Friedland returns to coach AU men’s tennis team
ALFRED, NY — Alfred University Director of Athletics
Paul Vecchio announces the appointment of
Brian Friedland as the Saxons' new head men's tennis coach.
Friedland replaces Steve Sutfin, who resigned after coaching the men's team one season (2014). Friedland is no stranger to tennis at Alfred University, having coached the Saxon women's and men's team a combined 29 seasons between 1983 and 2005
"I am delighted that Brian has accepted my offer to continue to build on what has already been one of the truly exceptional coaching careers in the annals of AU athletics," Vecchio commented. "He is a proven coach and motivator who has mentored some of the best players in Saxon tennis history, as well as a terrific communicator and recruiter. Our men's tennis program is in great hands with
Brian Friedland."
Friedland led the men's team five seasons (1987-91) and women's team eight seasons (1983-90) before taking a six-year hiatus from coaching. He returned to AU before the 1996-97 academic year to take over as head coach the women's and men's teams.
He became the most successful coach for either team during his combined tenures. Twice (2001 and 2004) he was named Empire 8 Conference Coach of the Year for women's tennis. The latter honor, in his final season as women's coach, came after he guided the Saxons to a perfect 12-0 record (8-0 Empire 8) and the school's only Empire 8 championship crown. On the men's side, he posted winning records in each of the eight seasons he coached during his second tenure leading the team. In his final season as men's coach (2005), the Saxons went 7-5 and posted a fourth-place finish in the conference championship tournament.
Friedland earned a bachelor's degree in health science/psychology from SUNY Brockport in 1974 and a master's degree in education from Alfred University in 1981.