SUNY - Potsdam Men's Lacrosse

Gill Conners enters his second season as Bears head men's lacrosse coach. "Gill quickly rose to the top of a very talented pool of candidates," said Misiak. "His enthusiasm is infectious, and I'm convinced our current and future men's lacrosse student-athletes will love working with him. Though he's just beginning his journey with us, Gill already has a strong passion for SUNY Potsdam and our men's lacrosse program."   Conners comes to the North Country after six seasons at Division I St. Bonaventure University. He served in multiple roles for the Bonnies at both ends of the turf. Since 2020, he has been the associate head coach and offensive coordinator. Conners was the program's defensive coordinator from 2018-20 and has also been St. Bonaventure's goalie coach and recruiting coordinator each season. Conners was also deeply involved in the team's fundraising, budget, academics, strength and conditioning along with assisting in promotion through various social media platforms.   "I am honored to be named the next head men's lacrosse coach at Potsdam," said Conners. "I would like to thank Mark Misiak, Mike Busby and the rest of the search committee for this incredible opportunity. I would also like to thank Coach Mearns for taking a chance on me in 2018 and allowing me to be a part of the St. Bonaventure family for the last six years. None of this is possible without my wife and daughter and we could not be more excited to call Potsdam home. Go Bears!"    In 2022, Conners helped the Bonnies to a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) regular season title. He coached two first-team and two second team selections that season, including the MAAC Offensive Player of the Year. Conners also coached Premier Lacrosse League draft pick and Team Canada goalie Brett Dobson. The keeper was the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and led the NCAA in save percentage in consecutive campaigns.   Prior to St. Bonaventure, Conners spent three seasons, 2015-2018, as an assistant coach with Siena College. With the Saints, he helped develop the defense and goalies as well as overseeing recruiting visits. He also organized Siena's lacrosse prospect and summer camps. Conners began his career as a volunteer assistant at Brown University during the 2014-15 academic year, helping the Bears to an Ivy League Title and an NCAA Tourney bid. He worked with the Bears' goalies and defense, handled game film and ran the program's Instagram page.   As a collegiate player, Conners was a talented goalie himself. He helped Onondaga Community College to back-to-back NJCAA National Championships and earned first team All-American honors in 2012. Conners then transferred to Division I Quinnipiac University for two seasons. In 2013, he finished fifth in the nation in saves-per-game and was named All-NEC and NEILA first team. The following year, he was fourth in saves-per-game and seventh in save percentage. Conners earned second team All-MAAC and NEILA honors to cap his career. He holds a communications degree from Quinnipiac.

Kaiser returns to the SUNY Potsdam men's lacrosse and golf staffs after spending the last nine years coaching lacrosse at Potsdam High School. Kaiser led Potsdam High School's varsity program to the Section X Championship game twice in his short time with the program. In 2004, he was the JV head coach for the Sandstoners. He has also helped run the Potsdam Youth Lacrosse Association since he started teaching at Potsdam in 2003. Kaiser has been very active in developing a very competitive youth lacrosse program in the Potsdam community. Prior to coaching at Potsdam High School, Kaiser was a member of the Bears' lacrosse staff for four seasons, 1999-2003. He assisted Coach Berkman with the golf team from 2001-03 as well. While working as an assistant coach for lacrosse and golf, Kaiser worked part-time towards his teaching certification at SUNY Potsdam. Kaiser attended Penn State University from 1997-99. As a two-year starter at attack, he helped lead the Nittany Lions a No. 12 ranking in Division I. Kaiser led his team in assists during his junior season and finished third in scoring his senior year. He was a captain and first-team All-American Attackman at Herkimer County Community College in 1997 as his team lost in the NJCAA National Championship. He was a member of the Generals' national championship team in 1996. Kaiser is originally from Liverpool, N.Y. He currently teaches fifth grade at Potsdam Central School and resides in Potsdam with his wife Erica.  Todd Kaiser Assistant Men's Lacrosse/Golf Coach Todd Kaiser returns to the SUNY Potsdam men's lacrosse and golf staffs after spending the last nine years coaching lacrosse at Potsdam High School. Kaiser led Potsdam High School's varsity program to the Section X Championship game twice in his short time with the program. In 2004, he was the JV head coach for the Sandstoners. He has also helped run the Potsdam Youth Lacrosse Association since he started teaching at Potsdam in 2003. Kaiser has been very active in developing a very competitive youth lacrosse program in the Potsdam community. Prior to coaching at Potsdam High School, Kaiser was a member of the Bears' lacrosse staff for four seasons, 1999-2003. He assisted Coach Berkman with the golf team from 2001-03 as well. While working as an assistant coach for lacrosse and golf, Kaiser worked part-time towards his teaching certification at SUNY Potsdam. Kaiser attended Penn State University from 1997-99. As a two-year starter at attack, he helped lead the Nittany Lions a No. 12 ranking in Division I. Kaiser led his team in assists during his junior season and finished third in scoring his senior year. He was a captain and first-team All-American Attackman at Herkimer County Community College in 1997 as his team lost in the NJCAA National Championship. He was a member of the Generals' national championship team in 1996. Kaiser is originally from Liverpool, N.Y. He currently teaches fifth grade at Potsdam Central School and resides in Potsdam with his wife Erica. 

