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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.
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