Honoring Coach Runk: A Lacrosse Legacy 

Rendering of the proposed renovation of the men's lacrosse suite. 

Carl Runk became head coach of the TU men’s lacrosse program in 1968 and directed the program to a place among the sport’s college elite over a 31-year career. The Tiger legend died on Nov. 24, 2024. He was 88. Referred to as “Big Man,” by his players for his strong, imposing physique and his larger-than-life personality, he cared deeply for them and demanded their best.

Coach’s immense impact on Towson Lacrosse spans generations, and we want to ensure his legacy lives on

Shawn Nadelen, men’s lacrosse head coach

To honor Runk and his legacy at the university, TU Athletics held a celebration of life in TU Arena on April 18 and unveiled a bust of Runk the following day. At the unveiling, a special fundraising campaign was announced to name the men’s lacrosse coaches suite in honor of him. The campaign is part of athletics’ larger $12 million Campaign for Excellence.  

Carl Runk

“Having the lacrosse coaches suite named in his honor will be a constant reminder of who got us here and will honor the tradition of success established by Coach Runk,” says Shawn Nadelen, men’s lacrosse head coach. “He will forever live in the Towson lacrosse family, as it will always embody his spirit, passion and love.”