Olivet College to sponsor men’s lacrosse

OLIVET, Mich. - Olivet College will sponsor men's lacrosse, beginning in the 2012-13 academic year, increasing the number of intercollegiate sponsored sports to 22, 11 for each gender.

The announcement coincides with the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) deciding to add both men's and women's lacrosse as a conference sport, beginning at the same time. Olivet's women's lacrosse team completed its first season as a varsity sport in 2010-11.

"We are excited to add men's lacrosse," said Olivet President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. "It is a great sport that is growing and in demand, not only across the country, but particularly here in Michigan. Men's lacrosse will enhance the intercollegiate opportunities for our students and will be a great spectator sport for both our students and our regional community."

A national search for a head coach has begun, with hopes to have someone in place by January 2012. Official competitions will start in spring 2013, with games to be played on the artificial surface at the Cutler Athletic Complex.

Six other MIAA schools (Adrian, Albion, Alma, Calvin, Hope and Trine) will also sponsor men's and women's lacrosse. With seven schools adding lacrosse, the conference champion will receive an automatic bid to compete at the NCAA Division III National Championships each spring, according to MIAA Commissioner David Neilson.

For more information, please contact Athletic Director Heather Bateman at (269) 749-7189 or hbateman@olivetcollege.edu.