Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Jon Hunt Named New Head Lacrosse Coach at Bridgton


Bridgton Academy is pleased to announce Jon Hunt as the school’s new Head Lacrosse Coach.

Hunt joins Bridgton Academy from University of New England, where he has worked as the program’s Head Lacrosse Coach since 2005. Prior to taking over the program at UNE, Hunt served as an assistant lacrosse coach, first at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and then at Colby College in Maine. 

A graduate of Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, Hunt holds a degree in Business Management. He was named Plymouth State University Male Athlete of the Year in 2000.

Hunt follows departing Head Lacrosse Coach Garrett Bamann ’00 into the leadership of a lacrosse program that has long been seen as one of the premier prep programs in the country. Coach Bamann and his wife (Associate Director of Admission, Jennifer Bamann) announced their departure from the Academy earlier this spring after they accepted new opportunities at the Storm King School in New York. “It’s a tough decision leaving a place I’ve called home for eight years, but we are very excited to start a new chapter in our life.  I am very excited about Jon Hunt becoming the head lacrosse coach.  He brings a sense of quiet professionalism and he has a thirst for learning.  I know he and his staff will keep the program moving in an upward direction.  Jon is a great coach who I feel has a humble attitude and an amazing ability to reach student athletes.  He has proven that he can be successful at all levels.  As an alum I feel very confident that he will uphold with the motto from Michael W. Fuller '82 "Expectations are High, Traditions are Rich,” Bamann said of the transition.

Bridgton Academy’s Headmaster, Grady Vigneau said of Hunt, “Jon Hunt upholds the credibility and trust of Bridgton Academy lacrosse, perpetuating the quality of preparation and respect for the game built by legendary head coach, Mike Fuller and enhanced most recently by Garrett Bamann (BA’00).  Jon’s knowledge of the game and teaching skills are outshined only by his network of college coaching connections and two-way trust and respect that characterize them.  As a college head coach, Jon knows what college coaches need from their incoming student-athletes.  As BA’s head coach, he will prepare our student-athletes with extraordinary insight, perception, and skill.”

“Bridgton Academy is truly a special place. My family and I are very excited to be joining this community. It will be an honor to contribute to the growth of many Bridgton Wolverines and to help prepare them for their future endeavors,” affirmed Hunt upon accepting the position. 

In addition to his coaching responsibilities at UNE, Hunt has been a committee member of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee, a committee chair of the Commonwealth Coast Conference Men’s Lacrosse, a rater for the NCAA Poll Committee, a conference representative for the NCAA Regional Leadership Conference, and the Head Coach for the NEILA East/West Senior All-Star Game.

As the Bridgton lacrosse program has developed and grown over the years, it has enjoyed an impressive college placement record, and has seen many alumni go on to play in the NCAA lacrosse tournaments. This past spring, thirteen Bridgton alumni made it to the NCAA tournaments, a trend Hunt is excited to see continue and be part of it.

Hunt and his wife Jessica and son Samuel will be living on campus.