2025 NILCA Hall of Fame Inductee Bios

DENNIS BONN

The love of sport is something that has been instilled in Dennis Bonn since the early years of his childhood. Beginning as a little league football and baseball player, Dennis found a home and passion on the field, guiding each of his future experiences. As a 1984 graduate of Sewanhaka High School, Dennis had the opportunity of not only being a part of their high-level athletic program with a high tradition of success, but also had the honor of playing under tutelage of their high-level coaching staff. He began as a football player under the leadership of coaches Bill Piner, Thomas Flatley, and Joseph Knoll. It was Coach Flatley who introduced the idea of playing lacrosse to Dennis in 9th grade, for which he never looked back. He learned the heart and soul of the game from coaches Thomas Flatley, Frank Tashman and Eddie Hughes. During his athletic career at Sewanhaka High School, Dennis was the captain of both his football and lacrosse teams and named both an All-County football and lacrosse player.

After graduating from high school, Dennis continued his lacrosse career playing at Nassau Community College where he was coached by Richard Speckman and George Powers. In 1986, while playing at NCC, he was a member of the National Championship team, championship game MVP, and first team All-American. He then had the honor to continue to play the game for John Danowski and Richard Donavan at Hofstra University, where they won back-to-back Conference Championships in 1988 and 1989. Dennis graduated from Hofstra in 1989 with a degree in Business Administration & Marketing and then again in 1991 with a Master’s Degree in Education.

Dennis’s coaching career began as an assistant JV Lacrosse coach at Garden City High School in the spring of 1991, under coaches Doc Doherty, Doug Dwyer, and Thomas Flatley. After two years at Garden City, he was fortunate enough to be hired as a mathematics teacher, football coach, and lacrosse coach at Cold Spring Harbor High School. Dennis was the head JV lacrosse coach from 1993-1997, a Varsity assistant lacrosse coach in 1998 and 1999, a Varsity assistant football coach from 1992-2003, and the head Varsity football coach from 2004, until stepping down in 2013.

In 2000, Dennis was appointed as the head Varsity lacrosse coach at Cold Spring Harbor High School where his goal was to emulate the success that he experienced during his own high school and college careers. His coaching philosophy has been guided by his experiences both as a player and from his time as a coach at Garden City. Since taking over the Seahawks he has amassed a record of 368 wins & 89 losses for a winning percentage of 81%. Over the span of his time as head coach his teams have won 15 Nassau County Championships, 8 Long Island Championships, and 7 New York State Championships. He has also been selected as a five-time Conference Coach of the Year, three-time Nassau County Coach of the Year, and the NILCA National High School Coach of the Year in 2017. He was inducted into the Sewanhaka Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2020.

Dennis has been surrounded by support throughout his athletic and coaching career by his entire family, beginning with his mom and dad who were fixtures in the stands. Dennis resides in Huntington, New York with his two children. His son Aidan is 22 years-old and currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Nottingham in England. His daughter Laurel is 20 years-old and a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in Biology. Dennis feels truly honored to have had the opportunities he has experienced as a player, educator and coach, and he looks forward to continuing those traditions both on and off the field.

CHARLIE BURCH

For twenty-four years, Charlie was a coach and teacher at two different high schools, twelve years each at Cape Elizabeth HS and Kennebunk HS in Maine. Since his last season at Kennebunk, he has been the head coach at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.

He played his high school career at New Hampton School in New Hampshire, 1970-1973. His playing career continued at Colby College, where he captained the 1977 team and was twice a winner of the Colby College Lacrosse Award. He played for ten more years on the Maine Lacrosse Club. Colby was in its early years as a varsity program, and Charlie was coached by Bob Ewell. In his senior year, he was chosen to play in the New England East-West Senior All-Star game.

His first coaching job was in 1979 at Bates College, working under Web Harrison. The following year, he returned to his alma mater as an assistant at Colby, working under Bob Ewell. High school lacrosse was in its infancy in Maine in the early 1980’s with primarily the prep schools and a couple of HS club teams. Charlie continued his teaching career and his football coaching career until 1986, when he was hired to become the head coach at Cape Elizabeth as that program transitioned from a club team to varsity status. Over the next twelve years, he amassed a record of 160-36 and won nine state championships and two runners-up. In his twelve years at Kennebunk, he coached that program to a 129-66-1 record that included two state runners-up and five final four appearances. He was selected USILA-NILA Maine coach-of-the-year five times and Maine Sunday Telegram COY once. He was the USILA-NILA National Man of the Year in 2009. Charlie also coached in the HS North-South game as an assistant in 1989 and as head coach in 1996. In his twenty-four years as an HS coach, Charlie coached 20 HS All-Americans.

