Witheford Elevated to Head Men's Lacrosse Coach

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Following seven seasons as a member of the Union College coaching staff, Derek Witheford '11 has been elevated to the position of head men's lacrosse coach, Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin '93 announced on Tuesday. Witheford continues his rapid rise up the coaching ranks that started in 2013, when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach. He quickly was promoted to assistant head coach before his third season back in Schenectady in 2015 and has been the associate head coach under legendary Dutchman mentor Paul Wehrum for the last two years. "I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next head coach at Union College," said Witheford. "I would like to thank Jim.McLaughlin, Joanne.Little, Beth.Tiffany and the search committee for their efforts and placing their trust in me to lead the Union men's lacrosse program. I would also like to thank Paul.Wehrum for his guidance and mentorship over the last 12 years. He will be missed not only by this program and school but by the sport as a whole." "Derek has been a part of the Union family for more than a decade and his commitment to this program is unparalleled," said McLaughlin. "His knowledge of the game and our campus make him the perfect fit to take on this new role as head coach and we are delighted that he will be the one to guide this program into the future. I look forward to seeing Derek lead our student-athletes to continued success both on and off the field." Witheford has been at the forefront of Union's recent success both as a player and a coach. As a four-year member of the Dutchmen from 2008-11, he was a two-time captain and earned both USILA honorable mention All-America and USILA Scholar All-America recognition as a senior, becoming the first Union defensemen to receive the national recognition since 1993. The team posted three seasons of at least 11 wins with Witheford leading the defensive unit, including a 13-5 record and the program's first Liberty League championship and NCAA Tournament berth as a senior in 2011. "