Two vivid impressions from this past ‘99 reunion weekend…most of these guys married well above their station and, despite all the recent changes, success in team sports is still determined by the quality of the relationships of those involved, staff and players alike.

In the 25 years since ‘99, Virginia has won more D1 National Lacrosse Championships than any program. This run was built on the backs of those who came before…esp the 94-96 crew, including Timmy, Michael and Doug, the “Caitlin Clark’s of College Lacrosse”.

Images from last night’s gathering…flowers from Radebaugh Florist and some very happy women.

Had about 100 of ‘99 team members, family and friends at the house tonight to kick off the 25th anniversary weekend….a wonderful gathering.

Have a great weekend! clk.virginiasports.com/e/er?elq_cid=1…

At a BBQ at my house in the fall of ‘98, Drew McKnight asked if I would shave my mustache if we won the NC in the spring. My reply “you can shave anything you want if we win!”. I had forgotten all about it but David Bruce and Baruch had the pink bic waiting in the parking lot!

The light and clarity after a storm….

On the best teams, everyone needs to make sacrifices…”what are you willing to do?”. In ‘99, Jay Jalbert switched out to midfield from attack, making room for a freshman and giving us balance on offense. He also made 1st AA and was selected as Middie of the Year.

The day before the NCAA Semifinals is an open practice and some college coaches remarked afterwards about how much live work we had put in. That ‘99 team was the hardest working group I have ever worked with. We needed to establish that mentality and they were up to the task.

Celebrating the 1999 UVA National Championship team this coming weekend. I am often asked about the common thread woven thru all the best teams…it’s internal leadership and ‘99 had great captains- Tucker Radebaugh (pic), Doug Davies and Drew McKnight…more stories on the way.

A beautiful Easter evening….

We’ll see what happens tonight but that mischievous bunny has always hidden Emma’s Easter basket in the clothes dryer and, for these past 39 years, Emma has seemed surprised to find it….how lucky am I?! Have a glorious weekend

Caught up with Norfolk Academy Head Coach and former UVA AA middie, Ryan Tucker ‘15, yesterday following their game at Blue Ridge. Congrats to the BR boys for two impressive W’s this week and tune in at 6:00pm this evening for the ESPN+ broadcast of Georgetown at Richmond.

Met with 2002 ACC Player of the Year, Mark Koontz, and local legend Henry Oakey last night as we make plans for the 25th anniversary celebration of our 1999 National Championship here in Charlottesville the weekend of 4/5-6….it required the hardest working team I ever coached.

Had dinner with Kayle Ryan and his dad tonight. Kayle is the captain, will be a ‘24 spring graduate of Blue Ridge School and is headed to UPenn in the fall. Blue Ridge came back from a 9-3 halftime deficit yesterday to beat Paul VI (beat us in the playoffs the past two years).

Been around the game for over 50 years now, not sure I have EVER seen a better individual performance by a defenseman than Albany’s Jake Piseno in yesterday’s game v VA…defended tough, picked it up, picked it off, finished plays….he’s 5’8”!…save room on your 1st team.

Great to catch up with Joe Thompson, Teddy Lamade and Justin Mullin at today’s Albany/Virginia game.
Congrats to Connor Shellenberger on breaking Matt Moore’s all time UVA scoring record today…an impressive accomplishment by a nice kid.

If you have to miss the action in-person, catch the live ESPN+ broadcast of the Duke Blue Devils at the University of Richmond tomorrow, Sat, 3/16…face off at 1:00pm….two of the nation’s best!

The back cover of the latest Lacrosse Magazine….what a journey for Zed! We are all better off for having been witness.

Lunch outside at the Park on a late winter day with VA’s distinguished athletic trainer, Rebecca Vozzo, and the “assist king”, Connor Shellenberger. We talked Tim Whiteley, NIL, PLL and the general state of the game….thanks for the invite, nice to catch up with some old friends