DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College Athletics Director Jenni Morrison has announced that Andy Routt has been named as the graduate assistant coach for the DC men's lacrosse program. Routt will start on January 2 and serve as the program's primary assistant coach while also helping with recruiting for the new program.Routt brings plenty of coaching experience with him to Defiance, after serving as the head coach for the Cincy Royals summer club program from 2007-2011. Routt was also the head coach at a pair of high schools in the Cincinnati area, leading Turpin High in 2009 and Seven Hills High during the 2011 campaign.
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Routt played collegiately at NCAA Division II Saint Leo for one season before transferring to the University of Cincinnati. During his time with the Bearcats, Routt started at the goalie position on the club team for three seasons.
Morrison touted the experience of Routt by saying, "We are very pleased to be adding Andy to our men's lacrosse program here at Defiance. He has a good variety of coaching experience at multiple levels and was a student-athlete at the collegiate level. Andy's extensive lacrosse background, along with his strong regional ties, will benefit his recruiting and on-field coaching."
Routt graduated with a degree in journalism and a minor in history from Cincinnati in 2010, and will work towards a master's degree in education from Defiance.
"I am extremely excited to be welcomed with such open arms here at Defiance College," said Routt. "With such immense support coming from the school and the athletics department, I know the men's lacrosse program will quickly become a formidable program within its conference. I want to thank DC President Mark Gordon and Athletics Director Jenni Morrison for giving me this unique opportunity to be a part of history."
The DC men's lacrosse program is slated to begin as a club sport in the spring of 2012, with a full varsity season planned for the spring of 2013. Defiance is currently a member of the Midwest Lacrosse Conference.