RIVERDALE, N.Y.- The Manhattan men's lacrosse program announced Friday
the additions of Kyle Ochwat and Spencer Wright to the Jaspers' coaching staff
for the 2011 season.
Ochwat and
Wright join 14th-year coach Tim McIntee and 3rd-year assistant
Rick Ruggles to make up the upcoming season's coaching unit.
“We are extremely
pleased to welcome two new members to our program,” McIntee said. “Kyle Ochwat
and Spencer Wright have extremely distinguished playing careers and will add to
our success on both sides of the ball.”
A familiar face
to Riverdale, N.Y., Ochwat returns to Manhattan's campus as an assistant coach
on defense after a four-year playing career for the Jaspers. The long stick
defensive midfielder started 29 of the 56 games he appeared in from 2006-10.
One of the school's top defenders, he was a vital member of three MAAC playoff
teams and was named to the 2010 MAAC All-Conference Tournament Team.
“Kyle played for
us and knows our system and expectations,” McIntee said. “He will help us
immensely on the defensive end and our program will continue to benefit from
his hard work and dedication.”
Another standout
player turned coach; Wright joins Manhattan after spending six years as an
assistant at the Fieldston School in Riverdale, N.Y., where he helped aid the Eagles
to two state championships in 2005 and 2007. A winner at every level, he played
an integral part on two Division I National Championship teams (2000 and 2002)
as a midfielder for Syracuse University. Following the 2002 NCAA season, his
outstanding play earned him 2nd team All-American honors. In 2003,
Wright was drafted by the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse and
played five seasons professionally. He will aid the Kelly Green and White in a volunteer role
this season.
“Spencer brings
a great deal of lacrosse experience to Manhattan,” McIntee said. “He's a San
Diego native who played at a big college program as well as professionally.
These intangibles will help in bringing a bit of a different perspective and outlook
to the table.”
The Jaspers open
the season on Feb. 20th, against Big East Conference foe Rutgers
University in New Brunswick, N.J. It will be one of two local games this season
featured on FIOS 1 digital cable television.
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