Charlie served as Maine’s Area rep to USILA from 1990 to 2009. From 2002 to 2005, Charlie served on the NFHS HS Rules committee as NFHS brought in HS lacrosse as a recognized sport that needed a unified rule book nationally. In 1996, Tom Hall called and asked if Charlie would consider becoming the President of the HS NILA group for US Lacrosse. He served as President for four years. Tom Hall, John Kenney, Ren Pettinelli, John Linehan, and Joe Baccarella were great resources and a huge help with that role.

Charlie’s wife, Mim Myers-Burch, a lifelong English teacher and cheerleading coach, has been instrumental in his coaching career, encouraging and supporting him throughout his career. Her two sons, Nick and Pat Myers, were given their first sticks by Charlie and have followed great playing careers to their head coaching jobs at Ohio State and Lafayette, respectively. Mim was also instrumental in the drive to get the Maine Principals Association to adopt lacrosse as a sanctioned HS sport, which it did in 1998.

One of Charlie’s proudest accomplishments has been the number of his former players who chose to pursue careers in coaching and teaching. His coaching tree has many branches with former players involved in youth level, high school/prep school level, and collegiately as well. Lessons in how to play (and coach) the game “the right way” have hopefully been passed on. Charlie is equally proud of the two Team sportsmanship awards his UNE team garnered in 2016 and 2017, as well as the Russell Andrews Memorial Sportsmanship award, given to one HS team in New England in 1992, his only undefeated season (1992).

MIKE DELIA

Mike Delia is a 1977 graduate of Brentwood High School, where he played attack for the late legendary HOF coach Bob Hoppey. He attributes Coach Hoppey’s influence as his physical education teacher and coach as the number one reason for choosing the same profession. After high school, he went on to play lacrosse at CW Post College, which is now Long Island University. He was a two-time all-conference player at attack and midfield, a two-time co-captain, and voted the most valuable player his senior year.

Mike received his undergraduate degree in Physical Education in 1981 from Post and stayed on board as a graduate assistant for the 2025 NILCA HOF coach, Tony Seaman. The other assistant was John Danowski. Post was now a Division 1 Lacrosse program and finished its first season with a 12-3 record.

In 1982, Mike took a physical education/health position at Rutgers Preparatory School in New Jersey vacated by 2022 NICLA inductee Al Brown. At twenty-two years old, he was now the head varsity coach of boys soccer, boys lacrosse, and the girls varsity assistant for basketball. Can you say baptism by fire? Those five years at RPS laid the foundation for a successful coaching career and a lifelong friendship with Al Brown. Mike went on to work at Al's lacrosse camp for over twenty years.

In 1987, Mike landed a PE/Health teaching position at East Islip School District. Since there were no lacrosse coaching opportunities for a few years, he became the varsity assistant coach at his High School alma mater, Brentwood, for the 91-92 season. In 91, the team went 14-5, were League champs, and won the “crosse award” for the most improved team. In 92, they lost in the quarter finals to Smithtown.

Mike became the varsity assistant at East Islip High School from 1993-96 with Joe Ancona. East Islip endured four losing seasons prior to Mike and Joe working together. In their four years together, they compiled a record of 41-23, were Suffolk County semi-finalists twice and a finalist once. Mike retired from the East Islip School District in 2017 after 30 years of service. In his 35-year career, he’s coached football, soccer, field hockey, basketball, tennis, and lacrosse at all different levels.

