USU lacrosse moves back to Division-I

Utah State has rejoined the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference as a Division-I program following a 12-5 season as a Division-II team.

This season began with a 31-3 loss to division rival Brigham Young.

“We have big plans this year to make the playoffs,” said junior face-off specialist Marshall McGill. “We want to win our conference like we did in D-II last year. We’re excited and we’ve been working hard since the loss to BYU.”

“The RMLC is one of the toughest conferences in the country,” said first-year head coach Kevin Mann. “I know we can compete with these teams, we just need to buckle down and keep working hard.”

Mann’s first season as head coach follows the final season of his collegiate career as an Aggie midfielder.

“Going from player to coach in less than a year was a little surprising,” Mann said. “The main advantage is that the guys listen to what I have to say because they’ve seen me play and know what I can do on the field.”

The players are happy to have a coach they know well.

“I really enjoy playing for a former teammate,” McGill said. “His coaching style is understandable for me since I’ve played with him before and I know how he works.”

USU’s next game will be played on the road against Boise State on Feb 26. The Aggies’ home opener is scheduled to take place on April 1 against Colorado.

— bfordhamsix@gmail.com

Twitter: @benfordham6