UT Lacrosse Announces Hiring of Chris Burdick

TAMPA, Fla. - University of Tampa head men's lacrosse coach Rory Whipple has announced the addition of Chris Burdick as assistant coach for the 2012-2013 season. Burdick comes to Tampa with extensive coaching experience, most recently at Providence College (NCAA Division I), where he was the head men's lacrosse coach for the past 14 seasons.

"Chris is one of the top coaches in collegiate lacrosse. His years of experience and accomplishments as a head coach at the Division I level make him an extremely valuable addition to our coaching staff here at Tampa. Chris has a strong passion for the game and his tireless work ethic will only strengthen our growing program." Whipple said of Burdick.

During his time in Providence, Burdick lead the Friars to a record six consecutive MAAC championships from 2003-2008, as well as NCAA tournament bids in 2004, 2006 and 2007. In 2008, Burdick was honored as MAAC Coach of the Year.

Chris guided Providence College during its transition to the Big East Conference from 2010-12, which he capped off with the program's first Big East win against No. 13 Villanova Wildcats.

Prior to his time as head coach at PC, Burdick held assistant coaching positions at Notre Dame, Delaware, UMass and Cornell. Burdick graduated from the University of Delaware in 1991 and complete his Masters at Delaware in health, physical education and recreation in 1995.

"It's a very exciting environment at the University of Tampa, not only for the lacrosse program and athletic department, but for the entire campus. UT is really moving in a great direction" said Burdick of his new opportunity. "I'm looking forward to working under great leadership with athletic director Larry Marfise and one of the best coaches in the nation in coach Whipple."

The Tampa Spartans are entering their second season of competition. In their inaugural season of 2012, the Spartans finished with a record of 11-5, including a win over then No. 8 Mars Hill and a regular season Deep South Conference title.

"Coach Whipple, Coach (Mike) Ryder and I have had very different experiences all over the collegiate lacrosse spectrum, which blends into a nice staff dynamic," Burdick commented on joining the coaching staff. "We all have a job to do, and that is to support the growth of our student-athletes, both on and off the field, and I am excited to join coaches Whipple and Ryder in continuing the immediate success here in Tampa."

In closing, Whipple stated "our goal at the University of Tampa is to provide our student-athletes with the best opportunity to succeed both on and off the field. Our new state-of-the-art athletic facilities, paired with an outstanding and passionate coaching staff, gives our players the tools necessary in achieving that goal."

Additional Quotes from coach Burdick:

How do you see the transition from DI to DII?
"My goal was to find a program with great leadership and an organization that was fully committed to success. In just one visit to UT, a look at the beauty of the campus and the quality of life of the students and staff, seeing the new athletic center that rivals anything in DI with new locker rooms, offices, weight room, meeting rooms, and with the new stadium on the way, you will easily see why top lacrosse prospects will want to come here."

What will be new for you being at the University of Tampa as opposed to the northern schools you have worked at?
"Well, I've never had to worry about falling into a pool on my recruiting tours in the past." Coach Burdick is referring to the on campus pool that is between all the dorms and is a popular hangout spot for the students between and after classes.