In 1999, Mike joined Tom Rotanz to coach the Shoreham-Wading River varsity lacrosse team for ten years, 1999-2008. Tom took the D and Mike the O. In that span, their record was 150-43. They were 51-4 from 01-03. Together they combined for: 7 consecutive Suffolk County Titles 2001- 07, B Div. titles (03,04), C Div. titles (01,02,05,06,07), 2 B/C Titles (01,02), 3 Long Island Titles (02,03,07), 2 New York State Titles (02,07)

Mike credits the success of the SWR program to the leadership and guidance of Tom Rotanz, the tireless commitment of the parents and kids, and the special chemistry he and Tom shared on the field. He always appreciated Tom's trust, respect, and unwavering support through their tenure together. They worked countless hours developing the youth program, and ran a day camp and summer league for ten years. One of Mike’s favorite books is “Leading with the Heart” by Coach K from Duke University. He always preached Coach K’s philosophy regarding teamwork: “Two are better than one if two act as one. Can you imagine what five players acting as one can do?” The team of Rotanz-Delia was ONE.

Some of Mike’s honors as an assistant coach were:

Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association assistant coach of the year - 99,03,05
NILA assistant COY - 03, US Lacrosse Assistant COY - 03 & 05
NY State Empire assistant coach - 03 (silver medalist)
2001 and 2003 National Lacrosse Convention speaker. He has been an offensive clinician for many programs on the East Coast and a multiple guest speaker for Springfield College head coach, Keith Bugbee’s class “Principles and Problems of Coaching."

One of Mike's greatest memories in coaching was sharing the 2007 State Championship with his son Michael, who played both midfield & attack for four years at SWR. Mike stopped coaching at SWR in 2008 and, in 2009, started officiating boys lacrosse. In the 10 years he officiated on the varsity level, he was fortunate to work 8 Suffolk County, 7 Long Island, and 2 New York State Championships. One of Mike’s favorite roles as an official was being the Suffolk County rules interpreter from 2018-23. He loved to mentor new officials and teach the new candidate class each year.

Mike was blessed to have his wife, Joann, of 40 years, support him through his coaching career. Mike’s daughter, Chelsea, is a Massage Therapist on Long Island, and his son Michael is a Physical Education teacher and the head Lacrosse coach at Minnechaug HS in Massachusetts. Mike and Joann moved to Bluffton, South Carolina, in 2023, where he continues to officiate basketball and lacrosse, teach pickleball, and play tennis and golf.

STEVE FINNELL

The youngest of 5 children born to Rose Marie(Rhea) and Warren Finnell. Steve had four older siblings: Lisa, Paul, Jeff, and Brian. He lived in Manhasset until 1980, then moved to Garden City. Parents always supported their children playing multiple sports - Jeff swam at Georgetown while Brian played lacrosse at Loyola, MD. Steve started playing lacrosse in 9th grade for the legendary Tom Flatley - this would be a key relationship in his life as Coach Flatley was an outstanding mentor. Steve played football for 3 years under Coach Flatley, Joe Baccarrella, Bob DeFliese, and John Meyer at Garden City High School, helping the team to its first 10-0 record in school history in 1990.

Steve was fortunate to play three years of varsity lacrosse for Doc Dougherty and Doug Dwyer. The GC teams of ‘90 & ‘91 won the Long Island Championship, led by star players Sean Miller, Eugene Curran, Nick Lane, Pat Marrvin, and Andy Crofton.

Doc and Doug had an incredible 20-year run together, winning 4 state championships and establishing Garden City as a powerhouse program. The GC teams were always well prepared on the defensive end, led by Doc, who always had a detailed scouting report posted for the team outside his office. Doc won over 500 games during his 33 years at GC. The offense was led by Coach Dwyer, who was ahead of his time as GC still uses many of his plays and sets that helped those teams to numerous championships. Doug’s three boys all came through the GC program as well.

Upon graduating from Garden City High School in 1991, Steve went to Duke University to play for Mike Pressler, who was in his 2nd season after an incredible career at Ohio Wesleyan University. Coach Pressler would be another influential figure in Steve’s life. Duke made the NCAA playoffs 3 years and won the 1995 ACC Championship, which had not been won in several decades. After graduating in 1995, Coach Pressler asked Steve to be an assistant coach for Duke. He worked under Coach Pressler and with JB Clarke in 1996 and Joe Alberici in 1997. The 1997 Duke team made it to the Final Four - their first in school history.

After leaving college coaching, Steve earned his Master's degree to be a high school social studies teacher with the help and guidance of Tom Flatley. After three years of teaching and coaching at Mepham High School, Steve was hired at Garden City. He has spent the past 24 years as a varsity football coach and the past 10 years as defensive coordinator after learning under Coach Flatley, who is considered one of the best coaches in New York State history. The Trojans are 109-3 during this past decade, with Steve receiving the New York State Football Coaches Association assistant coach of the year award in 2023. In 2024, Steve was named the Coach Broyles assistant coach of the year for New York State. The team enters the 2025 season as the 4 time defending Long Island Champion.

