BOSTON, Mass. – Wentworth Institute of Technology Director of Athletics Angel Ayres today announced the hiring or Connor Erickson as head men's soccer coach. Erickson replaces Bob Long, who stepped aside after 16 seasons at the helm.

"I'd like to welcome Coach Erickson to the Wentworth family," said Ayres. "His eagerness and passion about soccer and his new position will surely resonate with our student-athletes. I look forward to working with him as he begins his first journey as a collegiate head coach. I am confident he will make great strides with our men's soccer program."

Erickson comes from Bridgewater State, where he was beginning his second stint (2009-2010; 2013) as an assistant men's soccer coach. Prior to returning to Bridgewater State, he served as an assistant coach at Wheaton College (2011) and UMass Boston (2012) as well as serving as the boys' junior varsity coach at Canton High School during the 2008 season. At the collegiate level he has extensive recruiting experience at the high school, club, and prep school levels at both the regional and national levels.

A 2008 graduate of Wheaton with a Bachelor's degree in history, Erickson played three seasons for the Lyons and served as a student assistant coach during the 2007 season when an injury sidelined him. During his career Wheaton posted a 56-20-11 (.707) record, capturing four straight New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference regular season championships and three NEWMAC Tournament championships while advancing to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons. The 2004 season saw the Lyons finish 17-4-2 and earn a berth in the sectional semifinals.

Erickson has worked the Canton Soccer School since 2000 and was elevated to the position of assistant director on 2011. He has also worked the Brian Ainscough Soccer Academy and the Elite 8 Soccer Academy and holds a national diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

"I am very excited to be starting the position of head men's soccer coach at Wentworth," said Erickson. "Wentworth is a great school in an ideal location, and I know how much potential the program has. I look forward to helping the program reach that potential and I can't wait to be a part of the Wentworth community."

The Leopards open the 2013 season on Friday, August 30, at Babson. A day later Erickson will square off against his alma mater.