Coach of the Year?

[Rudyfan]

While there have been some amazing coaching jobs this year, and some coaches have already been duly recognized, I can't say enough about the job Mike Allan (and Jon Miller) have done with the '07 Gauchos.

Before the '07 WCLL tourney, I don't think there was anyone who thought the Gauchos would make it to the Semis again (7 years running?). Some thought UCSB didn't belong in the tourney at all. Then came a big win against ASU, and UA in the final. And the 2 tough games against Georgia and NU.

Key injuries and pre-season defections have made this the thinnest Gaucho squad in memory, yet somehow these coaches get them playing when it counts most. Allan and Miller's post-season record in the 4 years they've been at UCSB, a Wooden-esque 21-2. The only 2 losses came last year in the WCLL opener to UCSD and to Colorado by a goal in the semis at Dallas.

So, hats off to Mike and Jon, you've managed to do it again, and win or lose tonite and tomorrow, it's been a heck of a run! Mike Allan, Coach of the year? Why not?

[More Cowbell]

Mike Levin turned BC from a 7-7 team last year to a 16-2 team this year that advanced to the second round for the first time in team history. Pretty impressive if you ask me...

[Rudyfan]

Mike Levin turned BC from a 7-7 team last year to a 16-2 team this year that advanced to the second round for the first time in team history. Pretty impressive if you ask me...

I thought, as did most in attendance, that BC played a great game in Santa Barbara at the end of a long road trip. A very well coached team indeed!

[Timbalaned]

got two words for you... Joe Kerwin

[LaxTV_Admin]

I think you have to consider Tim Gray at Northeastern. They are a team that will be strong in years to come. Congrats to them on an excellent season.

[dtrain34]

Mike Allen could win, and is the type of coach (and person for that matter) that deserves Coach of the Year every year.

A lot of teams had great years, and several coaches could make claims to the award.

This year though, no matter what happens tomorrow, you have got to give it to Joe Kerwin. Oregon looks to be a great program today. If you can beat the Rams in to go to the finals, you are really doing something right. Joe took that team and has really made into something great. Plus, it looks like it will be go for a while.

I hope the Ducks try to spend their spring break next year in Santa Barbara. I would greatly look forward to seeing that game.

[laxfan25]

I would nominate Mark Hellenack at St. John's. He has turned them into a powerhouse of a team, from a small school in frozen MN. Seeing how they dismantled Dayton, who play in the league that I officiate in, was impressive. Along with what he has done for St. John's, I remember Mark as being the most enthusiastic evangelist for the sport I have ever seen. When I moved to Minnesota and wondered if there was lacrosse there, I found it in the colleges and a handful of HS's. Mark was plotting the growth of the sport, forming teams at schools, and even putting together a team to go to Vail!
Now a lot of the kids that came out of those early programs are stocking the teams at St. John's, UM- Duluth, MN, and St. Thomas - and based on their performance in Frisco you'd have to say that Minnesota lacrosse is firmly on the map.
Not to say that Mark has done this all on his own, but he has been the driver and motivator. It's nice to see him getting his due as a coach now. Great job, Mark!