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WILMINGTON'S BUGDA RESIGNS AS WOMEN'S SOCCER AND LACROSSE COACH; RUGGIERO PROMOTED

June 11, 2008

Courtesy of Erin Harvey, Wilmington SID

NEW CASTLE, DE -- Wilmington University Director of Athletics, Frank Aiello, announced the resignation of Dave Bugda as Head Women's Soccer and Lacrosse Coach, effective immediately.

After four seasons as head lacrosse coach and two years as head women's soccer coach, Bugda is leaving the program because of a new job commitment. With these new responsibilities, he would not be afforded the time to continue coaching.

"I am sad that I must resign my head coaching positions at Wilmington, but I can no longer put in the hours it takes to be a head coach," Bugda said. "I would feel like I was cheating the teams if I could not give them the effort they deserve."

"Over the years, Dave has been a hard-working and loyal friend to Wilmington University and the student-athletes he has recruited," said Aiello. "He will be missed by all here at the school, and we wish him the best for the future."

During his tenure, Bugda was named the inaugural women's lacrosse coach, and was the only coach in the program's history. He guided the team to a 34-19 record during his four seasons. Under his leadership, the women's soccer team amassed a 24-15-2 overall record, including an 11-10 mark in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

Josh Ruggiero, the top assistant to Dave Bugda during the past two seasons, has been promoted to head coach of the women's soccer program. Ruggiero played for two seasons as a goalkeeper for the men's team at Wilmington. He was the starting keeper for the Wildcats' 2003 squad that captured the CACC regular season championship. Ruggiero is a former All-CACC selection, having posted an astounding 0.86 goals against average in 2003, followed by a 1.39 average in 2004.

Prior to coming to Wilmington, Coach Ruggiero worked with an Under-11 girls' team at the Kirkwood Soccer Club and spent the 2005 season as an assistant coach at Division III Widener University, where he was in charge of goalkeeping and defense.

"Josh has a great work ethic and a real passion for the sport of soccer, and I am confident that he will be able to keep this program among the top squads in our conference," Aiello said. "Our student-athletes should welcome the opportunity to work with him."