Quinnipiac University fires men’s lacrosse coach

Quinnipiac has fired men’s lacrosse coach Eric Fekete, less than two weeks after the entire team was suspended for violating student conduct policy.

The school also announced Saturday that the team suspension will run through the end of the year, preventing the program from participating in fall exhibition games. Assistant coach Mason Poli will replace Fekete, who coached Quinnipiac for 17 seasons.

“After a comprehensive investigation into violations of the student conduct policy involving hazing and alcohol, the university has extended the suspension of the men’s lacrosse team through Dec. 31,” the school said in a statement. “In addition, disciplinary action has been handed down to individual student athletes on team. The head men’s lacrosse coach is no longer with the university. Effective immediately,

Mason Poli, the assistant men’s lacrosse coach, has been appointed interim head coach.

“Because of university policy and federal law protecting

privacy of student records, we cannot provide any additional details on this matter. (QU) will continue to take action toward those responsible for behavior that poses a threat to the well-being of our students.”

It’s unclear what led to

the suspensions, but a source with knowledge of the program believed the transgression involved excessive drinking.

Quinnipiac was 9-6 last season and Fekete was 98-133 in 17 seasons. He was MAAC Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2016.

Poli, who played at Bryant, has been at Quinnipiac for four years and has never been a head coach. Poli is listed on the program’s website as interim coach and a source said Quinnipiac is conducting a national search for a new coach.