(Story taken from the Colorado College website)
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Guy Van
Arsdale, one of the most respected coaches in collegiate
men’s lacrosse, has been named head coach at Colorado
College, Director of Athletics Ken Ralph announced today.
“What an exciting day for CC lacrosse,” Ralph said.
“Guy Van Arsdale has the experience, talent, work ethic, and
recruiting ability to elevate our program at Colorado College. His
passion for education and his understanding of the liberal arts
college setting make him the perfect choice to lead the program for
many years to come.”
Van Arsdale adds more than 20 years of coaching experience to a
program that is on the verge of earning a spot in the upper echelon
of Division III.
“I am very honored and excited to pursue the opportunity so
graciously offered to me by Colorado College and am extremely
anxious to take the lead of such an exciting and promising
program,” he said.
Van Arsdale served as an assistant coach at Penn State University
for six years (2004-09) after spending one season in the same
capacity at the University of Notre Dame. From 2001-03, he was head
coach and assistant general manager of the Rochester Rattlers of
Major League Lacrosse as well as an assistant coach with the
Rochester Knighthawks professional indoor lacrosse franchise.
“This was a difficult decision only because Penn State is
such a tremendous place and the student-athletes there are great
people and very talented athletes,” Van Arsdale said.
“The relationships we have built there will be cherished
always.”
During his 12 seasons as head coach at Rochester Institute of
Technology, Van Arsdale’s teams posted a combined record of
112-54 and made five NCAA tournament appearances, including a berth
in the national semifinals in 1999. He has coached more than 50
All-Americans and continues to be sought after as a featured
speaker at regional and national coaching clinics.
“I am excited for Guy Van Arsdale and I am excited for
Colorado College,” said Bill Tierney, who won six national
championships at Princeton University and was recently named head
coach at the University of Denver. “It is tremendous that a
coach whom I hold in such high regard is coming to CC. It will be
great fun to work with Guy to grow the game of lacrosse in the
Western United States. This is a great move for Guy and an
excellent hire for Colorado College.”
Van Arsdale enjoyed a highly decorated career as a goaltender at
Hobart College, where he led the Statesmen to four consecutive
national championships (1980-83) while playing for current
Georgetown University head coach Dave Urick. Van Arsdale was named
the C. Markland Kelly Goalie of the Year three times, the Division
III Player of the Year in 1983 and participated in the North-South
All-Star Game during his senior year. He earned a bachelor’s
degree in history in 1984.
“We, my wife Julia and I, are very grateful to President
Dick Celeste, Athletic Director Ken Ralph and Associate Athletic
Director Greg Capell for the opportunity to become very engaged
members of the Colorado College community,” Van Arsdale said.
“Everyone we met and came in contact with showed the creative
and adventurous spirit that just permeates the whole campus and is
truly infectious.
“We are excited to work with young men who are looking for
the unique challenges that can be found at Colorado College and are
very confident that we will be able to build on the already great
history that Tiger Lacrosse boasts. I can’t imagine a greater
place to be challenged and grow than in the middle of the Rocky
Mountains. Julia and I look forward to this happening with us, just
as it does with the students at Colorado College.”
Van Arsdale’s brother, Marc, is the associate head lacrosse
coach at the University of Virginia.
“Guy Van Arsdale coming to Colorado College is proof that CC
is committed to competing at the highest level in Division III
lacrosse,” said Schuyler Grey III, who played for the Tigers
from 1979-82. “Every player and coach involved in the history
of CC lacrosse should be excited that their contribution on the
field has led to the hiring of Coach Van Arsdale. Doc Stabler
(founder of the program) would be proud that we are moving his team
to the highest competitive level.”
Van Arsdale succeeds David Zazzaro, who resigned on July 8 after
eight seasons as head coach of the Tigers.
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