The National Lacrosse League doubled the size of its publicity team this week, promoting interim Public Relations Director Chris Bandura to the newly-created position of Director of Media Relations and Internet Development and hiring Doug Fritts as the permanent Director of Media Relations.

The hiring and reassignment continue the rapid rebuilding of the league office. In the past six weeks, NLL has lost commissioner John Livsey and his top aide (Jeff Hall) to the expansion Columbus Landsharks, said goodbye to public relations head Bruce Wawrzyniak (who took a job outside the league), hired a new commissioner (Jim Jennings), and created and filled the position of deputy commissioner (George Daniel).

A graduate of the Utica College of Syracuse University (majoring in public relations), Bandura joined the league office this summer as Wawrzyniak's interim successor. Before that, he was a media relations assistant for the Rochester Knighthawks and AHL's Rochester Americans.

"I'm excited to be a part of the advancement of our league to the next level of success in professional sports," Bandura said. "Our league is on the verge of great things, and I am honored to be a part of the growth of the NLL."

"Christopher has done a great job for league, and we are glad to retain his services," NLL Commissioner Jim Jennings said. "He will help us reach our goal -- to become North America's fifth major sports league."

Bandura's new assignment also includes overseeing changes, improvements, and updates to the league's new web site, www.nationallacrosse.com.

Fritts, a White Township, NJ native, brings to the league a wide-ranging background in media and professional sports. He is a graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

In addition to working for several professional basketball and hockey teams, Fritts spent three years as a news and sports reporter at WUTR-TV in Utica, NY.

"I am looking forward to bringing my experience in professional sports and media to the National Lacrosse League," Fritts said. "I would like to thank Commissioner Jim Jennings for the opportunity to contribute to the NLL's continued growth and success."

"Doug brings us a valuable perspective from his experience in both professional sports and media," Jennings added.