HAMILTON, ON – The Mohawk Mountaineers are excited to announce the introduction of lacrosse to the college Athletics program and the hiring of Andy Secore as Lacrosse Head Coach and Consultant.
As well as providing a new competitive team to the Mountaineers program, the introduction of lacrosse will offer additional opportunities for Mohawk College students to learn and grow in their understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions. A three-year plan is being prepared to develop the lacrosse program into a competitive high-performance Mountaineers team.
"We are excited to be involved in highlighting lacrosse – a game that comes to us from the Haudenosaunee community. Called "The Creators Game", lacrosse has been used as ceremony and medicine for countless generations, and which has become a game which many come together to enjoy," said Amanda White, Acting Director & Special Advisor, Centre for Indigenous Relations, Knowledge, and Learning.
Through the first-year of the program, Secore will establish drop-in lacrosse activities to entice student participation and establish relationships with local lacrosse organizations.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of the inaugural lacrosse program at Mohawk College," said Secore. "Lacrosse will not only enhance Mountaineers Athletics, but I feel the sport will be a value add for the entire college community. It will provide Mohawk students a different option for a great education and an opportunity to play the sport they love."
Secore is of Iroquois descent and represented the Iroquois Nationals at the 2011 World Lacrosse Championship in Czech Republic, earning a silver medal.
Secore's professional lacrosse career began in 2005 when he was drafted 20th overall in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) Draft by the Calgary Roughnecks. Secore made his NLL debut in 2006 with the Arizona Sting, where he spent two seasons.
He had a breakout season in 2008 with the Minnesota Swarm, scoring a career-high 28 goals and 76 points. Secore was named to the NLL All-Star Game but did not participate due to an injury. He continued his NLL career for three more seasons with the Edmonton Rush.
Following a successful playing career, Secore joined the Rochester Knighthawks staff as an assistant coach during their NLL Cup Championship three-peat between 2012 and 2014. Secore was also an assistant coach for the Six Nations Arrows in 2014, when they went on to win the Junior A Minto Cup.
"Andy's lacrosse experience and connections within the Hamilton community truly make him the perfect fit with the Mountaineers to help launch and grow our lacrosse program," said Director of Athletics and Recreation, Matthew Ferreira. "The goal under Andy's guidance is to make Mohawk a destination for future lacrosse players looking to continue their education at the post-secondary level."
A future announcement will be made with further details on the launch of Mohawk College Lacrosse and dates for drop-in activities.
"We are looking forward to attending the games and sharing this experience with students, staff, and community at Mohawk College," said Amanda Aitchison, Acting Manager, Indigenous Student Services.
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Media Contact: Satbir Singh
Sports Information Coordinator
satbir.singh6@mohawkcollege.ca
