The Sailfish picked up their first win in program history on Feb. 16 in Pensacola, Fla. as they defeated Montevallo 10-9 in overtime. The Sailfish also picked up non-conference wins against Dominican and Emmanuel on the season and picked up their first Sunshine State Conference victory on March 17 over Embry-Riddle. The Sailfish improved under Tempone in year two by adding two wins to their win-total the year before. PBA was on-pace to match that win total again in 2020, but the season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tempone comes to PBA after serving at his alma mater – New York Institute of Technology – since 2013. He was the offensive coordinator at NYIT where he led the team to a 13-5 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The offense ranked 10th in D2 with 13.33 goals per game in 2016 and were 7th in 2015 at 13.38 goals per game.

“I am pleased to welcome Coach Tempone to the Sailfish family,” said Stone. “Sailfish men’s lacrosse has had a long history at PBA as a club sport, and our goal is to build on the legacy of what has been established. Stephen understands clearly the mission of developing Christian game-changers and will continue to infuse the culture of winning the PBA way by recruiting student-athletes who are hungry to excel in faith, intellect, and sport.”

Tempone will take the reins of the brand new program that is set to begin competition in the spring of 2018. The initial year will be spent recruiting student-athletes as well as preparing a schedule and gathering equipment needed to run a program.

“I would like to thank President Fleming, Carolyn Stone and the rest of the PBA family for this amazing opportunity,” said Tempone. “It is an honor to be the first varsity coach at such a unique place. I am truly humbled and blessed to guide student-athletes along their journey academically, spiritually and athletically at Palm Beach Atlantic University. I look forward to bringing a fast-paced, constant pressure style of play with me to PBA and build off the success of the club program.”

A veteran coach of 13 years, Tempone has previously served as the head coach of Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, N.Y. as well as an assistant coach at Molloy College. He led Holy Trinity to a catholic league state championship in 2011.