Men's Lacrosse Coaches

Matt Klank enters his fourth season as Head Coach of the Centenary Men’s Lacrosse Program. Coach Klank and the Cyclones start a new era of Lacrosse at Centenary this spring, as the team begins its first season of competition in the PAC (Pennsylvania Athletic Conference). 

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.

Garry Merkle begins his first season with the Centenary Men’s Lacrosse program, as Coach Klank’s Assistant this spring.  Coach Merkle joins the staff as the team’s Defensive Coordinator and Goalie Coach

He comes 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.