Ex-Manhattan Jaspers Coach Kevin Leighton Moves To Fordham

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — Kevin Leighton, who led Manhattan College to at least 30 wins in each of his six seasons there, has become the baseball coach at Fordham.

The announcement was made Monday by Fordham, the oldest and winningest baseball program in NCAA history. Through the 2011 season, the Rams have compiled 4,074 all-time victories, over 800 wins more than second-place Texas (3,246).

"We are excited to find a coach with the experience and accomplishments of Kevin Leighton," said director of athletics Frank McLaughlin. "We have a proud and successful baseball tradition at Fordham and look to Kevin, with the support of our alumni, to build on that success and the winning traditions."

Leighton led the Jaspers to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles and NCAA tournaments in 2006 and last season.

"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead such a prestigious baseball program with a rich tradition at a great school like Fordham," Leighton said. "I'm looking forward to getting the program to the top of the Atlantic 10."

In 2006, the Jaspers drew national attention when they beat No. 6 Nebraska in the NCAA tournament.

Leighton, who has a 200-119-1 career record, was an assistant at Manhattan from 2002-04 before becoming head coach.

He replaces Nick Restaino, who left Fordham in June after seven seasons.

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