NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- After orchestrating a historic 2021 campaign, the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse coaches have been named the IMLCA Region 3 Coaching Staff of the Year for the first time in program history after receiving the honor from the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association on Friday afternoon.
 
The Region award joins a growing list of honors for head coach Mikey Thompson, who has already been celebrated as the Virginia State Coach of the Year three times during his six seasons at the helm of the Captains. Meanwhile, assistant coaches Zach Thomas, Matt Hayden, and Will Cogan also served integral roles on the 2021 staff, which guided Christopher Newport to one of the finest seasons in school history.
 
During the year, the Captains pieced together a memorable postseason run that included wins over No. 12 Stevenson and No. 4 Lynchburg before culminating in the program's first appearance in the NCAA Final Four. Along the way, Christopher Newport compiled a 13-6 record, including three wins against nationally-ranked competition. Eight of their victories also came on the road, which set a new single-season school standard.
 
Earning recognition throughout the year, the Captains never fell below 13th in the USILA National Coaches Poll and eventually spent the final eight weeks of the season ranked in the top-10. On March 22, the squad climbed to third in the poll, which marked the highest position ever attained in program history.
 
Continuing to boast one of the finest defenses in the nation, Thompson's crew eventually wrapped up 2021 ranked second in the country with 244 caused turnovers. Additionally, the unit finished eighth in ground balls (689) and ninth in saves (209). All three of those totals also ranked second in school history.
 
Meanwhile, on the other side, Thomas helped design and implement an offensive attack that averaged 13.58 goals per game, which marked the third-highest rate in program history. Overall, the Captains poured in 258 goals during the season while handing out 146 assists. Both of those totals ranked 15th in the NCAA.
 
Building a roster overflowing with talent, Christopher Newport produced nine All-Conference performers in 2021, which marked the most in school history. Four Captains also secured All-American nods as Brady Altobello, Phoenix Hines, Dylan Rice, and Max Wayne were all celebrated by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Wayne also received national plaudits from USA Lacrosse Magazine.
 
Along with the efforts of Thompson, Thomas, Hayden, and Cogan, the Captains were also aided on the sidelines by student assistant coach Michael Yarrish and team manager Robert Simmons.
 
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