Date: January 8, 2002
Contact: Brian Laubscher (540) 463-8676
Release: Upon Receipt

W&L NAMES RICKY MATTHEWS ASSISTANT MEN'S LACROSSE COACH
Former Limestone Assistant Joins Generals' Staff

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Washington and Lee athletic director Mike Walsh has announced the appointment of Ricky Matthews as assistant men's lacrosse coach. Matthews will begin his duties immediately.

"We are fortunate to have someone of Ricky's stature working with us at W&L," said Walsh. "He is an accomplished player who is anxious to begin a successful coaching career. We are pleased to welcome Ricky to our department and men's lacrosse program."

Matthews is a 2000 graduate of Limestone College where he played for current W&L Head Coach Mike Cerino. He also served as an assistant coach at Limestone for the 2001 season.

"On a personal level, adding Ricky to W&L's staff brings some familiarity to the program because of our past success together," said Cerino. "I am excited about Ricky working with our players because of his enthusiasm and background in the sport of lacrosse."

As a coach at Limestone, Matthews served as the team's offensive coordinator and face-off unit coach, guiding the Saints' offense which ranked first in Division II in scoring. He also helped Limestone to a runner-up finish in the Division II National Championship.

Matthews also had a hand in leading Limestone to the 2000 Division II National Championship as a player. Matthews captained the 2000 squad and was named a USILA First Team All-American as a midfielder. Following the season, he was selected to participate in the USILA North-South game.

Active in the sport, Matthews has served an internship in membership services with U.S. Lacrosse and played professional lacrosse with the Ottawa Rebels of the National Lacrosse League.

-- GENERALS --