Richard Lopez will be the new acting lacrosse head coach, effective today. Athletic director Jon Palarz anticipates Lopez, who teaches English, will soon be finalized as the official head coach. 

Since the departure of coach Morgan Weireter in late October, the team had been operating without an official head coach. Prior to the season, Al Vanhook had been supervising the team and running them through practices. 

“Al’s role as an experienced athletic trainer and coach was to supervise the preseason practices so that the team would benefit from his direction,” said Palarz.

Lopez has indicated that he believes the proper focus should not be on his role, but on the team’s efforts thus far. 

“[T]his team has overcome not having a coach [. . .]I am just stepping in to provide some guidance,” said Lopez.