The Wittenberg University men¹s lacrosse program is heading in a new, upbeat direction in 2001 as the Tigers welcome first-year head coach Vinnie Lang. The Tigers hope to improve upon last year's 7-7 finish (2-3 in the NCAC) and move into the top half of the North Coast Athletic Conference.

The goals may be lofty, especially considering the strength of the NCAC - Ohio Wesleyan and Denison start the 2001 campaign ranked among the nation's best, but Lang feels a strong finish is entirely possible. Bolstering his hopes is a strong returning defensive unit, including three senior starters in backfield and a trio of solid goaltenders.

The Tigers's defense is anchored by seniors Andy Rathfon (Ft. Washington, Pa./Upper Dublin), Scott Gilbert (St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers College) and Tim Schuckman (Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller). Behind them will be one of three solid goaltenders, Tripp Way (Wayne, Pa./Radner), Billy Hamlin (Baltimore, Md./Archbishop Curly) or Kyle Prussing (Concord, N.H./Carlisle).

Offensively, Wittenberg will rely upon both veterans and relative newcomers. Senior Shawn Egan (Roswell, Ga./Innocent Episcopal) and junior Nate Reed (Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller) are the top players patrolling the midfield for the Tigers. Both will be looked to for offensive output.

The top attackers for the Tigers are expected to be senior Mario Cassani (Chesterfield, Mo./Desmet) and sophomore Zach Kulow (Wooster, Ohio/Wooster).