Coach Russ Lawson

Head coach, Russ Lawson, enters his eighth season at the helm of the Huntington University men's soccer program.  Lawson, who also serves as Coordinator of Recreational Programming and Intramural Director, graduated from Huntington in 1991 with a degree in Business Management. He currently holds an Advanced National Diploma from the NSCAA and a class D license from the United States Soccer Federation. 

As a three-year starter for the Foresters, Lawson was a member of two of the most successful soccer teams in the program’s recent history.  The 1988-89 team went 14-6 during his sophomore season, and 20-5 the following year, which included a Mid-Central Conference co-Championship, NCCAA District III and NAIA District 21 Championships, and a third place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament.  Lawson was selected as an MCC All-Conference midfielder during his final two seasons. 

Lawson is looking forward to another successful season.  “I am excited and very appreciative to have the opportunity to play a role in impacting HU’s students and the community.” 

Lawson and his wife Heidi, a Huntington native, have two children, Levi and Ellie.

Assistant Coach Matt Gerlach

Matt Gerlach begins his second season as an assistant coach. Matt was a four-year starter for the Foresters and helped anchor the defensive unit. He joined Coach Lawson's staff following his graduation in 2006. Matt works closely with the defenders as well as assisting in player development. He currently works as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Huntington. Originally from Shippensburg, PA, Matt is married to Harmony and the two reside in Huntington.