New varsity sport for men and women to check onto campus in coming year

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Men and women lacrosse players will have the opportunity to play for varsity DePauw teams next academic year.

"It's a conversation that's been going on for quite some time," said Page Cotton, director of athletics.

The addition of lacrosse as a varsity sport was made possible by a generous gift of $1 million from trustee Steve Trulaske '79 and by leadership gifts from James K. Baker '53 and Joe and Nancy Hollingsworth '71, '72.

"Steve Trulaske was a football player here," Cotton said. "He has a real passion for lacrosse, and more than anything a real passion for DePauw and athletics."

Cotton said lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport across the nation and an exciting addition to DePauw sports. Many of the students who have parcipated on the club teams are interested in playing at the varsity level.

"It's a good step for us," said junior Greg Lambert, a club lacrosse player. "We are pretty good already, but we need a coach and some more structure."

The team is organized by student players and currently competes alongside small and large college teams.

"People don't always show up for our practices, but with a coach and managers we'll be more organized," Lambert said. "I think it will make the team more dedicated."

Lacrosse is also looking very attractive to the freshman class. Freshman Hailey Ware played lacrosse in high school and was pleased to hear the news.

"Coming in, I didn't know if DePauw had a lacrosse team," Ware said. "I was excited about club, but now I'm even more excited about the chance to try out for varsity"

Cotton believes the newly hired coaches will try to recruit new talent in addition to taking on current club players.

The North Coast Athletic Conference features six conference teams on the men's side and seven for women.