Caldwell Native Tapped To Lead 1st Men’s Lacrosse Team At C.U.

CALDWELL, NJ — A Caldwell native has been hired to lead Caldwell University’s inaugural men's lacrosse team in the spring of 2020.

Caldwell native Matt Klank comes to the university after serving as the head coach for 14 seasons at Centenary University. He will serve as an athletics administrator for the department.

“We are extremely excited to add Matt to our department to lead our new men's lacrosse program,” Caldwell University Athletics Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Mark Corino said.

“[Klank] has a long track record in the men's lacrosse world and is a well-known coach in the state of New Jersey,” Corino continued. “Matt is a longtime resident in the Caldwell area and we feel that he will be an asset to our community as the university continues its expansion for 16 sports in 2019-20. The athletics department is excited and enthusiastic about playing a major role in the continued growth of our institution.”

“I would like to thank Mark Corino and the entire athletic department for the opportunity to lead the first men's lacrosse team at Caldwell University," Klank said. "I am confident that my experiences have prepared me well for this challenge."

According to a Caldwell University news release:

“Klank has guided the Cyclones to five conference tournament berths during the last eight seasons, including Centenary's first-ever appearance in a league championship game in 2013. He has had over 40 student-athletes to achieve all-conference recognition, including 10 first team selections.

“Prior to his time at Centenary, Klank was the assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Drew University for four seasons. Klank also served as an assistant coach at Division I Villanova from 1998-2000 and at his alma mater, Montclair State. Klank gained experience coaching at the high school level from 1995-97 as the offensive coordinator at Montclair Kimberly Academy.

“Klank began his collegiate playing career at Drexel University in 1992, where he led the Dragons in scoring as a freshman. Following his sophomore season, Klank transferred to Montclair State for his final two years of eligibility. He received the ECAC Most Valuable Player Award and garnered All-New Jersey First-Team accolades in 1994, while leading the Red Hawks in scoring during his two years at MSU.

“A 1997 graduate of Montclair State, Klank earned his bachelor's degree in commercial recreation and tourism. He currently resides in North Caldwell, N.J., with his wife, Marisel, and their children, Ashley and Justin."

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Photo: Caldwell University