DATE: March 26, 2002

US Lacrosse Announces Josh Coffman To Replace Andy Ross On 2002 U.S. Men’s Lacrosse Team

Baltimore —Josh Coffman, a senior at Syracuse University, has been selected to replace Andy Ross on the 2002 U.S. Men’s Lacrosse Team for this summer’s International Lacrosse Federation World Championship in Perth, Australia. Ross, a pilot in the Navy, will be unable to participate this summer due to a deployment beginning in May.

“It's unfortunate that I will not be able to play in Perth this summer,” said Ross. “However, my commitment to a much greater cause permits me from playing in the world championships. I will be deploying to the Middle East at the beginning of the summer in support of the War on Terrorism. With it's great players, and exceptional staff, I am fully confident that Team USA will be successful in Australia.”

Ross was to be one of just two players on this year’s U.S. team with previous world championship experience. Darren Lowe and Ross both played on the U.S. team in 1998 that defeated Canada 15-14 in overtime in Baltimore to win the world championship. Ross, a midfielder, was a three-time All-American at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Coffman, a U.S. team tryout participant last summer and one of five finalists for the inaugural Tewaaraton Trophy last year, has earned All-America honors at midfield for Syracuse the last two seasons. He has 24 points through the first six games this season for the top-ranked Orangemen (5-1) and has scored at least three goals in five of the six games. He had a career-high 51 points last season and has 150 points for his career. Coffman joins Syracuse teammates John Glatzel and Michael Powell as representatives on the 23-man U.S. team. A total of nine current collegiate players will be playing for the U.S. this summer.

“We really felt to replace Andy Ross we needed to pick the best guy available in the midfield position, and that guy without a doubt is Josh Coffman,” said Jack Emmer, head coach of the U.S. team. “He’s highly-skilled, highly-competitive and brings good character to the team. He’s played at a very high level, so he knows what good competition is all about.”

The 2002 ILF World Championship will be held in Perth from July 5-15. More than 15 countries will send teams to the event which is conducted every four years. The U.S. has won the championship five straight times.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, is the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse.