READING, Pa. - Jake Plunket has been named the first head varsity men's lacrosse coach for the new lacrosse program at Albright College, announced director of athletics Rick Ferry. Plunket begins his coaching duties immediately.

As the first varsity lacrosse head coach, Plunket will be responsible for building the program from the ground up. Albright lacrosse, a club sport since 1994, will become a varsity level sport in fall of 2011. The team will begin competition in the spring of 2012 and will host all their contests in Shirk Stadium.

Plunket's appointment comes just two months after Albright College announced a $1 million dollar gift from the John K. Roessner III Trust to underwrite the start-up costs for both men's and women's lacrosse programs, as well as the construction of a new multisport grass practice field.

A native of upstate New York, Plunket holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Syracuse University. He comes to Albright after a standout playing and coaching career. As a player, Plunket was a four-year member of the Syracuse University men's lacrosse team. During his time with the Orange, Plunket led his squad to two Division I national titles and was named team captain in 2005.

In 2005 he joined the coaching staff of Division III powerhouse SUNY Cortland, and worked primarily with the team's defense. 

During his three seasons at Cortland, Plunket played a major part in leading the Red Dragons to two conference tournament championships, three NCAA tournament appearances, and a 2006 national title. He also coached 16 All-Americans as well as numerous all-conference selections.

While coaching at SUNY Cortland, Plunket also played for the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse.  A two-year (2007-2008) member of the organization, Plunket was instrumental in the Rattlers championship run in 2008. 

Also in 2008, Plunket became assistant coach at Hampden-Sydney College. During his two-year stint with the Tigers, he was actively involved in the recruitment of athletes, coordinated offensive strategies and assisted with the team's defense and goalies. After finishing the 2009 season with an 8-9 record overall, Plunket helped to lead the Tigers to a program best 13-win season in 2010.

“I am very excited to have Jake joining our staff. As an athlete, Jake has played at the highest level, and as a coach he has worked with some of the top coaches in the game today. I know he will not only get this program started, but he will make it an instant competitor for a MAC championship,” said Ferry

For more information about Albright College visit www.albright.edu and for more information about Albright Athletics visit www.albrightathletics.com.