COLUMBUS, Ohio – Andrew Baxter has been named the top assistant coach for the Ohio State men's lacrosse team, head coach Nick Myers announced Thursday. Baxter comes to the Buckeyes following four seasons as the first assistant at Drexel University and five years overall with the Dragons.

"We are thrilled to have Andrew Baxter join our coaching staff and I expect him to make an immediate impact," Myers said. "His vision for the student athletes' overall development is very clear and he possesses a strong sense of core values and family. Andrew has established a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in the game."

Baxter served as the offensive coordinator for Drexel from 2004-06 before switching to the defensive coordinator role in 2007. Under Baxter, the Dragons flourished on defense, ranking seventh nationally in scoring defense in both 2007 and 2008. They also recorded the nation's fifth highest face-off win percentage in 2008 en route to winning the Colonial Athletic Association regular season championship.

Baxter will fill the same role for the Buckeyes, serving as defensive coordinator in addition to leading recruiting efforts.

"I am very excited for the opportunity Coach Myers and The Ohio State University have given me," Baxter said. "I look forward to working inside one of the best athletic departments in the country and competing at the highest level of collegiate lacrosse."

Baxter earned his bachelor's degree in movement and sport studies from Springfield College in 2001, where he played two seasons with Myers and helped lead the team to two Division III NCAA Tournaments. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Baxter graduated from Brighton High School. He and his wife, the former Marika Hartog, also a Springfield College graduate, were married June 7.

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