GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Davenport University has announced that the men's lacrosse program will be transitioning from Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) Division I to NCAA Division II beginning in the 2019-20 school year. The 2019 season will be the last one in the MCLA. DU will be joining 71 other NCAA Division II sponsored men's lacrosse programs.
"The dynamic of men's lacrosse is changing in the Midwest," says Paul Lowden, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We feel a transition to NCAA Division II supports an environment that will provide our student-athletes with the best overall experience. Our student-athletes will play a competitive NCAA Division II schedule as an independent in 2019-20. We will continue to explore conference affiliation options for our student-athletes that best align with our men's lacrosse program and Davenport University."
The addition of men's lacrosse brings the total number of NCAA-sponsored sports to 22 at Davenport University. The program is under the direction of head coach Chris Esquivel who is in his fourth season. Esquivel has guided the team to a 38-13 record during his three seasons at Davenport. In 2016, the Panthers captured the NAIA National Invitational Championship during Esquivel's first season at the helm. Last season under the guidance of Esquivel, senior Bryan Larocque set the MCLA career points record with 345 including 276 goals.
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Davenport University (D2 MI) Adds Men's Lacrosse
Friday, February 15, 2019
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