After spending the 2002 season coaching JV lacrosse with Coach Flatley and John Scorcia, Steve moved to the varsity with Coach Dougherty & Coach Dwyer as an assistant in 2003. Steve was named the head coach (fourth in GC history) for the 2007 season and has been at the helm for 18 seasons. He has compiled a 304-61 record during this time. During this time, Garden City teams have won 14 Nassau County championships, 10 Long Island Championships, and 6 New York State Championships. In addition, the 2010 and 2011 teams were NYS Finalists, and the 2021 team won the Long Island Championship without the opportunity to participate in a state tournament. The 2012 team was the top-ranked team in the United States, finishing with a 22-0 record against top competition. Steve was named National Coach of the Year in 2012 by NILCA.

Steve credits much of his and the program's success to great assistant coaches throughout the years. Joe Jacovina has been on staff since 2011 and has guided the defensive end to great heights. The team has won 6 state titles and was a NYS Finalist in 2011 with Joe on staff. He has coached numerous All-Americans and created a defensive system that is second to none. Tim Holman has been on staff since 2016 and played for Steve and Doc in 2006 and was a senior on Steve’s first team in 2007. Tim has been the offensive coordinator for several years and has been instrumental in GC winning 4 state championships during the past decade. Dave Ettinger was on the varsity lacrosse staff from 2007- 2015, helping the Trojans to 7 straight county titles and 4 straight NYS Championship game appearances from 2010-2013, with the team winning back-to-back in 2012 & 2013, and currently is the head football coach on an incredible run, which includes the 2nd longest winning streak in America. Mugsy Walker was on staff from 2004-2014 and helped the team win several county and state championships. Mickey Blum(GCHS 2000), Matt McFarland(GCHS 1998), Frank Alfino, and, more recently, Mike Lind(GCHS 2009) and Mike Zagari have been critical to the Garden City Lacrosse program's success.

Steve’s wife, Susan, has been a key part of the program for decades. She was a top athlete at GC, playing 3 sports. Sue’s support has helped give Steve the time needed to maintain a top team year in and year out. She has raised three children who are all athletes, with the favorite sport being lacrosse. Stevie graduated from GCHS in 2023 and is currently at Duke. Kyle is a 2025 graduate and is playing at Northwestern, while Jeff is a current sophomore at GCHS.

BRYAN KELLY

Bryan Kelly has dedicated over three decades to Calvert Hall College High School as a coach and mentor. A 1987 graduate of Calvert Hall, Bryan joined the staff in 1992 and has served as Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach since 1996. He is the longest-serving head coach in Calvert Hall’s athletic department and the most tenured lacrosse coach in the MIAA.

As a player at Calvert Hall, Kelly was a four-year varsity starter and a two-time captain, earning High School All-American honors in 1986 and 1987. He earned two nominations for the prestigious C. Markland Kelly Award and received multiple All-Metro and All-Star selections, highlighted by MVP honors in the 1987 MIAA vs. County All-Star Game. In 1988, Kelly represented the United States on the victorious USA Under-19 National Team at the World Championships in Australia.

Kelly continued his playing career at the University of North Carolina, where he appeared in three Final Fours and helped the Tar Heels capture the 1991 NCAA National Championship. He earned recognition as an All-American, an All-ACC Academic selection, and was honored as the team’s Unsung Hero.

From 1992 to 1997, he starred with the Maryland Lacrosse Club, earning All-Club honors every season and helping secure the 1992 Brogden Cup with a win in the National Club Championship. That same year, Kelly returned to Calvert Hall to begin his coaching career as an assistant under legendary mentor Mike Thomas.

Kelly led the Cardinals JV team from 1993 to 1995 before being named head coach of the varsity program in 1996.

The Cardinals have thrived under Kelly’s leadership, ending a 26-year championship drought in 2003 and securing additional titles in 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025. The 2017 team achieved the program’s first undefeated conference season in 45 years, kicking off an unprecedented three-peat with championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This historic run made Calvert Hall the first MIAA program to win three consecutive conference crowns in nearly five decades. Both the 2019 and 2025 squads earned recognition as National Champions. Throughout Kelly’s tenure, the Cardinals have appeared in the national Top 25 rankings 13 times.

