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Canisius Men's Lacrosse News |
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December 17, 2008
Canisius' Randy Mearns Signs Multi-Year Contract Extension |
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BUFFALO, N.Y. – Canisius College director of athletics Bill Maher announced today
that men’s lacrosse coach Randy Mearns has signed a multi-year contract extension to
continue as head coach of the Golden Griffin men’s lacrosse program through the 2011
season.
Mearns, a two-time graduate of the College, led the Golden Griffin men’s lacrosse
program to its first MAAC Championship in 2008, advancing to the NCAA Tournament to
face No. 3 Syracuse. In 10 seasons under Mearns, the Golden Griffins have amassed 58
victories and are 46-35 in the MAAC. The Golden Griffins have been to the postseason
five times in the last six seasons and have earned a share of the MAAC
regular-season title twice in the last three seasons.
“As a former player and proud graduate of Canisius College, Randy has built our
men’s lacrosse program into one of the top programs in the MAAC, one that is bring
recognized regionally and on the national level of Division I lacrosse,” Maher said.
“Our program’s success is a direct reflection of the years of work that Randy and
his staff have put in and we are pleased to take this next step with him. I am
certain that our men’s lacrosse program will continue to grow and improve under
Randy’s leadership.”
“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Bill Maher, Father Cooke and the
Canisius College community for the opportunity to guide the men’s lacrosse program
into the next decade,” Mearns said. “The commitment and support from the College and
the athletic department have been the catalyst in the development of a highly
competitive Division I lacrosse program.”
During the past six seasons, 16 Golden Griffins have been named to the All-MAAC
First Team or Second Team. Kevin Ross was named the MAAC Offensive Player of the
Year in 2006, current junior Tim Rowley was a MAAC co-Rookie of the Year in 2007 and
Nick LoCoco earned MAAC Rookie of the Year honors in 2008. Adam Jones received
All-America honors in 2008, becoming the first player in program history to be
recognized as an All-American.
Mearns also has helped his players develop for the next level with four Canisius
standouts being drafted in the first round of the National Lacrosse League Draft
during the past six seasons. Mark Miyashita, who graduated from Canisius in 2003,
was the first overall selection in the 2003 draft.
“We have made significant strides because of the work ethic and dedication of our
student-athletes, our coaches and our support staff. I am fortunate to work with
such quality people,” Mearns said. “Our alumni, parents and friends of the program
have been instrumental to our success and growth, and I thank them for their
continued support in our quest to defend our MAAC championship.
“Canisius prides itself on quality, and I am truly honored to lead the Canisius
men’s lacrosse program into a promising future.”
In 2006, Mearns was an assistant coach on the Canadian National Team that won a gold
medal at the 2006 World Lacrosse Championship. Former Golden Griffin Matt Vinc was
on the team that Mearns helped coach. Mearns was inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse
Hall of Fame in November 2007, as a member of the gold-medal winning team. In
October 2008, Mearns was inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Mearns started his career at Canisius as a student-athlete in 1990, becoming one of
the most prolific offensive players in Golden Griffins history despite playing just
three years at Canisius. The St. Catharines, Ont. native ranks second in the record
books with 190 career points. He holds the single-season records for points (94) and
assists (49) and is the program’s all-time leader in assists (95). Mearns was
inducted into the Canisius College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004 for his success as
a Golden Griffin lacrosse player.
Mearns graduated cum laude from Canisius in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in finance
and completed his master’s degree in sport administration in 2002.
Source: Canisius Sports Information Department
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