Mark Sandvig ’07 Steps Down as Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Grove City College

For Immediate Release – Mark Sandvig ‘07 Steps Down as Head Men’s Lacrosse
Coach at Grove City College -

GROVE CITY, PA — Grove City College Lacrosse announces that Mark Sandvig has stepped down from his position as Head Coach.  Sandvig is leaving the program and his position as Resident Director of Hicks Hall at GCC in order to pursue a Seminary Degree.  He will begin work on his Masters of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO in the fall.  Additionally, Sandvig will continue to serve the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) as League Secretary for 2012.

Coach Sandvig led the Wolverines from the Fall of 2008 to the Spring of 2011.  He guided the team to a 21-14 record in official spring competition, including back-to-back CCLA Playoff berths in 2009 and 2010 and a MCLA Tournament berth in 2010. That year, Grove City earned its first MCLA tournament win over the Western Oregon Wolves but fell to the St. Thomas Tommies in the quarterfinals.

The team grew immensely on the field under Sandvig, due in part to his willingness to be a true student of the game while honing his communication and lacrosse skills.  Sandvig was a regular attendee at the IMLCA conference in Baltimore and was committed to improving his coaching and lacrosse IQ. He provided structure and accountability for the program, instituting mandatory off-season and in-season lifting, speed, strength, and conditioning plans.

Sandvig facilitated a culture shift in the way Grove City College Lacrosse conducted business off the field. During his tenure the team’s media presence was unified through Social Media and a unique .com domain. Additionally, Sandvig oversaw the creation of the alumni and parents networks which provides the support needed for the program to be successful. Sandvig’s skill as an administrator showed through during this time, guiding the team over financial hurdles as they emerged during the season. The team’s operating budget grew significantly under Sandvig, with only a moderate increase in player dues.

Sandvig’s most important skill set may not have been showcased on the lacrosse field or in the business office. As a Coach and Leader Sandvig sought to develop the hearts and character of the men of the Grove City College Lacrosse Program, challenging each player individually to grow as a Christian man of character.  Sandvig’s love for ministry and willingness to serve was a blessing to the team and to the MCLA.

“Coach Sandvig’s most important job was probably not one that was judged by the final tally of the scoreboard on a Saturday night in the Spring,” said 2011 GCC Lacrosse President Bill Sigmund, “but one that spanned all of our practices, meetings, and games, from when we stepped on this campus till the time we will step off as graduates.  Coach Sandvig’s spirit, heart, and humility have certainly influenced my character.  I look at Coach Sandvig as not only a lacrosse coach, but also as a man of character and Christian love, as a mentor, and as a friend.   It’s been my honor to have played for and served with him these past 3 years.”

The Grove City College Lacrosse Program, its players, officers and captains, parents and alumni all offer Coach Sandvig heartfelt thanks for his efforts to grow the lacrosse program at GCC these past 3 years.  They wish him the best as he enters his seminary program.

Exhaustive work has already begun to find a replacement for Coach Sandvig for the 2012 season.  All interested and qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to grovecitylacrosse@gmail.com.  Any level of lacrosse experience will be considered.

###