St. Mary's Lax Book

Jim Moorhead 1980 - 2000

I look back on my years as Head Lacrosse Coach at St. Mary’s High School from 1980-2000 with tremendous joy, pride and satisfaction. Never did I expect when I became the Head Coach in 1980, that I would continue so for 21 years. What kept me at St. Mary’s, while turning down college offers, was quite simply the players and coaches that I was fortunate to work with each and every year. Beginning in 1980, my goal was always to

help each player reach his lacrosse potential, always keep the “team” before any individual, treat players with respect, and enjoy the great game of lacrosse and the competition. I was fortunate that my first team at St. Mary’s went 14 and 0 and was ranked #1. From that year on, I believe strongly that the players and assistant coaches bought into this philosophy and together with the players’ talents and work ethic, St. Mary’s Lacrosse experienced tremendous success over the next two decades. Each team had its own unique makeup, and while some teams won championships and/or more games than other teams, each team was a pleasure to coach and I learned from all of them. The early 80’s were very successful while playing as an “independent.”The mid to late 80’s teams learned what it was like to be in the MIAA as the school had joined the league in 1986, and the team reached the playoffs in both 1988 and 1989. It was in the 1990’s that St. Mary’s really became known as not only a powerhouse in the MIAA, but also one of the strongest programs in the nation. During that time span, St. Mary’s played in 4 MIAA Championship games, winning in both 1993 and 1996. The team also reached the playoffs 8 out of the 10 years. None of that would have been possible without the dedication of so many outstanding assistant coaches such as Joe Devlin, Fred Kramer, Donny Sadler, Mike Codd, Rob White, and Mike Burnett. The relationships I developed with my assistants and their knowledge of the game was a big reason for the success of the program. I owe much of my success at St. Mary’s to the School Sisters of Notre Dame who supported me – especially Sister Mauro Manna, Sister Christine Mulcahy, Sister Phyllis McNally and Sister Elise Mary. I also am thankful to Father Kevin Milton who helped steer my career in administration at St. Mary’s along with Father John Murray. I would be remiss if I did not give thanks to the St. Mary’s Athletic Association and the St. Mary’s Royal Blue Club for their support of the lacrosse program. Finally, to each and every player that I worked with at St. Mary’s – I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to coach and teach you the great game of lacrosse, and along the way maybe some life lessons. I know that I became a better coach and man with the numerous experiences I had with my players, and I am thankful that I can now call so many my “friends” in their adult lives. – Head Coach Jim Moorhead

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