United States Military Academy assistant coach Paul Haggerty, 29, passed away Monday while running the steps of Michie Stadium, on the West Point campus. The exact cause of death has not been determined.
Haggerty, a 1991 alumnus of the Academy, served two seasons as assistant to head coach Rob Riley. He was a three-time hockey letterwinner at West Point and led the team in scoring his senior year of 1990-91, winning the Beukema Award as team MVP.
He served on active duty in the Army until 1993 as platoon leader of a Patriot missile battery, and then in the reserves in his native state of Connecticut. He coached at Trinity College in Hartford for two years before returning to his alma mater.
Those who know him say Haggerty was known for his integrity, sense of humor and love of the game of hockey. He is survived by his wife, Tricia, and sons Nicholas, 4, and Luke, 2.
A Haggerty Memorial Fund has been established, with donations going toward a scholarship fund for Haggarty’s two young sons. Donations (made payable to the “Haggerty Memorial Fund”) can be sent to: Army Hockey Office, Holleder Center, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996.
