Men's Lacrosse Coaches
- Coach Matt Klank
Matt Klank enters his fifth season as Head Coach of the Centenary Men’s Lacrosse Program. This spring Coach Klank and the Cyclones are looking to continue the groundwork they laid last spring advancing to the Conference playoffs as the #3 seed. In 2009 the program will be looking to do so in the newly named CSAC (Colonial States Athletic Conference). In 2008 the Cyclones finished the year with a 5-3 mark in the PAC including three straight victories to close out the year, before falling in the Conference semi-finals.
Klank came to Centenary in 2005, following four seasons at Drew University as their Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator. Prior to joining Drew’s staff, Coach Klank was an assistant at Villanova University (1998-2000) as well as at Montclair State University following his graduation in 1997. Klank has also had some experience at the high school level, as an Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator at Montclair Kimberly Academy from 1995-1997.
Coach Klank began his collegiate playing career at Drexel University in 1992. In his two seasons with the Dragons, Klank gained such accolades as the programs top scorer in 1992. He then transferred to Montclair State for his final two years of eligibility. He received such honors as the ECAC Most Valuable Player and All New Jersey First-Team in 1994. Klank also led the Red Hawks in scoring in his two years at MSU.
A graduate of Montclair State in 1997, Klank earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Recreation and Tourism. He currently lives in North Caldwell, NJ with his wife Marisel and their daughter Ashley Elizabeth.
- Coach Gary Merkle
Garry Merkle returns for his second season with the Centenary Men’s Lacrosse program, as Coach Klank’s Assistant this spring. He will continue to be the team’s Defensive Coordinator and work the Cyclone Goalies.
He came to Centenary directly from working with the Sparta High School Lacrosse program at Aspen Indoor the last two winters and has recently worked as the Defensive Coordinator for the US Lacrosse U-13 team in Amherst, MA. Prior to those coaching positions Coach Merkle worked with Jersey Thunder Select Team and the Ath-Ed Lacrosse Club. He began his coaching career with the Mt Olive. Junior Lacrosse Club, where he is the Founder, Coaching Coordinator, and Vice President (Boy’s Division) since 2001.
As a player, Merkle, was a 1st Team All-Conference performer, a 1st Team All-State B Division player, and the MVP of the Gil Bibbs All Star Game while in high school at Montclair Kimberly Academy in Montclair, NJ. After graduation he went on to play Division I Lacrosse at Hofstra University as a goal tender for three seasons, before transferring to Montclair State for his final year.
In addition to his coaching experience, Coach Merkle is a US Lacrosse member since 2001 and is Rutger’s Safety Certified. He currently resides in Flanders, NJ with his wife Heather and their three children Matthew, Brandyn, and Skylar.
- Coach Rory Murray
Rory Murray joins the Centenary Men’s Lacrosse coaching staff this spring, one year removed from being a Cyclone team captain and anchoring the team’s midfield. This season Murray will look to assist Head Coach Matt Klank with the same responsibilities, but now from the coaching box.
Last year as a senior, Murray scored 13 goals, while handing out eight assists for 21 points. His best year as a Cyclone came in his junior season when he totaled 14 goals and 21 point. He was one of the hardest working players to come the Centenary program and will be looked to for those same characteristics from the sideline. Coach Murray graduated last spring with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology. As a senior he received the Stutzman Award in Biology, the Judith Deacon Tartaglia Memorial Award, and was nominated for both Academic All-America and for the PAC Scholar Athlete Academic Award. He was named the Centenary College Men’s Lacrosse Senior Award winner as well as the Lacrosse Cyclone Award winner.
Prior to attending Centenary, Murray attended the University of Georgia, where studied course work pertaining to Animal and Dairy Science. There he was a member of the UGA Block & Bridle, in which he was the Chair in 2004. He was also a member of the UGA College Lacrosse Club where he was a one-year starter and team’s leading goal scorer.
In addition to his coaching duties, Coach Murray is currently enrolled in the Centenary College Master’s Program working toward his teaching certificate and is the College’s Intramural Director.
Steven Toto comes to Centenary this spring as a second assistant to Head Coach Matt Klank and the Cyclones Coaching Staff. Toto is a 2007 graduate of Muhlenberg College, where he graduated with a double major in Finance and in Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business, receiving a Bachelor's of Arts Degree for each. While at Muhlenberg, Toto also studied international economics during a semester abroad at the University of Maastricht in The Netherlands.
On the lacrosse field Coach Toto was a four-year starter on the Mules Defense. He was named Centennial Conference Honorable Mention in '06 as a junior and was voted a team captain his senior season. He currently ranks third on the career groundball list, picking up 145 in four years. In addition to his playing career, Steven was a member of the college's S.A.M. (Student Athlete Mentors), which promoted athletes to participate in activities outside of sports to help the community.