BALTIMORE, Md. - Dave Pietramala, a 1990 graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the head men's lacrosse coach at Cornell for the last three years, has been named the head coach of the men's lacrosse team at Johns Hopkins it was announced today by Tom Calder, Director of Athletics at the school. Pietramala becomes the 22nd coach in the 117-year history (112 seasons) of the Hopkins' lacrosse program and takes over for John Haus, who resigned last week after two years as the head coach at Homewood.

"This is a dream come true for Johns Hopkins University to have Dave Pietramala return as our head coach," Calder noted. "When the position became available, we immediately set our sights on Dave and could not be happier that he wants to return to Homewood. We are looking forward to him getting started and moving the program forward," Calder added.

Pietramala turned around a once-prominent Cornell program which had slipped a bit prior to his arrival. In three seasons as the head coach of the Big Red, Pietramala guided Cornell to a 23-17 (.575) record, an appearance in the 2000 NCAA Tournament (Cornell's first since 1995 and just its second since 1989), and a final national ranking of ninth in the 2000 STX/USILA Poll. Cornell was the only team in the nation to beat eventual national champion Syracuse during the 2000 season and the Big Red finished second in the Ivy League with a 5-1 conference record.

One of the best defensive players in the history of lacrosse, Pietramala's effect on the Cornell defense was evident from day one. The Big Red dropped its team goals against average from 12.36 (the year before Pietramala arrived) to 9.31 in his first season (1998). The team's goals against average continued to drop in both his second (8.92 in 1999) and third (8.22) seasons as well. Cornell was ranked fourth in the nation in team goals against average at the end of the 2000 regular season. During his tenure at Cornell, the Big Red produced five First Team All-Ivy selections and five All-Americans.

"Ever since the day I decided I wanted to be head lacrosse coach I knew I eventually wanted to be the head coach at Johns Hopkins University," Pietramala stated. "I feel very fortunate to be associated with an outstanding academic institution that is recognized around the world and a lacrosse program that has such a rich tradition. I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with the young men involved in this program," he added.

Pietramala was a three-time First Team All-American during his career at Johns Hopkins. He led the Blue Jays to the 1987 NCAA Division I Championship and an appearance in the 1989 NCAA Championship game. He was the recipient of the William C. Schmeisser Award as the nation's outstanding defenseman in 1988 and 1989 and earned the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award as the nation's most outstanding player in 1989 as well. In addition, he was one of 10 Johns Hopkins players named to the NCAA Silver Anniversary Team in 1995 and he was selected to the All-Time Johns Hopkins Team at the end of his career. Pietramala remains one of just 19 players in school history to earn First Team All-America honors three times. He is one of just five JHU defensemen to earn the honor three times.

Pietramala, who was named to Lacrosse Magazine's All-Century Team last fall, continued his playing career at the club and national level after leaving Johns Hopkins. He was named the outstanding performer at the International Lacrosse Federation World Championships in 1990 as a member of the United States championship team in Perth, Australia. He again earned All-World honors in 1994 as he led the United States to the title in Manchester, England. He also played in the club ranks with Mt. Washington and professionally in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League.

After concluding his career at Hopkins, Pietramala entered the coaching ranks with a one-year stint at nearby prep power Gilman. He returned to Homewood as an assistant in 1991 before taking assistant coaching positions at Penn and Loyola. He spent three seasons (1995-97) as the defensive coordinator at Hopkins, helping the Blue Jays to a 31-11 record, three trips to the NCAA Tournament, and two appearances in the Final Four. He helped guide the 1995 team to a 12-0 record in the regular season and the top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

While serving as the defensive coordinator at Hopkins from 1995-97 Pietramala coached two defensemen who combined to earn All-America honors five times. Included was Brian Kuczma, who earned First Team All-America honors in 1996 and 1997 and earned the William C. Schmeisser Award as the nation's top defenseman in 1997. In addition, Hopkins' starting goalie earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1995 and 1996.

A native of Hicksville, New York, Pietramala is a 1985 graduate of St. Mary's High School.