ROCHESTER, NY -- Guy Van Arsdale, men's lacrosse coach at Rochester Institute of Technology for the past 12 years, announced today that he is stepping down as head coach of the Tigers become head coach of the new Rochester Major League Lacrosse franchise that will begin play this summer.

Andy Cooney, a 1995 RIT graduate, will take over as interim head coach of the Tigers, announced Janet Jones, the Associate Director for Athletics at RIT.

Van Arsdale began his head coaching career at RIT in 1989, guiding the Tigers to a 112-54 record through 12 years, leading RIT to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the semifinals in 1999 and a quarterfinal appearance last year. He is the winningest coach in RIT history.

He coached the Tigers to two Empire Athletic Association titles, in 1994 and 1995, and to an ECAC Title in 1998. Van Arsdale coached 38 All-Americans and two first-team Academic All-Americans at RIT.

"Guy brought special set of talents and passion for his sport to RIT," said Lou Spiotti, the Director of the Center for Human Performance at RIT, who was athletic director during most of Van Arsdale's tenure at the Institute. "He's one of the finest coaches in Division III, if not all of collegiate lacrosse, and the will be a difficult void to fill. Guy has been a good friend to both our staff and students over the past 12 years and he will be missed."

"Guy brought our program to an elite status," added Jones. "We are happy for Guy in that it is a great move for him and his family and that he'll still be in Rochester, but we will miss him."

Cooney played lacrosse at RIT under Van Arsdale, from 1992 to 1996, playing on the Tigers' 1995 NCAA Quarterfinal team. He has served as a volunteer assistant for three years with the program. A 1995 graduate of RIT with a degree in criminal justice, Cooney earned an MBA from RIT in 2000.

"I am truly excited to have the opportunity to lead a great group of young men into this season," said Cooney. "The team has been incredible in their acceptance of me as their head coach and their understanding of the situation that they are currently experiencing."

"We're fortunate that Andy was available and able to step in this season," said Jones. "As a former player and as an assistant coach, he knows our program, our players, and RIT. We're hoping to see a smooth transition."

"Under the guidance of coach Van Arsdale over the past 10 years, as either a player or coach, I have developed a great deal of experience in the RIT program and the manner in which we approach the game," added Cooney. "I believe the consistency between my style of coaching and coach Van Arsdale's will ease the transition period. This is a very talented lacrosse team, and I expect great things from this group, both on and off the field."

Craig Whipple, a 2000 RIT grad, All-American, and the team's top scorer last season, will assist Cooney. RIT posted an 11-4 record and advanced to the NCAA semifinals last season. The Tigers open the 2001 campaign on March 3 at Messiah College.