(September 14, 2011)

Contact: Farrah Reyna, Centenary Marketing & Communication, 318.869.5073

Centenary Lacrosse to Enter NCAA Division III Competition

SHREVEPORT, LA — Men's Lacrosse at Centenary will become an intercollegiate sport starting in the 2012-13 academic year. The already successful program has operated as a club sport since 2001, achieving wins against established teams such as Tulane, Millsaps, University of Dallas, and University of Texas at San Antonio.

"We are extremely excited to add men's lacrosse and continue to see the positive impact the sport has on Centenary College," said Athletic Director William Broussard. "Our goal is to field a nationally ranked program, and I'm confident that Centenary will attract the scholar-athletes who will get us there. Lacrosse is a fantastic fit for us and allows us to grow Centenary's brand both within and outside our immediate geographic footprint."

Leading up to the start of competitive play, coaches and administrators will begin the process of filling the roster, scheduling games for competitive play in spring of 2013, and complying with NCAA rules to initiate the team's addition. Dr. Broussard will also continue the search for the team's Head Coach who will steer the transition, following the recent departure of Coach Michael Brand who took a coaching position at Brown University.

"Adding lacrosse as part of our Division III athletic program is a natural progression for Centenary," said Scott Rawles, Vice President for Advancement. "We have been successful at the club level for the past two years, and we're confident that this is a great step forward for our athletic department and Centenary College as an institution."

The inclusion of men's lacrosse brings the total number of intercollegiate teams at the college to 17, including nine Lady and eight Gent teams. With over 230 student athletes, Centenary's athletic program provides opportunities in men and women's basketball; men and women's soccer; men and women's swimming; men and women's tennis; men and women's golf; men and women's cross country; baseball; softball; women's gymnastics and women's volleyball.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.