MISSOULA, MONT. - After successfully taking over the reigns and leading The University of Montana Men’s Lacrosse Team through a challenging second season in Division 1 of the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association, Head Coach Ryan Hanavan has announced that, due to career opportunities outside of the lacrosse world, he will be passing the torch for the 2010 season.

Hanavan, an environmental scientist who earned his Ph.D. at The University of Idaho, has accepted a full-time position with the forest service in Flagstaff, AZ.

“I am sad to step down but excited for this career opportunity for myself, and my family,” said Hanavan. “I have enjoyed many years as a coach in the PNCLL and will miss stepping on the practice field in the fall. I have been fortunate to be a part of so many great teams and have enjoyed working with everyone. I am confident that this program will do well next year and in the years to come.”

A Griz Lacrosse search committee is currently considering a number of candidates for the head coach position and are working to fill some assistant coaching positions as well.

“There are several candidates currently on a short list to take over next fall and we have enjoyed continued support from our current players, alumni, and their families in building a success plan for the future of this program,” said Hanavan. “I will deeply miss coaching and being on the sidelines next year.”

Coach Hanavan is an alumnus of the Griz lacrosse program and was one of the key players responsible for Montana’s 1997 entrance into the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse Conference (PNCLL) in which the team has enjoyed tremendous success including a 2007 MCLA Div. 2 National Title. Hanavan was an assistant coach for the championship team.

After helping to shape an ever-strengthening Vandal Lacrosse squad at The University of Idaho in 2007 and 2008, Hanavan returned to Missoula to coach the Griz for the 2008/2009 season.

Graduating Griz Lacrosse President and senior Attack Will Freihofer noted that, while Hanavan’s presence will be be missed, his influence will remain.

“We had a great year under Coach Hanavan and a lot of what he taught us, both on and off the field, will continue to be a part of this program,” said Freihofer. “We’re hoping to find another effective, experienced coach as soon as possible, but everything that Hanavan brought to our team will pay dividends in coming seasons.”

The Griz is cultivating an exciting class of incoming freshmen and transfers to join a strong returning lineup and are looking forward to the 2009/2010 season.