8/7/26
 
SCRANTON, Pa. – Lackawanna College Athletics is pleased to announce that Director of Athletics Erik Larson has been named as the 2026 Augie Eosso Award winner, announced at the annual Region XIX meetings this past week.
 
"Erik Larson epitomizes what the Augie Eosso Award stands for," said Troy Tucker, Executive Director of Region XIX and Executive Athletic Director at Northampton Community College, "Erik is a true professional who always put the interest of the region and its members first, and constantly worked to elevate standards and expectations."
 
Larson, who started at Lackawanna College in 2019 as the Assistant Athletic Director before his elevation to Director of Athletics in February 2021, has overseen plenty of success for Lackawanna College athletics in his time in charge. The Falcons made three World Series appearances in baseball, while also winning three region and district championships, earned their first-ever NJCAA All-American in women's volleyball in 2024, earned back-to-back NJCAA All-Americans in softball (2025-2026) for the first time since 2002-2003, and Lackawanna has successfully hosted several Region XIX Division II championship events, including the women's volleyball championships over the last three seasons, as well as the men's and women's basketball championships, the Gulf Atlantic District Wrestling tournament, and the DII East District baseball tournament.
 
In addition to the athletic success, Larson chaired the Region XIX softball committee, served as Assistant Men's Director, and served on the Region XIX baseball committee. Nationally, he served as a member of the Division I Football and Women's Wrestling sports committees with the NJCAA.
 
"It's fantastic to see Erik recognized for his many contributions to the field," said Lackawanna College Provost Erica Barone Pricci in a message to the Lackawanna College Athletics community, "Better than anyone, we all know how hard Erik works and how well-deserved this honor genuinely is."
 
Under Larson's leadership, Lackawanna College has expanded its athletic brand with online accessibility and a video livestream philosophy that makes sure every Lackawanna College home event has a video livestream and broadcast, including multiple cameras, graphics, and enhancements to provide a professional broadcast. Teams have seen an uptick in success since Larson's arrival, which includes a national championship appearance by football (2019), two national tournament appearances for women's basketball (2019 and 2021), four World Series appearances for baseball (2019, 2021, 2023, 2025), the first region championship for men's basketball in nine years (2021), and the first region championship for women's volleyball in 17 years (2023). Additionally, softball set a program record with 41 wins in 2026, while women's wrestling debuted and won its first-ever home dual in November 2025.
 
Larson's drive and commitment to excellence have also pushed Lackawanna College to uncharted territory, as the College announced in Jun 2025 that it will be leaving the NJCAA to become a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and compete as a four-year school, while applying for membership in NCAA Division II, beginning this coming 2026-2027 scholastic year. With that push to the NCAA have come many positive changes and steps forward for the athletics program as a whole, which includes a new 3,200 square-foot workout facility within the Lackawanna College Student Union, additions including a Senior Woman Administrator role and Faculty Athletics Representative role, and several coaches moving from part-time to full-time, as well as the revival of the men's golf and cross country programs, with the addition of women's golf and cross country.
 
In a message that was relayed to his colleagues at the Region XIX meeting last week, Larson expressed his gratitude for the recognition, especially considering the transition away from the NJCAA that Lackawanna College is undertaking.
 
"Thank you for this tremendous honor. Receiving the Augie Eosso Award is especially meaningful as Lackawanna College Athletics prepares to conclude an incredible chapter within Region XIX and begin a new journey in NCAA Division II and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference," read Larson's acceptance statement, "I am sincerely grateful to Region XIX for this recognition and for the support, partnership, and camaraderie that Lackawanna College has enjoyed throughout our time as a member institution. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you, and I will always look back on our years in Region XIX with great appreciation and pride.
 
"As we transition to NCAA Division II, this recognition serves as a meaningful reminder of the relationships, experiences, and accomplishments we have shared within Region XIX. While our membership path is changing, the values that have guided our work, service, work, collaboration, and dedication to student-athletes will continue to shape our future."
 
The Augie Eosso Award is considered "the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an individual by Region XIX," according to the Region XIX website. "This award shall be awarded to an individual who exemplifies and demonstrates committed service and dedication to Region XIX."
 
Larson becomes the second (and final) winner from Lackawanna College of the Eosso Award since Region XIX began the award in 2014. Former head football coach Mark Duda was named a recipient in 2022. Last fall, Larson was recognized by Region XIX with the Ron Case Athletic Director of the Year award.