Kelly is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches. He has received numerous Coach of the Year honors from USA Today, US Lacrosse, the MIAA, the Baltimore Sun, and the Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association. In 2020, he was named USA Today’s Lacrosse Coach of the Decade (2010–2019). With a career record of over 350 victories, Kelly stands among the all-time leaders in MIAA and MSA lacrosse history for both wins and championships.

Off the field, Kelly has made a lasting impact on the sport as a founding member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Lacrosse Ministry. Through this organization, he continues to coach and mentor young athletes at both the club and national levels. Kelly views his coaching career as a ministry, dedicated to glorifying God and helping young men build character, strengthen their faith, and develop leadership skills both on and off the field.

Bryan and his wife, Heidi Binder Kelly, are the parents of five children: Jacob (CHC ’18), Daniel (CHC ’20), Joshua (CHC ’23), Caleb (CHC ’28), and Eli (CHC ’30).

KEN MCCARTHY

Ken McCarthy grew up in Ellington, CT, where he was a multi-sport athlete. His introduction to lacrosse came during his senior year of high school while on a college tour at Springfield College. Inspired, he immediately drove to Somers, CT, to meet Coach Lee Pinney, joined the team, and by season’s end was named captain. A year later, he played under legendary Springfield coach Keith Bugbee, who ignited his passion for coaching.

After graduating from Springfield College in 1989, McCarthy became the first-ever varsity lacrosse coach at South Hadley High School in Massachusetts. In just three years, he led the Tigers to a 16-3 record and produced an All-American. In 1993, he accepted a teaching position in Somers and returned to take over the Somers High School lacrosse program, carrying forward the tradition of hard work and respect that Coach Pinney had instilled.

Despite being one of the smallest lacrosse schools in Connecticut (about 400 students), McCarthy’s teams have qualified for the State Tournament for 30 consecutive years. Under his leadership, the Spartans have won 18 conference and tournament championships, as well as five state championships in nine appearances. His 491 victories currently rank him 26th nationally.

Coach McCarthy has guided numerous All-State and All-American players, with more than 200 players continuing their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level — including his son, Ray, a two-time All-State player and current assistant coach at Somers High School. Beyond the field, McCarthy has been recognized with multiple “Coach of the Year” honors, the 2019 Connecticut Lacrosse “Man of the Year Award,” and induction into the Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2017. Most recently, he was named the 2024 NILCA National Coach of the Year — only the second Connecticut coach ever to receive the honor — and the 2025–2026 Somers Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

For McCarthy, the relationships have always mattered most. “The most rewarding part of coaching has been the positive connections I’ve made with players and families,” he says. He credits the Somers youth lacrosse program, the administrative support of the school, the community, and the dedication of his loyal assistant coaches for the program’s success. He shares this recognition with his wife, Heidi, and with his parents, Ken and Marcia, who rarely miss a game.

JOE MCFADDEN

After word of his induction began to circulate, Joe told all the friends, former teammates, and past players who reached out that it was a terrific recognition for the Loyola program.

Without the many outstanding players, including High School and Collegiate All-Americans, great coaching partners, and support from Loyola’s President and Athletic Director, this outcome would not be taking place.

Joe first picked up a stick when he played for the Towson YMCA team in seventh grade. It was coached by an older Native American man, and his love for the game was contagious. Joe attended Loyola and played for the JV team in 1966-67 and then the Varsity in 1968-69. In his senior year, he was named Loyola’s McCormick Unsung Hero by Coach Joe Brune.

While attending Villanova University, Joe played from 1970-1973. He was the captain and leading point scorer in his junior and senior seasons. He was coached by the legendary Hall of Fame coach, Avery Blake, Sr., who came out of retirement after winning numerous league titles and one national title during his 38 years at Swarthmore and the University of Pennsylvania. He lived near Villanova’s campus. He saw a team that could use some help, and he couldn’t walk away. His love and commitment to the sport were a lasting inspiration to Joe.

After graduation, Joe began coaching the 13-14-year-old team at the Lutherville Rec Program. In 1979, he returned to Loyola when the JV coaching position was vacant. This began his 41-year coaching career at his alma mater. Following that season, the team won the league championships in 1980 and 1981. Joe moved up to the Varsity Offensive Coordinator position in 1982. The team won the MSA championship in 1983.

