BARBOURVILLE — Jeremy Strunk joins the Union College coaching staff as the Bulldogs’ new head coach for men’s lacrosse, Director of Athletics Tim Curry announced Friday.

“We are excited to welcome Jeremy as our new men’s lacrosse coach,” said Curry. “He is a young, up-and-coming coach, and we feel he is a great fit to build and strengthen our developing program.”

Strunk comes to Barbourville after spending the 2018 season as an assistant coach for Aquinas College (Michigan). Serving as the goalie coach, Strunk helped the Saints’ save percentage improve to 52.6 percent, an increase of 6.8 percent from the previous year. Aquinas posted a 6-6 record.

From 2015-18, Strunk served as the head coach for Hudsonville High School in Michigan. The 2015 campaign, he was the junior varsity head coach and the varsity team went 5-8-1 in its first season in the MHSAA. Taking over as the varsity head coach in 2016, Strunk guided Hudsonville to records of 15-4, 12-6, and 6-10 during the past three seasons.

Under Strunk, Hudsonville produced four all-state third team members and four all-state honorable mentions, won two conference championships and advanced to the semifinals of the regional tournament.

Strunk began playing lacrosse in eighth grade, playing for Forest Hills Eastern High School. He was a starting defenseman during his senior season as the team finished ranked No. 2 in the state and ended the year as the state runner-up.

At Grand Valley State University, Strunk switched from defense to goalie and served as the backup to all-American Danny Kransberger. In 2012, Grand Valley State was the MCLA Division 2 national runner-up and made the quarterfinal round in 2013. In 13 career games played, Strunk allowed 33 goals, made 76 saves, and boasted a 69.7 save percentage.

“I am very glad to be offered the position of men’s lacrosse head coach at Union College, and I would like to thank Athletic Director Tim Curry for such a great opportunity,” said Strunk, a 2015 graduate of Grand Valley State. “I would also like to thank George Pavey and Kevin Wolma for giving me the opportunity to start my coaching career as well as their support over the years, in addition to all of my friends and family.

“This has been a dream of mine to have my own program at the collegiate level,” he continued. “I can’t wait to get started with the team and the school. My goal is to continue to build this program into not only a conference contender but also a national contender as well as develop and prepare young men for their professional careers after their time here. The school has a lot to offer kids and I can’t wait to get my process started with the program and begin the growth.”

Union completed its inaugural season this past spring. The Bulldogs compete in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) and the NAIA. The 2019 season will get underway in February.