Mitrano Ends Term as USILA President
Empire 8 Athletic Conference Commissioner Chuck Mitrano wrapped up his three-year presidential term of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) on December 7th during the 2017 Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) convention in Baltimore.
“On behalf of the USILA Board we thank Chuck Mitrano for his leadership, commitment, and hard work,” said incoming USILA President Gene McCabe, head coach at Washington & Lee University. “We are grateful for all he has given to help foster the growth of our great game and support the institutions who play it.”
Mitrano has been an influential leader in the sport of lacrosse in many ways. A point of emphasis in his administration was increased engagement of Commissioner’s and Directors of Athletics, groups that previously had little involvement with USILA. He also stressed seeking feedback of the coaches with many surveys regarding key topics in the lacrosse world. With the increased engagement, Mitrano facilitated a historic transition of all lacrosse officiating services from USILA to the conference offices, a service that is now consistent with how other major sports officiating service are managed.
“Chuck led significant and positive change in our sport, and it was a challenging path to take,” said US Lacrosse CEO Steve Stenersen. “But that’s what selfless leaders do…work for change in the best interests of others despite the obstacles.”
Mitrano also spear-headed the USILA/HEADstrong Cancer Awareness Month program. The effort is a month-long campaign, in which collegiate men’s lacrosse teams nationwide are asked to make a statement on the playing field by pledging a game, raising funds and wearing HEADstrong awareness accessories in support of the cause.
The HEADstrong Foundation is an organization that relentlessly raises cancer awareness and funds for improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Last year the USILA/HEADstrong Cancer Awareness campaign raised more than $75k.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve the USILA, it’s coaches, administrators, the conferences, officials and the game of lacrosse,” said Mitrano. “The USILA is such an historic organization and to be part of its growth during a pivotal period has been a privilige. “
Mitrano also led many visible efforts to enhance the USILA brand. He established a partnership with Nike to be the official uniform and apparel provider of USILA’s annual North/South All-Star Game for Division I, II and III. Nike provides fully customized USILA uniforms for players and apparel for coaches participating in the games and Nike receives exclusive naming rights for the Weekly USILA/Nike Coaches Poll and the USILA/Nike All-America and Scholar All-America teams. He also created the USILA National Player of the Week program sponsored by BSN Sports. The program recognizes the most outstanding offensive and defensive performances in Division I, II, and III on a weekly basis.
Under Mitrano’s direction, USILA underwent a digital revolution with a modern website and developed a strong presence on social media platforms. In addition, he oversaw the creation of several new initiatives this season including the USILA Milestone Award celebrating programs that hit milestone win marks, the USILA Division III All-Region teams, and the USILA Player of the Year Watch Lists which will raise the profile of the organization’s annual awards by identifying the top players while building excitement throughout the season.
Within the past year, Mitrano led the initiative of USILA forming a strategic alliance with Lacrosse Masters, a sports consulting firm, in May 2017. The alliance affords the USILA with business management and additional operational staffing to help elevate the historic USILA brand and the profile of men’s lacrosse.
Most recently, the organization established the USILA John Spring Senior All-Star Game MVP which will begin in the spring of 2018. The award is named after the organization’s long-time Executive Director John Spring who has been synonymous with the USILA for decades.
“Chuck came into the USILA with goals of making the organization more visible and stronger and he succeeded at both,” said Spring. “Chuck was instrumental in improving social media, spearheading the HEADstrong Program and bringing the annual North South All-Star Classic to the next level. Chuck was an excellent leader and motivator and will be missed by all.”
Founded in 1885, the USILA is the longest standing organization in college lacrosse. USILA provides services to every NCAA Division I, II, and III men's lacrosse program in the country. The association is entrusted to enhance and develop intercollegiate lacrosse by providing leadership, management, and services to its membership so that student-athletes, coaches, institutions, and other constituent groups will realize the maximum benefit from the sport of lacrosse.