Albion will add men’s and women’s lacrosse for the coming academic year, becoming the second Division III institution to offer the sports at the varsity level in Michigan.

The school also will become the third Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association member to sponsor the sports, joining Adrian and Trine, which is located in Indiana.

Albion will boost sports sponsorship to 21 with the move, with 10 men’s programs, 10 women’s teams and a coed equestrian program.

“We believe that the addition of lacrosse will allow Albion to attract many athletes that are currently participating in the sport at the high school level,” said President Donna M. Randall. “It is my expectation that Albion will become an option for lacrosse players in Michigan and from the East Coast.”

In making the announcement, the school said that an unidentified MIAA member also has indicated its intention to add women’s lacrosse as a varsity program for the 2010 season. In addition to Albion, three MIAA schools currently have men’s and women’s lacrosse club teams – Alma, Calvin and Hope.