Following that season, Joe took over the head coaching position. Over the next 16 seasons, the Loyola Varsity teams played in 15 playoff games. They advanced to the semi-finals 14 times and played in 10 championship games. Loyola won the MSA championship in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1990. The Baltimore Sun paper or News American publications named Joe “Coach of the Year” for 3 of these seasons. The team’s record was 182 and 54. It included victories over the U-19 teams from Australia, Canada, and England.

In 1992, Joe had the honor of serving on the staff of Bob Hartranft with John Linehan, Jack Moran, and Tom Flatley for the USA U-19 undefeated World Championship Team. All these coaches are members of the NILCA Hall of Fame. Joe appreciated the great opportunity to work with them.

Following the 1999 season, Joe coached various levels of Loyola’s teams. From 2003-2015, he was the offensive coordinator for Jack Crawford’s teams that won MIAA titles in 2007, 2008, and 2013. In 2008, Joe was named the Men’s Division Coaches Council High School Assistant Coach of the Year by U.S. Lacrosse. He also coached freshman teams that won league titles in 2001, 2017, and 2018.

During the latter 1990’s Joe took the Varsity team to Baltimore City Public Middle Schools to hold joint practices and instructional sessions. Various city schools hosted as they were starting up programs. After Harlem Park Middle School had a shooting incident at their school, they were given grant funding for equipment to start their program. They had difficulty getting teams to play there. Joe sent Loyola’s Middle School team to play them on their home field and took great pride in promoting lacrosse to eager, underserved students.

Joe was inducted into the Loyola Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Maryland State High School Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2022.

Joe acknowledged that this night would not have happened for him without the support of Meg, his wife of 52 years. She raised their four young lacrosse players, which allowed them to go off to play with other parents’ kids. She listened to his griping, offered advice, and celebrated the successes with him. She was certainly a major part of the team effort.

TOM O'GRADY

Tom O’Grady, widely known as “Coach O,” brings with him over four decades of experience as a dedicated teacher, coach, and athletic administrator. His career spans every level of lacrosse—from grassroots youth programs to elite collegiate competition.

Tom has coached both boys' and girls' lacrosse at the youth, high school, MCLA, and NCAA Division I levels. His collegiate coaching resume includes notable programs such as the University of Florida, the University of Texas, Adelphi University, and the United States Military Academy at West Point.

A true ambassador for the game, Coach O co-founded Florida Lacrosse Camps and TeamFLC; initiatives that helped grow the sport and develop young talent across Florida and Texas.

Tom's playing career began at Calhoun High School in New York, where he graduated in 1981 and earned All-County honors. He continued at Nassau Community College, winning NJCAA National Championships in 1982 and 1983. In 1984, he played at Loyola College (MD), followed by Adelphi University in 1985, where he competed in the NCAA Division I National Championship Tournament.

Throughout his coaching journey, Tom made a significant impact in multiple regions. In New York, he served as an assistant coach at Mepham and Calhoun High Schools, was a defensive coordinator at Adelphi University, and worked as a scout and recruiter for Army West Point. In Maryland, he was the defensive coordinator at Oakland Mills High School, leading the team to two state Final Four appearances and multiple regional and county championships.

In Florida, he founded and served as head coach at both Lyman and Newsome High Schools. He guided Winter Park High School (girls) and Lyman High School (boys) to state finalist appearances. In 1999, he was an assistant with Winter Park High School boys’ lacrosse program when they went 21-0, winning the Florida High School State Championship, the first public high school to do so.

His leadership at Tampa Catholic High School resulted in district and regional success. He also currently serves as Lacrosse Youth Director at Montverde Academy and high school defensive coordinator, is an assistant coach with the University of Florida Men’s Club program, and head coach of one of the Lacrosse Club Orlando (LCO) Boys High School teams.

In Texas, Coach O founded girls’ programs and feeder systems at Vandegrift, Lake Travis, and Dripping Springs High Schools. He was head coach for both boys’ and girls’ teams at Vandegrift High School, led the boys' program at Cedar Park High School, and served as Associate Head Coach for the University of Texas Men’s Club Lacrosse team.

