The Muskingum University Athletic Department has named Michael Jablonski Muskingum men's lacrosse head coach.
Since 2019, Jablonski has been the assistant coach for the Muskingum men's lacrosse program. He was the offensive coordinator, academic coordinator, social media manager and oversaw the film and scout work for games. Under his direction, the men's lacrosse program redefined and reworked its recruiting process. During his tenure as the assistant coach, Muskingum recorded its best season in program history, the most wins in a season, recorded its highest finish in the Ohio Athletic Conference, and rewrote the record book with numerous school records.
"I look forward to watching Michael transition into the next head coach for our men's lacrosse program. As a full-time assistant for the last four years, Michael showcases consistent energy and a lifestyle centered around lacrosse," Muskingum Director of Athletics Kari Winters. "His excitement for the opportunities ahead, as he makes this transition, will positively impact the experience and overall competitiveness of our program."
The Muskies excelled on the field and in the classroom under Jablonski's tutelage. Muskingum had multiple student-athletes earn All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) honors, OAC Player of the Week accolades, and Academic All-OAC recognition. The team recorded its highest-ever GPA during the 2022-23 campaign.
"I'd like to thank Muskingum Director of Athletics Kari Winters and the search committee for believing in my vision for the program. For the last four years, we've worked hard to move Muskingum lacrosse forward, and I am very excited to take the next step as the head coach," said Jablonski. "I also want to thank my parents and family for always supporting my pursuits as a coach. Lacrosse and coaching are lifelong passions of mine, and I'm forever grateful for the coaches I've had along the way."
Before arriving at Muskingum, Jablonski served as the graduate assistant and interim head coach of the men's lacrosse team at Wheeling Jesuit University. At Wheeling Jesuit, he coached the defense, ran the substitution box, and served as the recruiting coordinator. Jablonski took over as interim head coach at the midway point of the 2019 season, and led the Cardinals to two big road wins.
Jablonski was also a four-year player for the men's lacrosse team at Wheeling Jesuit. During his career at WJU, he appeared in 30 games, recording 17 goals, tallying seven assists, and grabbing 15 ground balls. He scored goals his senior year against 8th-ranked NYIT and 10th-ranked Lake Erie. Before Wheeling, Jablonski had a decorated career at L'Anse Creuse High School, playing under Don Roda and the legendary Don Lutz. He is still the school's all-time leading scorer, finishing his career as the 12th all-time leading scorer in MHSAA history.
Jablonski is also highly involved with club and travel lacrosse in southeastern Michigan. He served as an assistant coach on the 313 Lacrosse staff for seven years. Additionally, Jablonski also works as a head coach with Premier Lacrosse Group (PLG). Over the years, he's led a variety of age groups to several semi-final and championship appearances. Winning at GLBC & Finalax (2021), and Midwest Prime (2023). Jablonski specializes in player development, teaching offensive skills, and has worked closely with PLG director Mark Greaney in implementing and reworking their curriculum and summer training.
Jablonski earned his bachelor's degree in 2018 from Wheeling Jesuit University while studying history and minoring in psychology. He is also a proud Muskie alum, completing his Master of Arts in Education at Muskingum University in the summer of 2020.
Doug Gorski '22 was named an assistant coach for the Muskingum men's lacrosse program in the summer of 2023.
This past season, he played a crucial role as a volunteer assistant during the 2023 campaign before being promoted to assistant coach. During the 2023 season, Gorski primarily assisted with the defensive unit, helping it become the 53rd most efficient unit out of the 265 NCAA Division III programs and the fourth best in the Ohio Athletic Conference. He will continue to work with the Muskingum defense in his new role. While continuing his duties running the substitution box on game days, scouting reports, recruiting, and other day-to-day operations with the team.
As a player, Gorski was a four-year starter, a two-year captain, and the anchor of the Muskie defense. He is tied for second for most caused turnovers in a single season and ranks third in career-caused turnovers while also grabbing the third most ground balls in program history. Gorski also helped captain the first winning team in program history.
Gorski graduated from Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he is still the highest-scoring defenseman in program history. He then moved on to Muskingum University, majoring in criminal justice and political science with a minor in history.