HASTINGS NAMED NEW HEAD COACH OF WESTERN WOMEN'S LACROSSE PROGRAM
A graduate of Western, Hastings brings with him over 35 years of lacrosse experience as a player and coach.
"I'm very happy to get involved with the women's game," said Hastings. "I'm looking forward to meeting the players, and I'm excited about where we can take the program."
Hastings holds a PhD from Western in chemistry (1991) and is a former head coach and assistant coach with Western's men's field lacrosse club team (1992-1993 and 1991 respectively).
Currently a local minor box and field lacrosse coach in London, Hastings also played with Western from 1986-1991 serving as a team captain, winning an Ontario championship in 1988, provincial silver medals in 1989 and 1990, and all-Ontario honours in 1988 and 1989.
He's also coached in the U.S. with the Canton, N.Y., field lacrosse program, winning the New York State regional title, and coaches boy's rep lacrosse teams from Ontario which compete in U.S. tournaments.
Hastings, who has also coached rep hockey, holds his NCCP Level 2 certifications in box lacrosse, men's field lacrosse and ice hockey.
He said he's excited about the new challenge.
"I think with the way the game is developing we're seeing some of merging between the women's and men's game, and I think I can bring a lot to the program from coaching 22 years of men's field lacrosse," he said.
Chuck Mathies, acting director of Sports and Recreation Services at The University of Western Ontario, said he is very pleased to have Hastings on board.
"Dave is a very well-rounded coach with solid coaching and playing background," Mathies said. "Top it off, he's a Western graduate. We're looking forward to a period of growth with our women's lacrosse program and are excited to announce Dave as the new coach."
A lab manager at 3M Canada in London, Hastings has strong roots in the local lacrosse community and replaces Craig Windley, who spent four years as head coach of the team.
Media Contact: Andy Watson / awatso47@uwo.ca / C: 519 709.1858 / W: 519 661.3089
Source: Andy Watson- University of Western Ontario