Judson to add lacrosse

The building of a strong athletic department is continuing as Judson University will add both men's and women's lacrosse for the 2010-11 season.

This will be the third year in a row that Judson has added a sport to the athletic department. Lacrosse will joins track and field for next year. Judson added men's and women's cross country two years ago and then brought in men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, and cheerleading this year.

"This is another great moment for Judson athletics," said Judson athletic director Nancy Binger. "Judson is on the move in athletics and the addition of lacrosse will only add to what we are doing here. Lacrosse is such a growing sport in our area and the nation and we can't wait to get started with the new program."

Judson University will be the second NAIA program in Illinois to add lacrosse as a varsity sport for women and the first for men. Lacrosse, though, is currently not a NAIA sponsored sport so Judson will be seeking entry into lacrosse leagues.

The women's program will be seeking entry into the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) where the Eagles would most likely be a part of the B League. Judson would play such schools as Taylor University, Butler University, Purdue University, Indiana University, and Ball State University in this league.

Seeking entry into the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA), Judson would play in the Division II side of the MCLA. The Eagles would play in the Great Lakes Rivers Conference Northeast and face teams like Wheaton College, Augustana College (IL), DePaul University, St. Louis University, and Palmer Chiropractic.

These two leagues are not associated with the NCAA but have NCAA schools participate in their leagues. Judson would have the potential of playing several big name schools such as Illinois, Indiana, Purdue, and Missouri State.

There will be a national search for coaching positions for both the men's and women's teams.