Lewis athletics has hired Joe Perruzzi as the first men’s lacrosse coach in Flyer history. The decision, announced by Lewis Director of Athletics Dr. John Planek, follows the opening of Lewis’ 23rd sport offering— men’s lacrosse.
By: Efua Richardson
October 18, 2019
We sat down with Lewis’ newest athletic staff member to gain more insight into his background, his goals for the Lewis lacrosse team and get a better understanding of what makes him a man of “firsts.”
“I am glad to announce that Joe Perruzzi will be our inaugural head coach,” said Planek. “His successful experience at the Division II level along with his energy level will serve us well as we begin to establish our lacrosse program at Lewis University.”
Perruzzi holds quite the impressive resume and is, without a doubt, a man of firsts.
As a student at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C., young Perruzzi’s passion for lacrosse was evident. A vital member on his team, Perruzzi played in two Conference Championship games, winning the first one in program history in 2008.
Perruzzi’s passion from his time as a student translated to becoming the defensive coordinator at his alma mater. In his first season alone at Belmont Abbey, the Crusaders set a then school record for wins and winning percentage.
Just this past season, the coach helped lead his team to a school record-shattering first of 14 wins, the Conference of Carolina regular season and postseason championships and a Top 15 finish in both the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Coaches Poll (9th) and the Nike/Lax Magazine Poll.
His time with the Crusaders helped advance the team to an outstanding 38-13 record and consecutive appearances in the Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship.
Before his time at Belmont Abbey, Perruzzi served as an assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan University. He led the Bishops to having the best season in its lacrosse program history.
Beginning his coaching career as the head coach of Ohio University’s Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association club team, Perruzzi led the Bobcats to their first winning record since joining the MCLA, as well as the first CCLA playoff berth in the program’s history.
An assistant coach at Community College of Baltimore County-Essex in Baltimore, Md., Coach Perruzzi lead the Knights to becoming Region XX champions and reaching the NJCAA Final Four.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Flyer family at Lewis University,” Perruzzi said. “I would like to thank Dr. (David) Livingston and Dr. (John) Planek for this exciting opportunity to begin the lacrosse program at Lewis University.”
With his jaw-dropping background and vision for the future, one can only imagine the many “firsts” in store for the Flyers with the guidance of Coach Perruzzi.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, I was blown away by the strength of the academics, the department’s commitment to athletics and integrity of the college community,” said Perruzzi. “I look forward to building this program from the ground up and competing at the highest level in the GLVC.”
We look forward to great things ahead, Coach Perruzzi! Competition for men’s lacrosse will begin in the 2019-2020 season.
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