Fordham University Executive Director of Athletics Frank McLaughlin named former Fairfield University assistant coach Jim McElderry head men??s soccer coach it was announced today. McElderry, who replaces long-time head coach Frank Schnur who announced his retirement in December, becomes just the fourth head coach in Fordham men??s soccer history. ??We are excited to be able to find a coach of Jim McElderry??s caliber for our position,?? said McLaughlin. ??He will be able to continue to build on the tremendous job done by Frank Schnur and take the men??s soccer program to the next level.?? ??We were pleased that a large number of qualified people applied for the position,?? continued McLaughlin. ??Charlie Elwood (Director of Athletic Administration), who chaired our search committee, did a tremendous job researching and evaluating all of the candidates before recommending Jim to us.?? McElderry arrives at Fordham after serving as an assistant coach at Fairfield University since 1993. At Fairfield he was responsible for all facets of the program, including recruiting, training session organization, budget preparation, travel and scouting. ??I am honored to be the next Head Men??s Soccer Coach at Fordham University,?? said McElderry. ??I look forward to working with the many quality people that make up the athletic and university community. My goal is to now build on the many traditions and successes that have preceded me in the men's soccer department and Fordham University.?? The Stags soccer program enjoyed unparalleled success the past four years, advancing to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championship game the past four years. In 1998, the team broke into the top 25 for the first time in school history, finishing with a school-record 15 wins, highlighted by an 11-game unbeaten streak. In 1999, the Stags won their first ever MAAC championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, finishing with a 12-8-1 record. The 2000 Fairfield squad was again ranked in the top 25, placing as high as 15th, finishing with a 13-2-2 record, while the 2001 team was ranked as high as 12th, first in the New England region, compiling an 11-5-4 record and falling to Loyola in double overtime in the MAAC title game. Since 1995 McElderry has also been affiliated with the Fairfield United Soccer Association, serving as a head coach for the Under 13 and Under 18 boys teams as well as a trainer for the Under 9 through Under 15 teams. McElderry has also been associated with the Region I Olympic Development Program, evaluating players from Region I in 2002 as well as directing training sessions and coaching regional pool teams. In 1999, McElderry was an Under 17 Connecticut Olympic Development Coach, evaluating and selecting the Under 17 State Boys team. A 1993 graduate of Fairfield with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a minor in Economics, McElderry was a four-year letterman at Fairfield. He earned several post-season honors as a player, highlighted with the 1992 MAAC Player of the Year award. He also received All-MAAC honors as a back in 1992 after receiving All-MAAC honors in 1991. McElderry, who was inducted into the Fairfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. Following graduation, McElderry played professionally for the New York Fever of the A-League from 1994-97 and then for the Long Island Rough Riders (A-League) from 1997-98. The past four years he has played for the New York Freedoms, a Division 3 team. McElderry earned a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and Foundation from Fairfield in 1999.