POTSDAM —SUNY Potsdam Men’s Lacrosse Coach Rick Berkman has announced that former Bears All-American Rashaun Durden ’12 will serve as his assistant coach for the 2013 season.

"Rashaun Durden is a huge asset to our program,” said Berkman.

“Not only was he one of the all-time best defenders to play at Potsdam, he was a great leader and captain. Our current players have tremendous respect for him and his transition to coaching has been very impressive. He will work mainly with the defensive end of the field and will be a very integral part in the recruitment of future student-athletes. "

A four-year standout for the men's lacrosse team's defensive corps, Durden was highly decorated over his 52-game career. A two-time captain and a three-time All-SUNYAC selection, he was named the 2011 SUNYAC Player of the Year after helping the Bears to the conference championship game.

He capped the 2011 season by earning honorable mention All-American status and opened the 2012 campaign as a preseason All-American. Last spring, Durden received Potsdam’s Maxcy Molnar Award, which goes to the senior athlete who best combines the qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship and athletic achievement.

Prior to joining the Bears staff, Durden honed his coaching skills at the Buffalo Lacrosse Academy’s (BLA) Summer Skills Camp, serving as a defensive coach from 2010-12.

Last summer, the Buffalo native was a head coach for a BLA U14 team, running the team’s practices and coaching during weekend tournaments.

Durden graduated last May with a degree in communications. He is currently pursing a master’s degree in organizational performance, leadership and technology.

The Bears open their 2013 campaign at Ithaca College on Saturday, March 2, at 1 p.m.