NGU expands athletic programs
North Greenville University athletics is expanding starting fall 2014.
The athletic department is adding three new teams with the inclusion of men’s volleyball as well as men’s and women’s lacrosse. The three new teams will compete in Conference Carolinas, joining the 15 men’s and women’s teams currently competing.
When speaking to NGU’s athletics website, Athletic Director Jan McDonald said, “We are excited about the additions of men’s volleyball and lacrosse, Conference Carolinas has been at the forefront of developing these sports at the Division II level, and it will be great for us to be a part of this. The University continues to look for new ways to grow and improve our athletic programs, and these sports will attract a large number of quality student athletes to NGU.”
NGU has already found leaders for these new teams. Corey Struss has been tasked with leading the men’s lacrosse team. Coming from Ohio Valley University, Struss takes over after two years as head coach of the Fighting Scots. Struss earned his Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hill University where he was a three-year starter at goalie for the Griffins.
While Stuss is taking over the men’s program, NGU has tabbed former NGU track and field/cross country coach Michael Bayne to lead its women’s lacrosse team. Bayne will be entering his 34th year in the coaching field and that experience will be invaluable to the young program.
With the inclusion of the new teams at NGU, new accommodations have begun to house the new teams. The soccer field is being torn-up and a new state of the art turf field is being put down in its place.
The new field will be home to both men’s and women’s soccer as well as men and women’s lacrosse.
Also coming to NGU athletics is a new tennis complex and softball field. Track and field is also getting a new track. The new athletic facility will also include a new weight room.
