Men's Lacrosse Changes Coach After 25 Years
By Henry Gula
Folowing a 8-9 season in 2012, the Santa Clara men's lacrosse team has parted ways with their coach of 25 years, Gary Podesta. He saw success during his time at the helm, but within the last month, the team decided it was time for fresh leadership.
The team released a statement on May 17, announcing that the club would be headed in a new direction under new leadership. They said Podesta's competitiveness will be remembered and adopted in hopes of having continued success in the future.
"The countless hours he has put into this team will not go unnoticed and the team wishes him the best of luck in his future ventures," they stated on their website.
The team will be bringing in Bruce Meierdiercks as the new interim head coach. Meierdiercks has an extensive past devoted to lacrosse. He helped Santa Clara to one of its most successful seasons through 1992 and 1994. He also developed the NCAA Div. II program at St. Andrews University in North Carolina.
Sophomore club president and attack Scott Wheaton and sophomore vice president and defensive midfielder Dan Bohnert are hopeful that the Broncos will accomplish even greater things under the temporary regime of Meierdiercks and thereafter with the next head coach.
"Under Coach Meierdiercks we hope to focus more on conference opponents and to gain an automatic qualifier in the MCLA National Championships," said Bohnert and Wheaton in an email.
Because Meierdiercks will be an interim coach, the team officers will continue to conduct a search for a more permanent coach. In the meantime, the officers will be delegating Coach Podesta's former responsibilities among themselves.
"Currently, the team is making a smooth transition in preparation for the upcoming season," Bohnert said. "We hope to host a fall tournament (and invite) other local teams in October. This new tournament will provide a great opportunity for students to get a look at the Santa Clara Men's Lacrosse team in competition on campus."
The team graduated five seniors this year, but currently have 13 freshmen who will provide hope for a strong future. Coupled with current sophomore leadership in Bohnert and Wheaton, the Broncos will look to improve and become a force in their division in the future.
Contact Henry Gula at hgula@scu.edu.