Baltimore, Md. – Assistant coach Brendon Burke of the Mercyhurst College men's lacrosse team was honored this past week as the recipient of the 2008 Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division II Outstanding Assistant Coach award at the IMLCA / United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Luncheon.

The award, which is given annually to the top assistant coach in each division, marks Burke's first individual honor as a member of the Lakers' staff.

During his two-year tenure as defensive coordinator, Burke helped the Lakers to a 22-6 record and developed four All-Americans, including seniors Jason LaShomb and Matt Spahr and former Mercyhurst standouts Joe Thon and Mike Grizanti.

This past season, the Lakers limited opponents to 6.79 goals per game while allowing 87 scores on the year. The defense shined at its brightest during an 8-1 victory over then-No. 4 C.W. Post on April 12, 2008.

His expertise has also helped his players reach their full potential, as LaShomb and Thon earned two of the top honors for Division II lacrosse. In 2008, LaShomb was named USILA Goalie of the Year, while in 2007, Thon was honored as USILA Defenseman of the Year.

Burke and the Lakers open up the 2009 campaign on Sunday, Feb. 8 with a scrimmage against Division I Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind.