Don LaSala Tabbed Hartwick’s Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach
ONEONTA, NY – On Thursday, Hartwick College Director of Athletics Dr.
Kim Fierke announced the hiring of
Don LaSala as Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, effective September 15. He replaces Bill Bjorness who accepted a coaching position with IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL this summer.
LaSala most recently served as the head men's lacrosse coach at Adrian College in Adrian, MI for the past three seasons. He has led the Bulldogs to three straight conference titles and three consecutive NCAA Division III Tournament appearances.
"I am very pleased that Don has joined the Hartwick community to lead the men's lacrosse program," stated Fierke. "His proven record of conference and NCAA Tournament appearances is a testament to his ability to coach. He will be a great leader for this program as it embarks on a new chapter of its long and rich history."
LaSala has led Adrian to an overall record of 44-9 in his three seasons at the helm. In addition, the Bulldogs have had an unblemished conference record under his tutelage. He guided them to a 9-0 mark in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference in 2012 and 6-0 records in each of the last two seasons in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
Adrian won a school record 17 games in 2012 during LaSala's first year as head coach. He then piloted the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Tournament victory in program history with a 14-11 win over Otterbein.
"I would first like to thank Kim and the search committee for taking the time to meet with me and introduce the opportunities Hartwick College has to offer," said LaSala. "I look forward to the next chapter in my life at the College and in the Oneonta community."
LaSala began his coaching career with one-year stints as an assistant at his alma mater of Brockport (2005-06) and Washington and Jefferson College (2006-07). He then spent four seasons as an assistant at Clarkson University from 2007-2011. While with the Golden Knights, he served as the team's recruiting coordinator and was the defensive coordinator from 2007-2010. LaSala was Clarkson's offensive coordinator in 2011 before taking the reins at Adrian.
A 2005 graduate of The College at Brockport, LaSala received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also obtained a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from St. Lawrence University in May 2011.
"I am excited to bring a new energy and enthusiasm to a program with a long tradition of success," added LaSala. "I am truly looking forward to meeting my student-athletes and developing a positive culture of accountability through hard work, dedication, and success."