Two added to Hobart lacrosse staff

Hobart Sports Information

GENEVA, N.Y. - Hobart College Lacrosse Head Coach T.W. Johnson announced the appointment of John Svec and Mark Williamson '04 to serve as assistant coaches for the 2009 Statesmen. Svec comes to Hobart from the University of Albany staff, while Williamson returns to his alma mater from the University of Hartford.

Svec has spent the past seven seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Great Danes. He helped lead Albany to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the 2007 quarterfinals, and four America East Tournament Championships. Working closely with the Albany defense, Svec's charges were 11th in the nation in scoring defense and 20th in man-down defense this season.

A former defenseman, Svec was a four-year letterman at Loyola (Md.) College. He helped the Greyhounds to four straight NCAA Tournament bids, advancing to the semifinals in 1998. Svec earned a bachelor's degree in education from Loyola in 2001.

"As Coach Scott Marr's assistant, John had a key role in building Albany into a national power," says Johnson. "I'm confident his knowledge on the defensive end of the field will prove beneficial to our players, but most importantly, Coach Svec brings a great deal of character and leadership to our program."

Williamson has contributed to all aspects of the Hawks' lacrosse program as the top assistant coach over the past two seasons. He joined the Hartford staff following two seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Elmira College.

The 2001 America East Rookie of the Year transferred to Hobart after two seasons as a starting attackman at Drexel University. As a senior with the Statesmen, Williamson recorded a Hobart Division I record 56 points on 35 goals and 21 assists. That year he earned a spot on the All-Patriot League first team, while leading the Statesmen to their 25th NCAA Tournament appearance. Williamson's efforts also earned him Hobart's Crook Family Award and the William H. Dobbin '40 Memorial Award.

In 2006, the native of Corning was inducted into the Corning-Painted Post Sports Hall of Fame. Williamson holds a bachelor's degree in American studies from Hobart and a master's degree in education from Elmira.

"Mark's passion for Hobart College and the Statesmen lacrosse program was very clear during the interviewing process," says Johnson. "The fact that he fully understands what it means to wear the Hobart jersey will be a tremendous asset to our program moving forward. On top of that, Coach Williamson has a very good mind for the game and is an excellent recruiter."

Johnson was promoted to head coach of the Statesmen last month. His first season at the helm will be Hobart's 107th varsity season. The Statesmen will return five starters from the 2008 squad that posted an 8-6 record.