LORETTO, Pa. (Feb. 13, 2007) – Saint Francis head men’s soccer coach B.J. Craig has submitted his letter of resignation to the University to accept a position at another institution, Director of Athletics Bob Krimmel announced on Tuesday.

Assistant coach Mike Casper has been named interim head coach of the Red Flash men’s soccer program, and a national search will begin immediately to replace Craig.

Craig leaves Saint Francis after leading his 2006 squad to the school’s first-ever appearance in the Northeast Conference championship match. He led the Red Flash to a 10-7-3 mark, and a 1-0 double overtime win over No. 2 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the conference semifinals. The 10 wins tied a school record, which was previously set in Craig’s second season with the program (2004). In four seasons, Craig led SFU to its first two NEC Tournament appearances. He leaves with a 31-31-13 career mark, which is second on the school’s all-time coaching wins list.

“We are obviously disappointed to lose B.J. Craig, who we consider a major asset to Saint Francis athletics,” Krimmel said. “He has taken our men’s soccer program to the next level within our conference in a short period of time. He is going to be a great addition to the next school for which he works. They are getting a great coach, person and leader. We wish B.J. and his family the best of luck.”

Casper has assumed the everyday duties of head coach on an interim basis, and will do so until a national search is completed. He has been an assistant with Craig since his first season in 2003, and has aided in recruiting as well as coaching the goalkeepers.

“SFU is a special place and I appreciate having the opportunity to be a part of the Red Flash family,” Craig said. “I am leaving a great team and they will be very successful over the years ahead. The decision to leave Saint Francis was in part a family decision, as well as an opportunity to enhance my professional growth. I will miss the relationships that I have developed over the last four years. I wish these players the very best of luck in the future.”