Berkman enters his 23rd season as head men's lacrosse coach and 16th as head men's golf coach at SUNY Potsdam. During Berkman's lacrosse tenure, the Bears have had 12 winning seasons, 18 post-season appearances and a conference championship, and have amassed a 74-66 mark in conference play. Berkman started the men's golf program in 2001. On the links, the Bears have emerged as a steady competitor in several regional and conference events. Last lacrosse season, Berkman coached his squad to a 10-6 record overall and a 3-3 SUNYAC mark for its fourth straight playoff appearance. The Bears rattled off a program record nine wins in a row over the first half of the season. Seniors Pat Bonafede, Lindsay Pound, Brian Martin and Pete Gropp all earned first team All-SUNYAC status, while sophomore Eric Soderquist and and junior Matt Moran were named to the second team. Bonafede was also selected to play in the North-South All-Star game in Radnor, Pa. Berkman guided the Bears to a 7-8 overall record in 2015, including a 3-3 mark in the SUNYAC, to earn the third seed in the conference playoffs. Freshman Eric Soderquist earned SUNYAC Rookie of the Year Honors for Potsdam. Seven Bears earned all-conference status. Soderquist and Kyle Hauk were named to the first team. Pat Bonafede, Jon Woodworth and Lindsey Pound were named to the second team and Pete Gropp and Matt Kennedy earned honorable mention status.  In 2014, Berkman coached the Bears to another outstanding year that saw him named the SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the third time and senior goalie Ryan Duffy earn conference Player of the Year honors. Potsdam posted a 10-6 record, one win shy of the school's single-season mark and the most wins since 2000. The Bears went 4-2 in the SUNYAC and clinched the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament for the second time in four years. Six Bears received All-SUNYAC recognition. Duffy, Rob Kunz and Ryan McConnell were named to the first team. Pat Bonafede and Jeff Love were named to the second team, while Kyle Hauk earned honorable mention status. Duffy was named the eighth Bears All-American and joined Kunz and Love for the North-South All-Star game in Baltimore. In 2013, Berkman coached Potsdam back into the playoffs and five of his players to all-conference honors. Brady Fremont received first team accolades. Derek Frost and Stefan Sloma were named to the second team, while Rob Kunz and and Jeff Love were honorable mention All-SUNYAC. Fremont was named the seventh All-American in program history. In 2012, under Berkman's guidance three Bears earned All-SUNYAC lacrosse status. Rashaun Durden and Rob Kunz were named to the second team, while Jared Flath earned honorable mention recgonition. 2011 was one of the most successful ever for Berkman and Bears' lacrosse. SUNY Potsdam posted a 4-2 SUNYAC record, earning a second-place finish and its first home playoff game. The Bears defeated Geneseo at home in the SUNYAC Semifinals before falling to perennial power Cortland in the championship. Berkman was honored with his second SUNYAC Coach of the Year award and five Bears earned All-SUNYAC recognition. Junior defender Rashaun Durden became Potsdam's second SUNYAC Player of the Year (Brian Austin was the first in 2001) and third USILA Division III All-American. In 2010, the Bears finished fourth in the league and fell to eventual league champion and NCAA Division III semifinalist Cortland in the SUNYAC Tournament semifinals. From 2001 through 2005, the Bears finished in fourth place in the SUNYAC, which qualified them for post-season action each year. Potsdam faced SUNY Cortland each year from 2001-05, coming up just short in first round tournament games. In 2007, the Bears finished third before losing to Geneseo in the SUNYAC Tournament and RIT in the ECAC Tournament. Potsdam also placed third in 2008 following a setback against Geneseo in the SUNYAC Tournament semifinals. In 1997, Berkman was named Empire Lacrosse League "Coach of the Year" after guiding Potsdam to its first-ever Empire Lacrosse League championship. He also took the Bears to the first of their 13 post-season appearances in 1995. Coach Berkman was named the 1998 USLCA (United States Lacrosse Coaches Association) "Man of the Year". Berkman was recognized for his contributions to the growth of lacrosse in the North Country. He has organized several lacrosse clinics, tournaments and youth leagues since his arrival in Potsdam. In 1999, the Bears reached the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) championship game and came within one goal of winning their first post-season title. Potsdam nearly tied the program wins school record (11 in 1990) with 10 wins in 2000 and was also an ECAC semi-finalist in reaching the post-season for the fourth consecutive year. Berkman also serves as a physical education instructor at SUNY Potsdam and is on the NCAA Lacrosse Advisory Committee. He also coaches the Potsdam men's golf team. Prior to Potsdam, Berkman served as assistant coach at Salisbury State (Md.), where he helped guide the Seagulls to three consecutive NCAA tournaments and their first NCAA national championship in 1994. As a player for the Seagulls, Berkman led the team to a national championship game appearance in 1991, only to fall one goal short to eventual champion Hobart College. That season, he was named a first team All-American and captained his team in the prestigious North/South game. Coach Berkman and his wife Jessica reside in the town of Potsdam with their children, Tyler and Parker. Rick Berkman Head Men's Lacrosse Coach/Head Golf