WINTER PARK, Fla. (June 26, 2015) – Rollins College Director of Athletics Pennie Parker announced Friday that Chris Lewis has been named the head coach of Rollins men’s lacrosse. Lewis had been serving as Rollins’ interim head coach since March, leading the team to a 3-5 record the final two months of the season. He guided Jake Hogan to Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year honors and coached four other All-SSC performers. Jack Vonarb and Jake Flynn were named First Team and both Carson Buell and Connor Ronan Second Team. “After an extensive nationwide search, Coach Lewis emerged as the best fit to lead our program and build its future,” said Parker. “He proved himself as a leader both on and off the field during what was a very difficult season. We are confident and excited about the direction of the program with Chris leading the way.” Lewis has been with Rollins for the past four seasons, overseeing the Tars defense and handling all scouting and game preparation. “My family and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to remain in Winter Park and continue the progress made here at Rollins over the past few years,” said Lewis. “I’m excited to have the chance to continue the relationships with the current players and their families, as well as welcoming our incoming student-athletes to Rollins.  I wish to thank Ms. Parker and all those who supported our lacrosse team through the past season.  The sense of family is strong here at Rollins and I look forward to helping all those associated with our program reach their fullest potential on and off the field.” Prior to Rollins, Lewis was Head Assistant Coach at NE-10 powerhouse Merrimack for four seasons. As defensive coordinator and goalie coach for the Warriors, he rapidly changed the face of the Merrimack defense, turning the unit into one of the top squads in Division II.  In addition to working with the defense, Lewis was also heavily involved in recruitment and scouting efforts. Lewis started his career in the high school ranks, serving as the head coach at Wilmington High School in Massachusetts, handling all aspects of the program. He has also held football assistant coach positions at both Saugus and Revere High School in Massachusetts. Lewis is a 1988 graduate of SUNY Oswego with a degree in chemistry. Lewis is the third head coach in Rollins men’s lacrosse history, succeeding Andrew Baxter (2007-2011) and R.J. Rossi (2011-2015). Tars lacrosse will enjoy a renovated home for the 2016 season with Cahall-Sandspur Field getting a complete makeover, which includes the installation of artificial turf.