About Us
Club Mission & Purpose
Our mission is to develop skilled, confident young athletes through high-level lacrosse instruction, competitive play, and a culture of teamwork, sportsmanship, and joy in the sport.
Founded in 2025, Vanguard Lacrosse Club exists to provide high school boys in Utah with a fun, positive, competitive, and development-focused lacrosse experience. We aim to develop skilled athletes who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and teamwork both on and off the field. We strive to prepare players for the next level of lacrosse, while fostering a lifelong love of the game.
Meet the Coaches
Dave Sumner
Club Director & Head Coach. Grew up playing lacrosse in Virginia and has over 6 years coaching experience at the High School level. Serves as Head Coach at Westlake High School in Saratoga Springs, UT. Off the field, he is a husband, father of three, BYU-I and UofU grad, and Healthcare Admin professional.
Warren Wright
Assistant Coach. Attended American Fork High School in Utah. All-state, all-region. Attended BYU and played lacrosse for multiple national championship teams.
Austin "Toast" Whiting
Assistant Coach. Over 17 years of lacrosse experience as a player and a coach. 2016 Class C Championship MVP and four-year varsity starter at Westlake HS. Played for various HS club teams and at USU. Over 5 years coaching both JV and Varsity at Westlake HS. Off the field, he is a husband, father of two, BYU and UVU grad, and a CPA in UT.
Rhett Ellingson
Assistant Coach. Rhett has over 15 years of experience in lacrosse, competing at both the All-State and National team levels. In addition to his playing career, he has spent the past three years coaching, helping develop athletes and sharing his knowledge of the game. Outside of lacrosse, Rhett serves as a firefighter and values discipline, teamwork, and quick decision-making in both his professional and athletic pursuits. In his free time, he enjoys flu fishing, camping, and staying active in the gym.
Barry Burkinshaw
Assistant Coach. Currently serving at JV Head Coach at Westlake High School and loves the game of lacrosse. Barry has coached youth lacrosse for 8 years and also has two years experience as a lacrosse referee.
Assistant Coach. Brock played for Westlake High School graduating in 2017. He played both midfield and attack and led the team in scoring both his junior and senior year. He coached for Cedar Valley High School in 2023. He is currently as assistant varsity coach at Westlake High School. Brock and his wife of four years, Ellie< love to travel, most recently to London, Paris, and Milan. His hobbies include golfing, pickleball, and hiking. For work Brock is a Financial Advisor.