Chicago Machine Announces New Head Coach
December 4, 2006 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
The Chicago Machine is proud to announce Lelan Rogers as the new head coach for the 2007 Major League Lacrosse season. Coach Rogers comes to the Chicago Machine with over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience and is currently the Director of Men's Lacrosse Team Operations at Syracuse University.
"I am very pleased to accept the head coaching position with the Chicago Machine," said Coach Rogers. "I believe my background and experience in collegiate coaching and operations will be beneficial to the development of the team for this next season."
Rogers will be joined by Assistant Coach Ted Garber, a Chicago Machine Assistant Coach during the 2006 inaugural season. Coach Garber also brings a wealth of experience to the team, both in the MLL (Bridgeport Barrage, MLL Showcase) and NCAA (University of Massachusetts).
Coach Rogers will begin his coaching duties next week as he participates in the MLL Supplemental Draft next Tuesday, December 5th. With a number one pick next Tuesday for the Supplemental Draft, the Chicago Machine is on the front lines to build a contending team for the upcoming season.
"You have to take things one game at a time," said Coach Rogers. "And the Supplemental Draft will be my first game. As a coach, you're only as good as your players."
"A coach like Lelan Rogers has the ability to work with the front office to solidify the organizational foundation while creating a positive environment for the players both on and off the field to ensure a successful season," said Chicago Machine President John H. Meister. "With his vast coaching experience at the collegiate level and his current position at Syracuse as Director of Lacrosse Operations, we are confident that Rogers will provide our team with the professionalism, organization, and leadership we need to succeed."
Coach Rogers' head coaching career began in 1991 when he first appeared as the head coach for the Ohio Wesleyan Men's Lacrosse Team. From 1991-1999, Rogers led his team to seven (7) NCAA III playoff appearances and an overall record of 109-33. In 1993, Ohio Wesleyan played in the NCAA Division III championship game and during his 9-year coaching position at the University, the men's lacrosse team played in 5 National Semifinals. Rogers earned six NCAC titles and was also named NCAC Coach of the Year four times.
Rogers left Ohio Wesleyan to pursue a job in the corporate world, but his love of lacrosse soon brought him back to the game as Head Coach at SUNY-Cortland where he coached the team for 5 years. While at SUNY-Cortland, Rogers achieved a 76-17 (.817) record, 5 NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and 4 SUNYAC titles.
Last December, Rogers returned to his alma mater, Syracuse University, to become the Director of Men's Lacrosse Operations where he is responsible for the administrative duties of the team such as compliance, camps, development, scheduling, and academic issues.
Lelan Rogers was a two-sport athlete during his college years at Syracuse University, earning high honors in both wrestling and lacrosse. As Captain of the Syracuse University Wrestling Team, Rogers was a two-time EIWA Finalist, three-time NCAA Qualifier, and three-time NYS NCAA Wrestling Champion. Rogers went to the NCAA Final Four with the Syracuse Men's Lacrosse Team in 1987 and was a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Syracuse 1988-1990 National Teams.
Coach Rogers is a native of Fulton, New York and currently resides in Cortland, New York with his wife Terri and their two children, 11-year-old daughter Paige and 7-year-old son Casey who is following in his father's footsteps with his love of lacrosse.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from December 4, 2006
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