Jacksonville University to Join MAAC Men's Lacrosse League
MAAC Sports
Edison, N.J. - The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announces the addition of Jacksonville University to the MAAC Men's Lacrosse league, starting competition in the 2010-2011 season.
"The addition of Jacksonville University will significantly improve the playing level of the MAAC Men's Lacrosse League as the conference continues on multi-year arc to become nationally competitive in this fast growing sport," noted MAAC Commissioner Richard Ensor. "The MAAC's involvement with sports in the State of Florida is not new as we currently host fall and spring sports championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World, as well as the Old Spice Classic men's basketball exempt event every Thanksgiving. In that tradition, this membership decision is consistent with providing service to our league's student-athletes, coaches and fans."
"The addition of Jacksonville University to the MAAC Men's Lacrosse League is another example of the growth of our league and the sport of lacrosse nationally," said Canisius College Director of Athletics Bill Maher. "I look forward to working with Jacksonville University as we continue to grow the profile of the MAAC Men's Lacrosse League."
The JU men's lacrosse team completed its inaugural season with a 6-7 record, achieving the first win in program history in triple overtime against No. 18 Denver. The only Division I men's lacrosse team in the state of Florida, the Dolphins completed a challenging first-year schedule with games against No. 4 North Carolina, No. 7 Duke, No. 15 Hofstra and No. 18 Bucknell. Against MAAC opponents, the Green and Gold went 1-1 with a victory over Mount St. Mary's, 14-7, and an early season defeat to VMI, 10-9.
"We are thrilled and humbled about finding a conference home for our men's lacrosse program this fast," Jacksonville Director of Athletics Alan Verlander said. "I want to thank the leadership in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for welcoming us with open arms. The buzz around our lacrosse programs is amazing, and the ability now for our men's team to compete for conference championships on an annual basis keeps the momentum going after a very successful first season."
The Dolphins will be eligible to participate in the 2011 MAAC Men's Lacrosse Championship, which will take place May 6-8 at the Demske Sports Complex on the campus of Canisius College. The winner receives the league's automatic bid to the 41st Annual NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship.
"It's been a great first year for our program and now we have the opportunity to go into a strong conference like the MAAC," said JU head coach Matt Kerwick. "The MAAC is a group of very strong teams that we're excited to be a part of, and I know our student-athletes are going to be excited to have the opportunity to compete for a championship next year."
The addition of Jacksonville follows the recent departure of two associate members of the MAAC Men's Lacrosse League. Mount St. Mary's University and Wagner College will start playing men's lacrosse for the Northeast Conference in the 2010-2011 season. The University of Detroit Mercy was added to the MAAC Men's Lacrosse League for the 2009-2010 season, putting the MAAC at eight teams involved in conference play next season.
The MAAC is in its 29th year of competition during the 2009-2010 academic year. The league was founded in 1980 by six charter members: the U.S. Military Academy, Fairfield University, Fordham University, Iona College, Manhattan College and Saint Peter's College. In June of 1995, the MAAC continued to develop opportunities for student-athletes as the conference announced the formation of the MAAC Men's and Women's Lacrosse Leagues. The men's league began competition in the spring of 1996. This past season, the men's league consisted of four MAAC schools - Canisius, Manhattan, Marist, and Siena - and five associate members - Detroit, Mount St. Mary's, Saint Joseph's, Virginia Military Institute and Wagner.
About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
The MAAC, headquartered in Edison, N.J., consists of 10 member institutions: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Loyola University Maryland, Manhattan College, Marist College, Niagara University, Rider University, Saint Peter's College and Siena College. Pattison Sports Group is the league's marketing consultant. For more on the conference please visit, www.maacsports.com.
About Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University is a private, comprehensive university situated in an idyllic setting - on the banks of the St. Johns River, just minutes from downtown Jacksonville, which sponsors 20 varsity athletic teams competing at the Division I level. The University offers more than 70 majors, programs and concentrations, as well as esteemed graduate programs in nursing, business, education and orthodontics. For more information on JU Athletics, please visit www.JUDolphins.com.