The Philadelphia Wings today, named former Wings stand-out John Tucker as the team's offensive coordinator and Paul Stewart, also a former player, as the new scouting coordinator and video coach, according to Wings General Manager David Huntley."John Tucker was one of the most exciting and talented players to ever wear a Wings jersey," said Wings President and Owner Russ Cline. "As the new offensive coordinator he brings the experience of being an All Pro and a leader with solid coaching credentials. John's off ball work as a player remains a league standard. His work ethic, character and commitment to excellence will impact us not only offensively but as an organization. His long professional and personal relationship with Dave will result in an immediate impact on the Wings. Needless to say the ownership is elated to welcome him back to a key role in the organization."
A renown coach and player, Tucker has served as head coach of the Los Angeles Riptide (2006-08, MLL), Washington Bayhawks (current, MLL), Baltimore Thunder (1997-99, NLL), Pittsburgh CrosseFire (2000, NLL), Various Maryland High School teams, and currently is an assistant coach at his alma mater Johns Hopkins University. He has received Major League Lacrosse's Coach of the Year Award (2007), coached in one NLL Championship Game (1998), and has captured eight Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships.
On the field, Tucker had an extraordinary career at the collegiate and professional levels. As a midfielder for John Hopkins University he was part of the undefeated team, which won the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship in 1984. In international competition, he played for Team USA and won three gold medals at the World Lacrosse Championships (1986, 1990, 1994). Tucker also earned All-World Team honors in 1990 and 1994. As a professional, Tucker played forward for the Philadelphia Wings (1987-92) and accrued 78 goals, 96 assists, and 174 points. He led the team to two championships (1989-90).
"I am thrilled to have John [Tucker] join us this season as our offensive coordinator," said Huntley. "He was my captain when I coached the Wings in 1987 and his contributions to the Wings as a player were second to none. Paul [Stewart] worked with me as the scout for the Toronto Nationals this summer and was instrumental in developing the game plans that helped us to the MLL championship. His deep knowledge of the teams and players in our league is the most important factor in the Wings being a better prepared team in what will be a highly competitive NLL this winter."
Stewart is currently an assistant coach with the Toronto Nationals of MLL and the offensive coordinator for the 2010 Canadian Men's Field Lacrosse Team. In the NLL he was the Director of Scouting for the Minnesota Swarm in 2006 and an assistant coach for the New York Titans in 2007 and 2008. Stewart also led the Irish National Team as head coach at the World Indoor Championship in Halifax in 2007.
As a player Stewart was Captain of the Irish National Team at the 2002 ILF World Championships and Major Series Lacrosse in Ontario, splitting time between Brooklin and Six Nations. He is also a 15 year police officer in York Region of Canada just north of Toronto. Stewart is married to wife Troyhann who represented Canada at three Women's World Championships in her lacrosse career and has three sons; Mason (6), Treysen (3), and Trent (2).
The Wings open their 2010 home season on Saturday, January 16 vs. the Boston Blazers at the Wachovia Center. For only $120 you are guaranteed a great lower level seat for eight exciting Saturday night games of Wings lacrosse. The Wings 2010 individual game tickets go on-sale Wednesday, November 11 at 11 a.m. Call 215-389-WING (9464) or visit WingsLAX.com for more information.
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