Contract Extension for Karweck

Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Under Contract Through 2027

HAMILTON — Colgate University has extended the contract of Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Matt Karweck through 2027.

"Four years ago, Coach Karweck boldly accepted the charge to build a men's lacrosse program at Colgate that could compete for championships while also developing young men as citizen leaders," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Nicki Moore.

"He has led our program with integrity and resolve, and his good work has begun to translate into improved success on and off the field. With the dedication of our current and former student-athletes and their families, and with the active engagement of our impressive lacrosse alumni community, I believe this program will thrive under Coach Karweck's continued leadership."

Coach Karweck arrived in Hamilton in July 2018 and completed his fourth year at the helm at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

"I am incredibly blessed for the opportunity to continue to lead this program into the next phase of Colgate Lacrosse," Karweck said. "My family and I have come to truly love Colgate University, the town of Hamilton, and the amazing people that live and work here. A sincere thank you to Dr. Nicki Moore for believing in me; and whose guidance, leadership, and vision continue to shape me as a coach, educator, and mentor for student-athletes."

Karweck has helped Colgate grow both on and off the field during his time with the Raiders. He has done this by honing in on certain aspects of the program such as team culture, competitive excellence, and the overall experience his student-athletes are provided.

Grit, Growth, Gratitude
Over the last four years, Karweck has built the foundation of the program with its core values of grit, growth, and gratitude. These three values represent commitment & tenacity, optimism and intentionality, and a dedication to service and stewardship for the program's historic alumni and many supporters.

Karweck has been consistent with his cultural development. Each year, when the Raiders travel, they try to find ways to impact different communities through service projects and free youth clinics for kids. In early 2020, before the pandemic hit, Karweck took his team to Tallahassee for team bonding, an early scrimmage, and an opportunity to do hurricane relief for a local fire department.

"The real challenge of college coaching is to help 18-22-year-old kids try to become the best versions of themselves. Here at Colgate, we look forward to providing experiences that help them gain that perspective, and with that, we hope to inspire them to make decisions based on what they want in their lives and what they believe in.

Academic and Competitive Excellence
The Raiders have had four All-Patriot League selections in the last three years. This includes Brian Minicus earning first team honors and current senior Donny Gayhardt earning second team accolades during the 2022 season. Karweck's program has also had success in the classroom with four Patriot League All-Academic selections since 2019.

On the field, Colgate has continued to play at a high level against tough competition. Seven of the Raiders' 13 games last season were against nationally-ranked opponents. Three of those were Patriot League opponents, including No. 17 Lehigh who the Raiders defeated 9-8 in overtime. Colgate also played eight games that were decided by three goals or less.

"Each year, we are going to play a tough schedule. I believe in it. If you want to be the best, you have to challenge yourself against the best. We won't back down to anybody."

Karweck said this has helped raise the bar for his program.

"Clearly, we want to win. We have a group of hungry competitors (players and coaches) that are working hard each day to make that happen. If we focus on the process, especially in the fall and early season, we will have the opportunity to win on Saturdays in the spring."

Coach Karweck also expressed gratitude to those who have supported the program.

"Thank you specifically to the Colgate men's lacrosse alumni. Your support over the past four years has been tremendous. My coaching staff and our administration are so incredibly appreciative of your time, energy, and generosity. Thank you, and I look forward to leading the Raiders to many championships in the years to come."

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Players Mentioned

#77 Donny Gayhardt: D; 6' 5"; Junior

#33 Brian Minicus: A; 5' 10"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#77 Donny Gayhardt
: 6' 5"; Junior
: D

#33 Brian Minicus
: 5' 10"; Senior
: A

Players Mentioned

#77 Donny Gayhardt

#33 Brian Minicus

Players Mentioned

#77 Donny Gayhardt

#33 Brian Minicus