Coach/Assistant Athletic Director-Scheduling Rick Berkman enters his 23rd season as head men's lacrosse coach and 16th as head men's golf coach at SUNY Potsdam. During Berkman's lacrosse tenure, the Bears have had 12 winning seasons, 18 post-season appearances and a conference championship, and have amassed a 74-66 mark in conference play. Berkman started the men's golf program in 2001. On the links, the Bears have emerged as a steady competitor in several regional and conference events. Last lacrosse season, Berkman coached his squad to a 10-6 record overall and a 3-3 SUNYAC mark for its fourth straight playoff appearance. The Bears rattled off a program record nine wins in a row over the first half of the season. Seniors Pat Bonafede, Lindsay Pound, Brian Martin and Pete Gropp all earned first team All-SUNYAC status, while sophomore Eric Soderquist and and junior Matt Moran were named to the second team. Bonafede was also selected to play in the North-South All-Star game in Radnor, Pa. Berkman guided the Bears to a 7-8 overall record in 2015, including a 3-3 mark in the SUNYAC, to earn the third seed in the conference playoffs. Freshman Eric Soderquist earned SUNYAC Rookie of the Year Honors for Potsdam. Seven Bears earned all-conference status. Soderquist and Kyle Hauk were named to the first team. Pat Bonafede, Jon Woodworth and Lindsey Pound were named to the second team and Pete Gropp and Matt Kennedy earned honorable mention status.  In 2014, Berkman coached the Bears to another outstanding year that saw him named the SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the third time and senior goalie Ryan Duffy earn conference Player of the Year honors. Potsdam posted a 10-6 record, one win shy of the school's single-season mark and the most wins since 2000. The Bears went 4-2 in the SUNYAC and clinched the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament for the second time in four years. Six Bears received All-SUNYAC recognition. Duffy, Rob Kunz and Ryan McConnell were named to the first team. Pat Bonafede and Jeff Love were named to the second team, while Kyle Hauk earned honorable mention status. Duffy was named the eighth Bears All-American and joined Kunz and Love for the North-South All-Star game in Baltimore. In 2013, Berkman coached Potsdam back into the playoffs and five of his players to all-conference honors. Brady Fremont received first team accolades. Derek Frost and Stefan Sloma were named to the second team, while Rob Kunz and and Jeff Love were honorable mention All-SUNYAC. Fremont was named the seventh All-American in program history. In 2012, under Berkman's guidance three Bears earned All-SUNYAC lacrosse status. Rashaun Durden and Rob Kunz were named to the second team, while Jared Flath earned honorable mention recgonition. 2011 was one of the most successful ever for Berkman and Bears' lacrosse. SUNY Potsdam posted a 4-2 SUNYAC record, earning a second-place finish and its first home playoff game. The Bears defeated Geneseo at home in the SUNYAC Semifinals before falling to perennial power Cortland in the championship. Berkman was honored with his second SUNYAC Coach of the Year award and five Bears earned All-SUNYAC recognition. Junior defender Rashaun Durden became Potsdam's second SUNYAC Player of the Year (Brian Austin was the first in 2001) and third USILA Division III All-American. In 2010, the Bears finished fourth in the league and fell to eventual league champion and NCAA Division III semifinalist Cortland in the SUNYAC Tournament semifinals. From 2001 through 2005, the Bears finished in fourth place in the SUNYAC, which qualified them for post-season action each year. Potsdam faced SUNY Cortland each year from 2001-05, coming up just short in first round tournament games. In 2007, the Bears finished third before losing to Geneseo in the SUNYAC Tournament and RIT in the ECAC Tournament. Potsdam also placed third in 2008 following a setback against Geneseo in the SUNYAC Tournament semifinals. In 1997, Berkman was named Empire Lacrosse League "Coach of the Year" after guiding Potsdam to its first-ever Empire Lacrosse League championship. He also took the Bears to the first of their 13 post-season appearances in 1995. Coach Berkman was named the 1998 USLCA (United States Lacrosse Coaches Association) "Man of the Year". Berkman was recognized for his contributions to the growth of lacrosse in the North Country. He has organized several lacrosse clinics, tournaments and youth leagues since his arrival in Potsdam. In 1999, the Bears reached the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) championship game and came within one goal of winning their first post-season title. Potsdam nearly tied the program wins school record (11 in 1990) with 10 wins in 2000 and was also an ECAC semi-finalist in reaching the post-season for the fourth consecutive year. Berkman also serves as a physical education instructor at SUNY Potsdam and is on the NCAA Lacrosse Advisory Committee. He also coaches the Potsdam men's golf team. Prior to Potsdam, Berkman served as assistant coach at Salisbury State (Md.), where he helped guide the Seagulls to three consecutive NCAA tournaments and their first NCAA national championship in 1994. As a player for the Seagulls, Berkman led the team to a national championship game appearance in 1991, only to fall one goal short to eventual champion Hobart College. That season, he was named a first team All-American and captained his team in the prestigious North/South game. Coach Berkman and his wife Jessica reside in the town of Potsdam with their children, Tyler and Parker.