Tim Murphy, who served last year as defensive coordinator for the South Meck boys, has been promoted to head coach of the Sabres heading into next spring's 2011 campaign. Murphy replaces Justin Garrison, who is relocating to Chicago to join his fiancee.

The 30-year-old Murphy, a defensive standout and three-year starter at Catawba, is an asset management analyst at Wells Fargo who has been heavily involved in the Charlotte lacrosse community since graduating from the Salisbury, N.C., school in 2002. His top assistant will be another holdover from Garrison's staff, Miles Payne

"It's only September, but I can't wait to take the field," said Murphy, whose brother Mike is now the top assistant lacrosse coach at Catawba.

New Sabre players and parents will get a chance to meet Murphy and Payne and learn more about the 2010-11 lacrosse campaign during an informational meeting Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. in the school's small cafeteria. Murphy will talk about the team's fall conditioning program and his plans for the 2011 season. South Meck Lacrosse booster club president Chuck Morris will also be available to answer questions from new parents about the new year.

Murphy and Payne have always been very popular with the players and everyone at South Meck lacrosse is grateful that we've been able to keep continuity in the coaching staff with their return for the 2011 season.