Tampa's Burdick Named IMLCA Assistant Coach of the Year
Men's Lacrosse assistant coach Chris Burdick earned IMLCA Assistant Coach of the Year honors for his efforts guiding the Spartan defense.
BALTIMORE, Md. – University of Tampa men's lacrosse assistant coach Chris Burdick has been named the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year as announced at the IMLCA Convention at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Burdick is in his fifth season as Tampa's top assistant, serving in the capacity of defensive coordinator while assisting in all lacrosse operations.
During his tenure at Tampa, Burdick has a career record of 57 wins and only 16 losses, winning each Sunshine State Conference games since the league adopted men's lacrosse in 2014, winning all-three regular-season conference championships and winning all-three tournament titles. While competing in the Deep South Conference, the team claimed its lone season with coach Burdick guiding the defense in 2013.
The Spartans have earned three bids to the NCAA tournament, advancing to the NCAA Championship Semifinals twice. In 2016, Burdick helped the Spartans to a 15-3 record, conference regular season and tournament championships, as well as a berth to the NCAA tournament that included a 10-9 victory over Mercyhurst which saw the Spartans come-back from a 9-2 deficit where his defense only surrendered 1 goal in the second half.
Tampa's defense has thrived during Burdick's time at UT, as the squad's goals-against average has never exceeded 9.1. The defensive coordinator has coached 2 USILA/Nike All-American defenseman as well as numerous All-Conference defenders. The defensive honors included two First Team All-SSC defenders, an All-SSC short stick defender, and a Second Team All-SSC goalie. Under his tutelage in 2016 the defense held teams to 10 goals or less, 14 different times.
"[Coach Burdick] does a great job sending recruiting marketing materials, identifying talent, preparing for games, and getting the most out of his players," said UT head coach Rory Whipple. "Without [Coach Burdick's] help, the University of Tampa men's lacrosse program would not be where it is today."