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CHALK
TALK
with
Monks Lacrosse
Coach
Mike Edgar
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"Chalk
Talk" is a feature that will focus on our outstanding coaches on staff
at St. Joe's.
The Royal Blue faithful will learn more about our coaches as they
are asked various questions about their experiences as a coach as
well as their life away from athletics.
Mike Edgar is St. Joe's first-ever Men's Lacrosse Head Coach and has
coached the sport in Maine at various levels for over fifteen years.
Coach Edgar
comes to Saint Joseph's College after two years as the head coach
at South Portland High School where he guided the program to it's
first ever playoff victory in his first season. Prior to piloting
the South Portland team, Coach Edgar was the head coach at Greely
High School in Cumberland, ME from 1999-2005. Edgar helped rebuild
interest in the program and the team's record improved each year under
his watch. In 1981, Edgar co-founded and played on the first team
in Cape Elizabeth High School history and was voted All State in 1983
and 1984 and was team captain in 1984.
When
did you realize that you wanted to be a coach?
I think I was out of high school for about 2 years when my former
high school coach approached me about starting up a new club team.
By then I was in love with the sport and I really wanted to be part
of it, even if I wasn't playing everyday. At the time I was at SMTC
and they had no lacrosse teams on their campus. This quickly became
a way for me to be involved and give something back to the game.
Who
was your biggest influence as a coach?
I would say that my biggest influence was my high school coach, Charley
Juris. He still coaches high school in Virginia at TC Williams. His
knowledge combined with passion and energy was and is amazing. He
is always trying to come up with something new and everything he does
is in the best interest of his players. He has never been afraid to
step on a few toes if it is in the best interest of his team and players.
I think I am similar in many ways. Much of who I am as a coach I owe
to him.
What
is your most memorable moment as a player? As a coach?
As a player I would say playing in 2 all-star games was really fun.
Back when I played HS lacrosse the all-star team played the state
champs. It was always Kents Hill back then. They had some fantastic
teams. We always got crushed, but at the time the game was followed
by an all-you-could-eat dinner with both teams and we could hang out
and get to know each other.
I have many memories as a coach that stand out. At the top of the
list would be a state chamionship in 1994 and the division finals
in 2001. In both cases I had excellent teams that made huge sacrifices
to achieve their ultimate goals. These were some of the finest individuals
I ever had the pleasure to coach. Some of the travel teams have been
incredible as well. One team went to Champ Camp in Maryland and we
beat several of the toughest teams in the nation including Boys Latin
and Gilman.
What
is your funniest or most embarrassing moment as a coach?
I think one of the funniest things I can remember is a kid coming
up to me at the beginning of practice and asking me if I had any oil.
I looked at him and said no, why? I had never had such a bizarre request
at a practice. He needed it for his knee brace, it was squeeking.
Another funny moment was a player asked to get a drink and I said
yes. I looked over only to see him driving away. He returned about
a 1/2 hour later. I asked him where he went and he said "To get
a drink". Needless to say you need to be real specific with some
athletes.
Favorites:
Movie:
There are so many. Spinal Tap is my cult classic but I love Animal
House, Caddy Shack and Slap Shot to name a few. I am a big movie fan.
Food:
Chinese or Italian
Pro
sports team: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Flyers,
Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox
Pro
athlete and why?
Larry Bird. He had the greatest work ethic ever. Was he the most gifted
athlete? No way, but you couldn't tell that by the career he had.
He worked hard on his own, not just in practice. He was a relentless
competitor and always wanted to be the best. I respect that he worked
for it and wasn't just born with talent. As far lacrosse athletes
I would say Dave Pietramala for all the same types of reasons. He
was ahead of his time as a defenseman.
Most
famous person you’ve met:
In lacrosse it would be the Powell brothers and I am good friends
with Casey, the oldest of the 3. They are considered the top players
in the game today. I have also met George H. Bush.
If
you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I think it would be my grandfather on my dad's side. He was a brilliant
lawyer but died at a very young age.
Tell
us something about yourself that most people don’t know:
I am a certified scuba diver.
Hobbies
away from your sport:
I collect caps. I have over 100 of them.
What
you look for in a player when recruiting:
First and foremost I look at their character. I want to have a team
of quality kids who are also talented lacrosse players. It is important
to have players that are responsible and can be counted on to take
care of business.
What
do you do in the off-season?
I am a teacher so I have summers off, which for me means working lacrosse
camps and recruiting.
What
do you expect from your team in the upcoming season?
We are a new team and program. What I expect is that we will get better
every week and try not to repeat too many mistakes. By achieving this
we will be a better team and we will get a few wins under our belt.
Check out the previous "Chalk Talk" Features
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