Houghton Announces Change in Men’s Lacrosse Leadership
HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Houghton College Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics H. “Skip” Lord announced today that Joey Wilmot will be the new head coach for the men’s lacrosse program.
Wilmot joined the Highlanders as an assistant in 2012 and served under head coach Josiah Snelgrove during the program’s inaugural season this spring. Snelgrove has decided to step away from the program as he pursues his master’s degree. He will continue to serve as an assistant coach with the men’s soccer program.
Wilmot was the obvious choice, said Lord. “I am excited that Coach Wilmot accepted our offer to take leadership of our program,” added Lord. “The respect he has from the current players, his maturity and leadership and his strong commitment to using sport as ministry, were all key factors in the decision. And he has a strong desire to build a program that will be competitive in the Empire 8 and NCAA Division III.
“I am also thankful for the work Coach Snelgrove put in over the past 18 months to get the program off the ground and to introduce lacrosse to the Houghton community.”
Wilmot played four years of varsity lacrosse at Eastern University (Pa.), where he appeared in 63 games and tallied 12 goals and 11 assists in his collegiate career. During Wilmot’s senior campaign, Eastern won a conference championship and appeared in the NCAA D-III National Tournament for the first time in program history.
His breadth of experience will aid the Highlanders as they continue the process of establishing a tradition of excellence in the sport. Wilmot has assisted in lacrosse camps and youth programs throughout Pennsylvania. Wilmot and his father are recognized as co-founders of the Chambersburg High School lacrosse program.
Wilmot has big goals for the program, including developing a winning tradition and preparing for future success in NCAA Division III and the Empire 8 Conference.
“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to build on the foundation laid by Coach Snelgrove,” Wilmot said. “I look forward to helping to develop the character of the players through competitive lacrosse. I want to foster a culture of service to God, and mentor players that put team over self. I am drawn by family ties to Houghton and by its rich history of outstanding academics from a Christian viewpoint. The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a new program, with all of the top notch athletic facilities energizes me.”
The Highlanders finished their first season with a record of 4-8. The 2014 season will include a full slate of games in the competitive Empire 8.