LEXINGTON, Va.- Recently appointed VMI lacrosse coach Brian Anken has announced his 2010-11 coaching staff. Curtis Jaques '07, an assistant coach on last years squad and one-time interim head coach, as well as Tony Mackin will join him on the sideline in his first year on Post.
2011 will be Jaques' second season with VMI, after the former VMI defenseman was hired Sept. 9, 2009. Jaques served as interim head coach this past summer while a nationally search was conducted that resulted in the hiring of Anken took place.
"Curtis did a great job as the interim head coach. He stepped up and did a lot with recruiting and we didn't miss a step, and that speaks volumes. Having him on board as a coach, an alum, as well great player, I don't know how this transition would have gone personally for me if he wasn't here, walking me through,” said Anken.
”VMI is unlike any place in the country, in which if you don't have anyone on board to show you along, this job can become exponentially more difficult. Additionally, he has been able to instill some of the VMI traditions in me that I have inherited in my short time on Post," Anken continued.
Jaques returned to VMI after a two-year stint at SUNY Geneseo, where he worked with the defense and served as top assistant to head coach Jim Lyons. While there, Jaques helped Geneseo earn a No. 13 ranking in the final 2009 USILA Division III poll. The team also went undefeated in regular season conference (SUNYAC) play, before falling to No. 7 Cortland in the title game, 14-13.
Curtis graduated from the Institute in 2007 with a double major in International Studies and Modern Languages and Culture (German). He was a team captain in 2007, and was the Keydets' No. 1 defenseman during then-coach Jeff Shirk's first campaign in Lexington, when Jaques was named preseason All-MAAC selection as well. He will work with the defense as well as goalies at VMI. In addition to his on-field responsibilities Jaques will serve as recruiting coordinator.
Anken also welcomes a former player for him at Lycoming College to his staff in Tony Mackin. Mackin joins the VMI coaching staff this season and will assist with the teams defensive responsibilities, recruiting, as well as day-to-day office activities.
“Myself, as well as our already sound coaching and support staff here at VMI, are thrilled to welcome Tony to Lexington. After being a solid player for me at Lycoming and spending time as an assistant coach, he is familiar with the system that we will install and will be a welcomed addition to the VMI lacrosse family,” said Anken of the transaction.
"Having Tony here will really pay off in bridging the gap between staff changes and really bring Curtis along in learning what I like to do and how the system is run, and Tony will do a great job with that."
Mackin joins the Keydets after a year as a graduate assistant coach at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., earning a masters in secondary education. He is a 2008 graduate of Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., where he played four seasons under VMI head coach Brian Anken. Serving as a team captain senior year, his season was cut short after suffering a career-ending knee injury.
Following the injury, Mackin took on a role as an assistant coach, where he headed the man-down defense and assisted with team conditioning and scouting. During his student-teaching responsibilities this past spring, he also served as an assistant coach at Hayfield Secondary School.
“It is an honor to be joining the coaching staff and VMI lacrosse family,” said Mackin of joining the coaching staff. “This is a great opportunity for me to be a part of an institution with such a great history and distinguished reputation.”
The Keydets begin preparations for this season Sept. 15 being the first day of practice, and will prepare for the Lee-Jackson Classic on October 23 against local rival Washington & Lee University.
