Robert Morris coaches react to move to Horizon League

Robert Morris University announced Monday that the Colonials will be competing in the Horizon League in men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, women’s cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s golf and softball.

Here’s what Robert Morris coaches had to say about the move, according to a news release from the athletic department:

Charlie Buscaglia, women’s basketball coach

“Moving to the Horizon League is a true testament to the strong competitive culture that has been created here at RMU. Our athletic department has worked very hard to earn this moment. We are thankful to Horizon League Commissioner Jonathan LeCrone and all the university presidents for their support. Also, a special thanks to our athletic director, Chris King, for all the hard work in leading this move with his tireless effort.”

Bill Denniston, men’s soccer coach

“It’s an exciting time for Robert Morris athletics. We love that we get to play new teams and create new rivalries, so being in the Horizon League is very exciting. It certainly will be a bigger challenge for our programs, but it’s one that we welcome and look forward to.”

Chris Shaw, women’s soccer coach

“I’m excited about the move to the Horizon League and look forward to the competition of a new conference for our program. It’s an exciting time for Robert Morris athletics, and I know our student-athletes are excited and proud to being joining the Horizon League.”

Dale Starr, volleyball coach

“We’re excited to join the Horizon League for the 2020-21 season. The Horizon provides an opportunity to raise the bar of our program and compete in a conference that was ranked as the No. 7 conference in RPI last season. It will be a challenge for our team for sure, but coming off a record-breaking 2019 season, we are ready to take on that challenge. There are great things ahead for Robert Morris athletics.”

Jerry Stone, men’s golf coach

“We are going to a tough conference from top to bottom, and this is an exciting move for Robert Morris. I personally know a lot of the Horizon League coaches, so it’s going to be fun to get the chance to compete against the programs on a regular basis. I will miss all the great players and coaches who are friends in the NEC, but we couldn’t be more excited as a program, as a department and as a university to join the Horizon League.”

Andrew Toole, men’s basketball coach

“We’re extremely excited to be joining the Horizon League. It’s a well-respected and competitive league from top to bottom, and I know our student-athletes are excited to be able to compete against high-level competition. I’d like to thank Commissioner Jonathan LeCrone and the university presidents of the Horizon League for offering a bid to join the league. We can’t wait to get started.”

Jexx Varner, softball coach

“This is an exciting move for Robert Morris University. For softball, we have regular experience with Cleveland State and Youngstown State, but as a whole we’re looking forward to new rivalries, new colleagues, new student-athletes and new experiences. This is a new era for RMU softball and we welcome the challenge. Personally, as an alum, this is a proud moment. Having seen the growth of this university and our athletic department from within and from the outside has been inspiring. Now we see the hard work pay off, and I know this move will energize our campus and alumni base.”