October 6, 2023
by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor (@CHN_AdamWodon)
Robert Morris is backing after a two-year hiatus, after the school administration tried to eliminate the program. Derek Schooley, the only coach the program has ever known, stayed with it through the fight to get the program back, and the reinstatement back into Atlantic Hockey, and is hoping to rebuild what he built in the first place.
CHN: First of all, welcome back, although I know you’ve been working still the last couple of years. But what’s it feel like to finally be on the ice?
Schooley: It’s really exciting to see 29 basically new players — we do have 3 holdovers — embrace the excitement of of restarting a program that has had a proud history and a proud tradition. And to get back out there and be able to coach a full team again, it seems like forever. I’ve been undefeated the last two years. But I’ve allowed myself to do other things outside of hockey and now it’s time to get back to being a coach.
For much more with Derek Schooley, check out our Podcast.
CHN: Well, you’ve been the only coach Robert Morris has ever known. So it’s good that you were able to come back. You didn’t know there was gonna be a program. It feels like ancient history at this point. But when they finally did decide to come back, was there ever a question as to whether you wanted to still be that guy?
Schooley: My kids were born here. I started the program 20 years ago. I wanted to see it through. There was never a question for me about leaving. It was never a question from them about wanting me to leave. I never missed a paycheck. The athletic department took care of me through the whole thing. They made a bad experience as good as you can make it. And I worked to help get all of our players to new places. And then I wanted to work to help to get them back. There were some tough days, but I never thought of leaving here until it went one way or the other. And obviously we’re excited to be back. I can’t thank our administration enough. Our athletic director Chris King has been outstanding through this whole process. We have a new President who’s a massive sports fan and hockey fan. They started a campaign called Thank You Pittsburgh. There’s billboards all over the city with Robert Morris Hockey. There was an ad during the Steelers game, a 30-second commercial. My phone blew up after it was on. You would have…
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