June 27, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst College men's lacrosse coach Chris Ryan has been named one of three local Champions For Education Coaches of the Year. Ryan joins General McLane High School's Jim Wells and Andy Schulz as 2007 award winners.

Ryan led the Mercyhurst men's lacrosse team to its first appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championship game, finishing the year with a record of 13-2. The Lakers won their first postseason game in program history, defeating New York Institute of Technology 13-10 in the NCAA Semifinals. The Lakers have advanced to the Final Four in four of the past five seasons.

The award is given by the Erie Otters Hockey Organization and goes towards recognizing area coaches and teachers. The Champions For Education Banquet began in 2003 and brings together Adopt-A-School sponsors, which donates tickets to an elementary school, with their schools.

The banquet will be held Sunday, August 26 at the Bel-Aire Hotel and Conference Center. Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner is at 6:30 p.m. More information can be found at: Erie Otters Hockey