PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College Head Lacrosse Coach Chris Burdick announced on Wednesday, September 2 that former Friar lacrosse stand-outs James Courter and Colin Reposa will join the Friars coaching staff. Courter will serve as an assistant coach, while Reposa will serve as volunteer coach.

Courter replaces his former teammate at PC, Bennett Murphy, who recently resigned his position to pursue other opportunities. Courter will work closely with the Friars' defensive unit as the team's defensive coordinator.

As a player, Murphy competed from 2005-08 for the Friars. In 58 career games, he registered 53 goals and 29 assists for 82 points. During his final season in 2008, Murphy enjoyed his finest season on offense with single-season career highs of 23 goals, 14 assists and 37 points. For his efforts, he was named to the All-MAAC Second Team and MAAC All-Tournament Team.

Murphy spent the 2009 season as an assistant men's lacrosse coach while finishing his MBA. He moves on to pursue a career in the finance industry.

"Bennett has had a tremendous impact on our program as a player and has helped us jumpstart our BIG EAST recruiting," Burdick said. "The program and I will be forever indebted to him for his passion, loyalty and service."

Courter played lacrosse at Providence from 2004-07 and was one of the most prolific defenders in Friar history, leading the team to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2004, 2006 and 2007. He earned MAAC Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior in 2007 and is one of only two Friars to ever win the award.

"We are excited to have James Courter back with the program that he helped build," Burdick said. "James was a three-time captain here and helped lead our team to the NCAA Tournament during three of his four seasons with the program. He lived the championship model and was the energy and heart behind our championship runs in the MAAC."

A three-time All-MAAC selection, Courter earned first team honors in 2006 and 2007 and was a second team selection in 2005. He garnered MAAC All-Tournament Team accolades in 2006 and 2007 and played a key role in three MAAC Tournament Championships. He is one of the only Friars to play in every game of his collegiate career. Courter played in 67 games and picked up 101 career ground balls.

Courter is a two-time winner of the Providence lacrosse program's Mark C. Cordon Award, having earned the honor as a junior in 2006 and was part of the senior class that won the award in 2007. The award is given in the memory of Mark C. Cordon ('89) who tragically lost his battle with cancer in October, 1998. The award is given to the player who most exemplifies the attributes that Mark brought to the field which were hard work, determination, and a passion for the game; i.e. "Heart and Soul." It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a lacrosse student-athlete at Providence College.

Reposa replaces longtime volunteer coach James Mascia, who spent nine seasons on Coach Burdick's staff. Mascia has announced his retirement from coaching to focus on his business career.

Mascia played for the Friars from 1994-98 and is the school's all-time leader with 256 career ground balls. As a senior captain in 1998, he ranked first in the nation in face-offs won per game, ground balls per game and total ground balls.

"For nine seasons Jim has been at the foundation of our coaching staff and is someone who we can't replace," Coach Burdick said. "What we can do is continue to grow from the foundation that he has built for this program. We are very happy for Jim in his continued professional success and know he will always be one of our most supportive alumni."

Reposa played midfield for the Friars from 2005-09 and served as a team captain in his senior and graduate years. The East Falmouth, Mass. native recorded 81 career ground balls and started all 16 games in 2009.

"Colin brings great leadership and energy to our sideline and we are fortunate that he has decided to continue on with the program as an assistant this season," Coach Burdick said.

2009-09-02