SPASH names inaugural lacrosse coach to pioneer program into future
STEVENS POINT - Just weeks after announcing the addition of lacrosse into the slew of sports performed at Stevens Point Area Senior High, the school has announced its inaugural coach for the program in Matt Rueth.
After adding boys and girls Lacrosse to the Tournament Series in the 2023-2024 season, on March 10 SPASH's school board approved the decision to allow the Panthers program to enter the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) tournament series offerings.
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SPASH athletic director David Hauser expressed excitement for the advancement and how the initiative it could not only provide additional opportunities for student engagement but also highlight the importance of "school-based, education-focused athletics."
As we strive to improve our athletic programs, we emphasize the extensive benefits that participation can provide," Hauser said. "We encourage our student-athletes to recognize the expectations and responsibilities inherent in each of our programs. The primary objective of education-based athletics is to foster human development andpersonal growth.'
Rueth, a former three-sport athlete at Wausau East, has been the head and assistant coach for the local club lacrosse team for the past three seasons, sharing an already strong connection within the Stevens Point community.
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And he is excited to begin laying the foundational bricks of the program down, layer by layer.
"It's an honor to be named the first head coach for the SPASH boys lacrosse program," Rueth said. "Lacrosse has been an important part of my life for many years, andI want to thank Athletic Director David Hauser for entrusting me with this opportunity.
Great programs are built on integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. We will push ourselves to constantly improve, compete with intensity, and represent SPASH with pride. I'm excited to build upon the strong foundation of Lacrosse in the Stevens Point area and look forward to our first season next spring.'
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Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AlfredS_III.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: SPASH names first-ever lacrosse coach just weeks after emergence
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