Lackawanna College Names Craig Wilkinson as New Men’s Soccer Head Coach
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | January 15, 2025
SCRANTON, PA — Lackawanna College has turned a new page for its men’s soccer program with the appointment of Craig Wilkinson as head coach, effective spring 2025. Wilkinson, a seasoned veteran with nearly two decades of collegiate coaching experience, is poised to build on the Falcons’ recent success and elevate the program to greater heights.
Wilkinson joins the Falcons after a three-year stint as the head women’s soccer coach at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. During his tenure, Wilkinson guided the Monarchs to a historic start in 2022, recording six wins and two draws in their first eight matches — the best start in the program’s history. His ability to develop players was evident, as he coached four All-MAC Freedom conference selections during his time at King’s.
“I am extremely excited about joining the Falcon family,” Wilkinson said. “I see nothing but positives from coaching at an institution like Lackawanna College. It’s a fantastic place to develop student-athletes, give them the tools to succeed, and set them up for a bright future.”
A Proven Leader in Player Development
Wilkinson’s extensive resume includes roles at various collegiate programs, including Dominican College, Concordia College, Colby-Sawyer College, and Medaille College, among others. His time at Bridgton Academy and Bridgton FC highlighted his passion for player development, as he balanced his responsibilities as a coach, director of operations, and admissions counselor.
“For me, the biggest thing about working in junior college is development,” Wilkinson explained. “Helping student-athletes improve both on the field and in the classroom is what I truly enjoy.”
Lackawanna College’s men’s soccer program has experienced significant growth over the past three seasons, highlighted by 17 wins and a competitive 4-6-0 campaign in 2024 under interim head coach Danny Berg. Wilkinson’s appointment signals a commitment to building on this momentum and creating a lasting legacy.
A Bold Vision for the Falcons
Wilkinson’s coaching philosophy centers on an aggressive, high-tempo style of play designed to empower athletes and excite fans. “We want to give players the freedom to express themselves on the pitch,” Wilkinson said. “Our patterns of play will be dynamic, and we’ll strive to be the team everyone talks about.”
With students returning to campus in late January, Wilkinson is eager to hit the ground running. Recruitment will be a top priority as he seeks to attract top talent and position the Falcons as a premier destination for student-athletes.
“It’s great to be at a place like Lackawanna College where everyone shares the same vision for success,” Wilkinson said. “I’m ready to get started on day one and make Lackawanna College men’s soccer a program that draws attention and pride.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Erik Larson, Director of Athletics, expressed confidence in Wilkinson’s ability to lead the program to new heights. “Coach Wilkinson brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and leadership to our program,” Larson said. “His dedication to fostering both athletic and academic excellence aligns perfectly with our mission.”
The Falcons are ready to embrace a new era of men’s soccer under Wilkinson’s guidance. With his vision, experience, and commitment, the program is well-positioned to achieve success on the pitch and beyond.
Stay tuned to SportzWire for updates on Wilkinson’s progress and all things Lackawanna College Athletics.
