Engelken, a native of LaFayette, New York, has been an assistant coach with the Gaiters since 2000, and has assumed steadily-increasing responsibilities throughout his time with the program. "This announcement makes public what has been in operation for a number of years. Rob has been the technical background of the program since its inception", said Roy.
The Shelburne, Vt., resident has 20 years of lacrosse coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, having served as the Head Coach at South Burlington and Champlain Valley Union high schools, as well as an assistant at the University of Vermont. He has also directed the "Fun in the Sun" lacrosse school since 1993, the longest-running lacrosse camp in the state, and is the Director of the Lake Champlain Lacrosse Club, having coached teams at a variety of age levels. He also has coached ski racing for 30 years.
"This is an exciting time for Bishop's University lacrosse," said Engelken. "After having a successful season last fall, our guys are working harder than ever and recruiting is going well. While I'm delighted and honored to be named Head Coach of Canada's top university lacrosse team, not much will change. Being a club team and with all volunteer coaches, this is merely a title change and we will all continue to work as a team. The success of our program is due to the hard work and long hours of our entire staff, as well as the many alumni and coaches who have helped over the past 12 years."
Roy, who is stepping aside to spend more time with his wife and one-year-old daughter, posted a 117-45 overall record in 11 seasons. Under his watch, the Gaiters went 72-16 in regular-season play, and made eight trips to the Baggataway Cup tournament, and played in five championship games, culminating in last year's championship.
The Rob Engelken era gets off to an early start this weekend, as the Gaiters play a pair of exhibition games in Halifax against Dalhousie and Saint Mary's on April 7 and 8. The games will be a homecoming for the eight current Gaiters who hail from Nova Scotia.
