Long Island native Justin Arini joins the Bears coaching staff for the 2009 season. Arini, who will serve as both the Offensive and Recruiting Coordinator, brings Division I coaching experience to a veteran NYIT offense. Prior to arriving at NYIT, Arini coached at Division I Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. As both the Offensive and Recruiting Coordinator for the program, Arini found success with one of the nation’s youngest teams by helping the Jaspers advance to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference playoffs for the first time in three years.

At Manhattan, Arini assisted in the development of starting goalie and senior captain John Geagan. Geagan finished the 2008 season ranked #7 nationally in Goals Against Average and #15 nationally in Save Percentage.

Before his stint in Riverdale, Coach Arini spent two years as an assistant coach at the High School level. In 2007, Arini was responsible for defensive duties at Bergen Catholic High School in Bergen County, N.J. where he helped guide the team to a 10-9 record and a County Championship appearance. Arini began his coaching career in 2006 as the assistant coach at Hanover Park High School in East Hanover, N.J.

Prior to moving into the coaching ranks, Arini played his lacrosse at Junior College power Alfred State College in western New York. At Alfred State, he started every game in goal over his two year career, helping lead his team to consecutive playoff appearances. Arini was named team captain and awarded with Team MVP honors in 2005. He was also named to the All-Conference and All-Region teams both years and was the only goalie selected to the Region III All- Tournament team.

The former standout goalie began his playing career at Ward Melville High School in Setauket, N.Y. playing for Head Coach Joe Cuozzo.

Arini currently resides in Astoria, N.Y.