to 2012.  I have also had the chance to work alongside Kevin for the 2013 and 2014 season as Kevin was a member of our coaching staff that helped our Drexel 2014 Dragons win a CAA Title and a NCAA Quarterfinals appearance.  His passion for the game is admirable, and his ability to connect with young players is remarkable." Chris Collins, Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach, Drexel University

Ryan Licht begins his fourth season as an Assistant Coach in 2026.  Licht arrived on Castle Point after a multiple-year stint as both the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at nearby Montclair State University. Under Licht's tutelage, Montclair State totaled 19 wins over the last two seasons, including nine in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC). The Red Hawks made the CSAC playoffs in each of the last two seasons and the program's 2022 appearance in the CSAC title game was the first since 2019. Prior to his time at Montclair State, Licht served as the head coach at Immaculata High School, where he led the Spartans deep into the New Jersey state playoffs in 2019. Prior to his arrival at Immaculata, he was an assistant coach at Somerville High School for four years, helping guide the Pioneers to multiple appearances in the state championship game. Prior to his stops at Somerville and Immaculata, Licht coached at Creekside High School in St. Johns, Florida. In addition to his lengthy and successful coaching tenure, Licht also brings an outstanding portfolio of playing experience. A four-year star at conference foe FDU-Florham, Licht totaled 150 ground balls and four points across (2G 2A) his time in Madison, earning three All-MAC Freedom selections as a defenseman, including consecutive first-team nods in 2003 and 2004. A three-time team captain, Licht led the Devils to 35 wins and three postseason appearances and he was enshrined in FDU's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.  After the conclusion of his collegiate career, Licht played lacrosse professionally with the Denver Outlaws, the San Francisco Dragons and the New Jersey Pride of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and was drafted to two other indoor professional leagues. Licht also played internationally for Team Ireland, where he won a gold medal in 2007 in the Celtic Cup Championship and a silver medal in 2012 in the European Championship, while captaining the team for eight years.    Licht earned his bachelor's of arts degree in psychology from FDU-Florham in 2005, and would go on to earn his master's in elementary education from the same school in 2016.