His contributions have earned him several accolades. He was named USLacrosse Man of the Year in 1994 (Howard County, MD) and in 1999 (Orlando, FL). He was also recognized as USLacrosse Coach of the Year in 1997 (Orlando, FL), 2007 (Tampa, FL), and 2014 (Austin, TX).

With a passion for teaching and a legacy of program-building success, Tom continues to impact generations of student-athletes. Throughout his coaching career, he has developed numerous boys and girls who would go on to earn All-American and Academic All-American honors at the interscholastic and collegiate levels.

As a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Tom has been fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional mentors and colleagues. These include Dick Skillman, Richard Speckmann, Ernie Olson, Dave Cottle, Paul “Doc” Doherty, Kevin Sheehan, Ed Hughes, Jack Emmer, John Espey, and John DeTommaso, among others.

Coach O credits his success to many outstanding former players, administrators who shared his vision for growing the game, coaches committed to giving back to a sport that gave them so much, and a loving family that supported his passion throughout the years.

JOHN PIPER

Piper is proud to be a lifelong educator–coach, going on 30 years of teaching and 36 years of coaching. In addition to lacrosse, Piper has also spent time coaching Football and Basketball.

John Piper’s father told him he had a new sport for him to try upon their family’s move from Chicago to Baltimore. Little did Piper know that it would become a lifelong passion. He would be introduced to lacrosse in his freshman year at North Carroll High. After graduation, Piper would go on to play at the University of Wisconsin, where he was an integral part of a team that would go to the Big Ten Championship Game for three years, winning the Big Ten Championship two of those years.

After graduation, Piper returned home and volunteered with the fledgling lacrosse program through the North Carroll Recreation. In the early 1990s, Piper would assist Program Director Mike Morrison in leading the program from barely having one team to a team at each grade level playing in the Maryland Youth Lacrosse Association, plus the start of a pockets program. Piper helped coach multiple teams in the early stages and continued to coach until 2012, but he stayed involved by assisting with evaluations, preseason skills and drills, and clinics.

In 1994, Piper joined the coaching staff at North Carroll High as he pursued his teaching certificate. He would later take over the struggling program and lead it to a county championship and repeated appearances in the State Regional Championship game. In 2010, Manchester Valley High School opened, and Piper moved over there to teach and build the boys’ lacrosse program. Piper has guided the program to multiple state regional final games and one State Regional Championship. Furthermore, Piper helped to start and coach the Central Maryland Lacrosse Club. This club was founded on providing an affordable alternative for local players at the middle school and high school levels. Along the way, Piper has garnered the following awards: USA Lacrosse Gerry Carroll Award, USA Lacrosse Regional Coach of the Year (2x), USA Lacrosse Regional Man of the Year, Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association Man of the Year, Carroll County Times Coach of the Year.

Piper has coached USA Lacrosse All Americans, USA Lacrosse Academic All Americans, and USA Lacrosse Bob Scott Award Winners. He’s had players who were finalists for the C. Markland Kelly Award, as well as garnished All-State Recognition. Piper’s players have gone on to play at every collegiate level, and have numerous former players coaching at the rec, high school, and collegiate level, with a handful serving a lacrosse referees.

Off the field, Piper has been a long-time member of the Maryland State Lacrosse Coaches Association, serving as a Board Member - Secretary, Regional Representative, Co-Director of the State Senior All Star Game, member of the C. Markland Kelly Award Selection Committee, Freestate Team Evaluator, and has served as a Top 44 Coach and Senior All Star Coach. Regarding the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, Piper has been a long-time member of the state Lacrosse Playoff Committee, is a District Representative for Boys Lacrosse, a Regional Tournament Director, as well as a Site Chair for the State Semi-Final Games. He has also served in various roles in the administration of the State Championship Games. Piper was a founding member of the former USA Lacrosse Western Maryland Chapter, serving as Vice President as well as organizing multiple chapter coaching clinics. Piper has served on the USA Lacrosse Coaches Education and Recruitment Subcommittee and helped with the Coaches Education Program. Piper also served with the USA Lacrosse Men’s Game Subcommittee, serving as the Convention Committee Chair. He has presented at the USA Lacrosse National Coaches Convention, was a staff member of the 2003 USA U19 Men’s World Champion Team, and has participated in USA Lacrosse meetings discussing concerns, needs, safety, as well as the growth of the sport.

