Division III institutions in Indiana and Virginia plan to add varsity men’s lacrosse programs for the spring 2011 season.

Hanover will become only the second Division III school in Indiana and second member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference to sponsor the sport, while Ferrum will become the USA South Athletic Conference’s fourth men’s lacrosse sponsor.

“Lacrosse is an exciting sport that is becoming more popular in the Midwest, and I am excited that we are adding men's lacrosse to our athletics program,” said Lynn Hall, Hanover athletics director. “It is my hope that once we get the men’s program started we will add a lacrosse program for the women.”

Hanover and Trine, a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, are the only Division III schools sponsoring the sport in Indiana. HCAC member Mount St. Joseph in Ohio also sponsors lacrosse for men.

Ferrum will join Christopher Newport, Greensboro and Shenandoah as sponsors of the sport in the USA South. It joins 10 Division III institutions in Virginia currently offering varsity men’s lacrosse programs.

The addition will give Ferrum its 15th varsity sport. It has sponsored women’s lacrosse since 2000.

Hanover, which is adding its first new sport since 1995 (women’s soccer), will boost sponsorship to 17 sports.