Brian Riley Reflects on Family’s 1,000th Win at Army West Point

“I never imagined I’d be the coach here at West Point,” Brian Riley said. “To kind of follow in my brother and my dad’s footsteps, it’s a dream come true. I’m really living a dream by being able to coach here.”

The family enjoyed another historic night one week later when Army hosted Long Island University, coached by Riley’s nephew, Brett Riley. It was the first Riley vs. Riley head coaching matchup since Jan. 2, 1990, when Bill Riley and UMass Lowell scored a one-goal win against Rob Riley and Army.

“It was neat to see Brett on the other bench,” Brian Riley said. “What a proud moment, not only for him, but his mom and dad … my brother Rob. And I know my dad and my mom, Brett’s grandparents, were looking down and were very proud of him.”

It was the 18th head coaching meeting between members of the Riley family. Jack Riley faced his son Rob one time and his nephew Bill 13 times. Rob squared off against his cousin Bill three times. Riley has experience coaching against family members, as he squared off against his sons Jack and Brendan while they played at Mercyhurst.

“It’s not fun going up against family members,” Brian Riley said. “It’s hard because I want them to have success and I want our team to have success, and when you’re playing against each other, somebody’s not going to have success.”

It was still a special moment for Brian Riley and the Riley family, as Army split the home series with LIU. The two are scheduled to meet again in February during another weekend set.

Until then, Brian Riley is just excited to add to the 1,000 wins compiled by his father and older brother at Army.

“I’ve always said that I don’t think I’ve ever won any games, and I think my dad and brother would probably say the same thing,” Brian Riley said. “I think a thousand wins at West Point just speaks more to the players because they’re the ones who have won the games over these last 70 years.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.