Lacrosse has exposed Piper to many amazing opportunities, including organizing a men’s masters team, running a local summer league for middle school, high school, and adult players, serving as a statistician for the NCAA D2 and D3 National Championships, and assisting with the Baltimore Thunder, doing game day stats and media relations.

Piper is truly appreciative of the mentorship and guidance of Phil Leske, Dave Slafkosky, Carl Runk, and Dick Edell. Their advice and friendship have meant more to him than they can imagine.

Piper is honored to have served with so many outstanding coaches, many of whom were former teammates and players. Their service and contributions have been invaluable.

Teaching and coaching are his life, and lacrosse has provided many cherished friendships with outstanding people. Piper truly enjoys the relationships with teachers, coaches, students, and players.

He is thankful for his extended family who, to this day, still travel to both home and away games. Mom, Dad, Sue, Doug, and Liz, I am honored to be your son and brother. Liz, I appreciate all your time helping with game day stats.

Last, but certainly not least, Piper is truly grateful for the love and support provided by his wife, Virginia, and his children Allison, Kathryn, Colin, and Erin. Without their support and understanding of his passion for the sport, this award would not have been possible.

BILL RITCH

Bill Ritch’s 30-year-plus lacrosse career began as a player for Peekskill Military Academy in 1933. While attending PMA and also the Manual Training High School, Ritch played on both their scholastic championship teams. He went on to play 4 years at Syracuse and, after graduation, 3 years with the Crescent Athletic Club in Brooklyn. He served as a captain at both PMA and Syracuse. In college, he earned All-American recognition in 1938 and 1940 and played in the very first North-South game in 1940.

While at Sewanhaka High School, Bill’s teams went undefeated through 8 consecutive seasons (1949-1956), won the Long Island Championship 11 straight years (1949-1959), and set a new high school record of 91 consecutive victories.

Besides coaching lacrosse and teaching at Sewanhaka, Bill also coached the freshman team at Hofstra University for several years and the Long Island Athletic Club, where his 1970-71 teams won the USCLA Championship. In his semi-retired years, he served as assistant coach at Dartmouth (1979-83) and at Cardigan Mountain School (1984-85). His brilliant career as a head coach is 396-79-1.

Bill Ritch’s commitment to the growth of lacrosse goes beyond his days of coaching. He served as assistant administrator under Coach Tom Hayes in the 1974 World Games in Melbourne. He served as Lacrosse Chairman of the South Shore Athletic Association and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. He was elected as a member of the Executive Committee of the USLCA, and he worked as Vice-President and served 3 terms as President. A member of the USILA and active with the Long Island Lacrosse Coaches Association since its founding, Bill conducted innumerable clinics and promotional programs in New York State, especially on Long Island. He chaired the USLCA Secondary School Committee and served on the Guidebook Committee, the Equipment Committee, and the Lacrosse Foundation Board of Directors.

He has been inducted into The Sewanhaka High School Hall of Fame, the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and now into the NILCA Hall of Fame.

TONY SEAMAN

Tony Seaman’s coaching career began at Lynbrook High School on Long Island in 1972 until 1981. During that time, he accumulated 116 wins against 61 losses and earned himself two Nassau County Coach of the Year Awards.

He took a break from the high school ranks in 1982 and moved on to the college and professional ranks for the next 38 years. During his tenure in the college ranks, Tony amassed 260 wins as the Head Coach at Towson University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, and C.W. Post College. He was named the Division 1 Coach of the Year in 1983, 1984, and 2001.

In 1982, Tony led C.W. Post to a 12-3 mark in its first season as a Division 1 Program. The following year, he moved to the University of Pennsylvania and coached the Quakers from 1983-1990. He led Penn to six NCAA Tournament appearances and four Ivy League Championships from 1991-1998. Coach Seaman then guided Johns Hopkins University to eight consecutive NCAA appearances with four Final Four appearances. He then spent the next thirteen years at Towson University, where he won 4 Conference Championships.

Coach Seaman coached the United States National Team to a Gold Medal at the 1994 World Championships in England.

Tony went back to the high school level in 2015. From that time until the present, his St. Andrew’s team has amassed 10 Division Championships and three Florida State Championships while obtaining a record of 168 wins against 33 losses. He is a two-time South Florida Coach of the Year Recipient.