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In nine seasons as Head Coach of the Providence College lacrosse team, Chris Burdick has led the Friars to an unprecedented seven-consecutive MAAC Tournament appearances (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007). Providence has captured three Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Regular-Season titles (2003, 2005 and 2006). The Friars also have claimed the MAAC Tournament championship crown in three of the last four seasons (2004, 2006 and 2007) and advanced to the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Tournament during each of those campaigns. In nine years, Burdick has compiled an overall record of 67-78. In MAAC action, the Friars have posted a 47-26 record. The Friars posted their best league finishes in 2003 and 2005, with identical MAAC records of 7-1. In 2006, Burdick guided the Friars to a program-best 10 wins overall (10-7), tying them with PC's 1985 squad who also finished with 10 victories (10-2). Burdick also is credited with the recruitment and development of the first players at Providence College to be selected to the All-MAAC First and Second Teams since joining the conference in 1996. In all, Burdick has had 14 players earn All-Conference honors a total of 24 times, including Brian O'Rorke, who finished his eligibility in 2004 as the program's most decorated player. O'Rorke is a three-time MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team selection (2002, 2003 & 2004). O'Rorke also earned MAAC Rookie of the Year honors under Burdick's guidance as a freshman in 2001. In January of 2005, O'Rorke became the first lacrosse player from Providence to get drafted by Major League Lacrosse. The New Jersey Pride took O'Rorke in the 13th round (73rd overall) of the supplemental draft held in Philadelphia, Pa. Burdick also helped to develop the program's first-ever All-America selection in Michael Farley. Farley was named a USILA Honorable Mention All-American in 2006. In January of 2008, former Friar goalkeeper Peter Littell ('07) was added to the Long Island Lizard's 35-man roster, and will compete for a permanent roster spot on the team during April training camp. Burdick came to Providence with an impressive resume, having earned valuable experience with some of the top teams in collegiate lacrosse. A 1991 graduate from the University of Delaware, he was one of the top goalkeepers to ever play for the Blue Hens. Upon graduation from Delaware, Burdick quickly got into coaching and began to establish himself as one of the best young evaluators of talent in collegiate lacrosse. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Notre Dame in 1992. He helped guide the Fighting Irish to two-consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament. After two years at Notre Dame, Burdick returned to Delaware to serve as the defensive coordinator for the 15th-ranked Blue Hens in 1994. In 1995, he was named the offensive coordinator. While at Delaware, Burdick earned his master's degree in health, physical education and recreation. He continued to work with top programs when he became an assistant coach for the 12th-ranked UMass Minutemen in 1996. At UMass, Burdick coached the team's goalies and worked with the defense. The following year, he went to Cornell to become the assistant head coach. He spent one season with the Big Red under coaching legend Richie Moran before coming to Providence. In addition to his work as a coach in the collegiate ranks, Burdick is very involved with lacrosse at all levels, having made many speaking appearances at various clinics. He also was instrumental in helping to raise more than $4,500 for Eric Potts, a Wesley College lacrosse player who was paralyzed playing summer lacrosse. Burdick served as the president of the MAAC Lacrosse Coaches' Association in 2003, and has been a member of the regional advisory committee for NCAA tournament selection. In 2003, Burdick, along with John's Hopkins' Head Coach Dave Pietramala, were selected to coach in the Division I Men's Lacrosse North/South All-Star game. Burdick also is the director of the Friar Lacrosse Camps. A native of Cortland, N.Y., he is the son of Angela and Frank Burdick.
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