Staten Island, NY - Three new assistant coaches, two of whom were recent former standouts on the gridiron for the Seahawks, have been named assistant football coaches, Wagner College head coach Walt Hameline has announced.

Stefen Gage, a First-Team All-Northeast Conference (NEC) choice and team MVP in 2010, will coach the Seahawk cornerbacks in 2011. Michael Cox, a Second-Team All-NEC defensive end last season will serve as assistant defensive line coach. Assuming the position of assistant running backs coach will be Jesse Rack, a former All-Mid American (MAC) First-Team tight end at SUNY at Buffalo.

“All three of these young men are welcome additions to our staff,” said Hameline. “With Stefen and Mike, they are both obviously familiar with our system and schemes which will be invaluable. As recent top performers and leaders, all three of these additions know exactly what it takes to be successful on and off the playing and will bring energy and intensity to our staff.”

Gage, who was a Second Team All-NEC pick in 2008, returned to the conference pedestal this year after a dominating senior campaign that saw the Syracuse native record a NEC-best matching five interceptions for 77 yards, 6.0 tackles for loss, a team-best 75 tackles and two forced fumbles. Gage turned in arguably the finest game by a Seahawk last season in Wagner's thrilling 22-16 overtime win at Georgetown. En route to NEC Defensive Player of the Week accolades, he forced two fumbles while totaling a then season-high 11 tackles, including a season-high 3.5 tackles-for-loss.

Cox, a transfer from the University of Connecticut , had an outstanding year in his lone season on Grymes Hill, ranking third in the NEC with six sacks while notching 9.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries. His signature game for the Seahawks came in the 29-21 win over Bryant when the West Hempstead, NY native recorded a season-best 4.5 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks and a safety.

Rack was a First-Team All-MAC tight end in 2009 and earned a spot on the prestigious 2009 John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List. At Buffalo, he was a three-year starter and four-year letterwinner. He helped lead the Bulls to the 2008 Mid-American Conference championship and a berth in the 2009 International Bowl vs. the University of Connecticut. Following his playing career, Rack signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets.