After finishing 3-7 last year and 4-8 in 2006, the Badgers will be playing for their third coach in five years. Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director Michael Osborne and Athletics Graduate Assistant Aaron Sanford will be teaming to lead the Badgers to the top of the North Atlantic Conference.
“My only experience with lacrosse is as a spectator,” says Sanford.
“I have no formal lacrosse playing or coaching experience. During my pursuit of a physical education degree I was exposed to the sport and rules of play,” says Osborne.
With Osborne being the men’s basketball coach and with the two sports having striking similarities, the transition might be easier than thought. “I have been told and, in my research have found to be true, that lacrosse strategies and concepts, offensive and defensive, can be a lot like those of basketball. I look forward to finding out,” adds Osborne.
During February with the basketball season winding down and lacrosse starting up, Osborne will looking to surge the Badgers into a playoff push first and foremost, which is why having Sanford will pay major dividends.
“Having Coach Sanford assisting will be crucial. Particularly in the month of February, as my attention is very much with the completion of the basketball season and the goals we have as a basketball program. Aaron will really have the reins during those first few weeks. I will certainly have input and involvement, but on a more limited basis due to my basketball responsibilities,” Osborne says.
This will be Sanford’s first experience coaching at the collegiate level. “I think that coaching with someone else will be very beneficial, especially since Mike has a lot of experience and a good background in coaching,” says Sanford.
“I expect our team to be well-conditioned and fundamentally sound, and if we can accomplish both then we should be able to perform at the level necessary to compete with the rest of our conference,” Sanford says.
“My expectations for the season are to have the hardest-working and most fit team in the league. If this can be achieved I have a good feeling that the wins and losses could work out to be favorable, as there is experienced talent on this team,” adds Osborne.
The Badgers travel down to Boston, Mass., on Saturday, Mar. 22, where they face Emerson College to open up their season.
Their first home contest will be on Wednesday, Apr. 2, where they play host to Daniel Webster College.