WORCESTER, Mass. -- Mel McKee of Ashland, MA, the No. 1 assistant coach for the past three seasons, has been named the head coach of Assumption College men's lacrosse program. McKee replaces Mark Kelley, who resigned for personal reasons, late last week. The announcement was made by Ted Paulauskas, Director of Athletics.

He was been the offensive coordinator and goalkeeper coach for the past three seasons under Kelley. Over that span the Greyhounds improved in most categories including goals per game, assists per game, total points per game and shooting percentage. The team finished second in the Northeast-10 Conference in extra-man goals and success percentage in 2008.

A long time successful high school head coach at Marian High School (Framingham, MA) (2006) and Ashland High School (1997 2005), McKee was named assistant men's lacrosse coach at the College in November 2005.

He previously posted a 79-67 overall record at Ashland High in its first years of existence. He led the team to four Eastern Massachusetts tournament appearances in eight varsity seasons including the No. 1 seed in the Division 2 tournament in 2000. He was named the Boston Globe Eastern Mass. Division 2 Coach-of-the-Year and the Metro Central Coach-of-the-Year in 2000.

He was also the founder of the Ashland Youth Lacrosse program and its coach and is a member of the Eastern Mass. Lacrosse Coaching Association (1997-06) and US Lacrosse (since 1999). He played on the Brine Lacrosse Club and a member of the team that advanced to the 1975, 76 Club Lacrosse National Championships.

He graduated from Northeastern University in 1976 with a bachelors in business administration and received his masters (also in business administration) in 1984. He later studied at the Stonier Graduate School of Banking (1985-87) at the University of Delaware.

Assumption College is an NCAA Division II institution and a member of the Northeast-10 Conference.

2008-11-01