Salt Lake City--Men's lacrosse head coach Mason Goodhand, is stepping down after 14 seasons with the team. Goodhand led the men's lacrosse program to a winning record of 165-81 (.671) as the program's only head coach.

"The time at Westminster went very fast and I am appreciative of the young men, families, coaches and staff with whom I shared the past 14 years," Coach Goodhand said. "I'd like to recognize the significant contribution of all the assistant coaches who we're tirelessly dedicated to the young men we coached. Because of their efforts the program is poised to gain additional recognition in the years ahead."

Coach Goodhand launched the program in 2007 as a member of the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Conference (MCLA). In 2016 he guided the program during the institutions transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, joining the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Coach Goodhand enjoyed 14 winning seasons, seven undefeated conference seasons, seven conference titles, nine national tournament appearances, two national title appearances and one national championship (2008). The program recorded a record high 17 wins in 2013 and posted a winning percentage of .800 or greater three times in 2007 (16-3), 2008 (16-3) and 2012 (16-4).

"On behalf of Westminster College, I would like to express my appreciation to Coach Goodhand for his years of service to the college and the men's lacrosse program," Shay Wyatt, Westminster College Director of Athletics said. "Coach Goodhand, his assistants and many student-athletes have worked hard not only launching our men's lacrosse program in 2007 but building it into the quality NCAA II program it is today.  I know Mason is very proud of what's been accomplished and the student-athletes he has had the opportunity to mentor during his tenure.  Together they have achieved championships along with many coach and player accolades and most importantly many graduates.  I admire Mason's drive and commitment over the years and appreciate the contributions he's made.  I wish Mason and his family the very best."

From 2007 to 2015, the program was a member of the MCLA. They went undefeated through conference play in the first two seasons, were national semi-finalists in 2007 and won the national championship the following year in 2008. They won the conference championship four more times in the following seven seasons.

The Griffins made four straight RMAC Championship finals since becoming an NCAA II program in 2016. In 2019, Coach Goodhand's final complete season, the team went 8-0 through conference and tournament play to be crowned RMAC Champions and Tournament Champions for the first time.

Coach Goodhand was named MCLA coach of the year twice (2011 and 2015) and RMAC Coach of the year (2019). He coached 30 all-American honorees, 110 all-conference honorees, six academic all-Americans and 81 academic all-conference honorees.

The program will have a familiar face as Assistant Coach Joe Kerwin has been promoted as the next head coach. Coach Kerwin has been with the program for 5 seasons since 2016.

"I'm very pleased to announce our current assistant coach, Joe Kerwin, as the next head coach of our Men's Lacrosse program.  Since 2016, Coach Kerwin has been instrumental in the success of our program working alongside Coach Goodhand.  He has experience in successfully managing a college lacrosse program both as a head coach and in his current role.  Joe has demonstrated his passion for the college and program and possesses the experience and skills necessary to successfully lead and mentor our men's lacrosse student-athletes as we progress our program forward and attain greater heights. Our coaches, staff and I look forward to our continued work with Joe and supporting his efforts," Wyatt said. 
 
 "I want to thank Shay Wyatt for the opportunity to lead the Westminster Men's Lacrosse program," Coach Kerwin said. "I also want to thank Mason Goodhand for bringing me on as an assistant coach and for building an extremely solid foundation.  I am excited about the direction we're headed and look forward to working with the great young men in our program."