Tony Resch, a 14-year veteran of the 2001 National Lacrosse League Champion Philadelphia Wings, has announced he is retiring to pursue other opportunities with his other full-time position, according to Wings' President and co-owner Russ Cline.
"Tony has been the ultimate Wing," said Cline. "He has been with our organization as a player and coach for 14 of our 15 years. It will be very difficult to look at the bench next season and not see Tony as a part of our team. The Wings will always know that our six titles in 15 seasons is a direct reflection on the tremendous leadership that Tony provided our teams as both player and coach."
Resch has been the head coach of the Wings for eight years, since 1994, when he assumed the role after his retirement from playing for six seasons. He was the third Head Coach in the history of the franchise for the team. Under the guidance of Resch, the Wings went to the playoffs every season he was Head Coach, and won the Championship in 1994, 1995, 1998, and 2001. Resch boasts a 59-27 regular season record, and 10-4 during the post-season.
"The Wings have been a huge part of my life for the past 14 years," said Resch. "I'm very sad to leave, but it's time to move on to other challenges and spend more time with my family. I have formed some incredible friendships through the Wings and will never forget my time with the team, especially our championship years."
As a player, Resch was named Captain for three of the six seasons he played for the Wings, and also accumulated 22 points (12G, 10A) as a defensive specialist. Prior to playing with the Wings, Resch, a Yale alumnus, was a member of the American Division All Star Team, was named All-American in 1984-85 and was All-Ivy League 1983-85. Resch also won a gold medal in Perth, Australia in 1990 as a member of Team USA.
Resch has accepted a position with LaSalle High School as the Athletic Director. He had previously served as a sixth grade teacher and football and lacrosse coach at Penn Charter while also coaching the Wings.
The Wings are the defending National Lacrosse League Champions. The Wings defeated the Toronto Rock, 9-8, on April 27, 2001 to capture their sixth title in 15 seasons. The Wings also captured the Champions' Cup in l989, l990, l994, l995, and l998.
The Philadelphia Wings are now accepting deposits for their 2001-02 season tickets at (215) 389-WINGS. Individual tickets, game plans, birthday packages, luxury suites and club boxes, and group ticket information is also available at (215) 389-WINGS or on the world wide web at www.comcast-spectacor.com.
The 2001 National Lacrosse League Champion Philadelphia Wings are owned and operated by Philadelphia Wings L.P., whose principal owners are Russ Cline and Michael French. Comcast-Spectacor serves as the marketing, promotional, advertising, sponsorship and publicity arm of the Wings.
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