Frostburg State will become the eighth Division III member in Maryland to sponsor men’s lacrosse as a varsity sport, beginning in 2011.

The school, which has sponsored women’s lacrosse since the 1960s, is reviving a men’s program it dropped in 1978.

“Not only is lacrosse an incredibly competitive sport for our students, but it is a great recruitment tool,” said Jonathan Gibralter, the school’s president. “The state of Maryland has a strong tradition in lacrosse, and adding men’s lacrosse to our athletics lineup will allow us to tap into a pool of students who would not otherwise consider Frostburg.”

The new program will be Frostburg State’s 21st varsity sport. The team will compete as an independent.

“When we make a decision to add a sport, we always keep in mind the benefit to the institution and our students,” said Athletics Director Troy Dell. “Lacrosse is a growing sport. We will be able to offer our student-athletes the Frostburg education and a highly competitive athletic experience.”