The Williamsonian Winter 2015 | Page 23

23 SPORTS NEWS DeRose Named Head Lacrosse Coach, Bringing Wealth Of Experience Jim DeRose, a longtime fixture in the Delaware County lacrosse scene, has been named head lacrosse coach. DeRose comes with a wealth of coaching experience. After starting out as an assistant boy’s lacrosse coach at Springfield (Delco) High School, he became an assistant coach for the men’s program at Widener University. After a year, he was elevated to head coach where he remained for five seasons. He then served five years as head coach at Strath Haven High School before founding the men’s lacrosse program at Delaware County Community College and serving as head coach three seasons. Then he served 12 years as head coach at Cardinal O’Hara High School. Known as one of the top lacrosse minds in Delaware County, DeRose has experienced success at every stop he has made. Athletic Director Dale Plummer clearly is expecting that to be the case yet again. “Everyone we talked to about Jim had nothing but great things to say about him as a coach and, more importantly, as a person and a leader of young men. Clearly he is an incredibly talented coach and that, combined with his leadership abilities and the respect he commands, makes this a great fit. “The team lost a great deal to graduation, but there is no doubt that with Coach DeRose at the helm, it won’t be long until we are back to where we want to be — a force in the NCLL (National Collegiate Lacrosse League).” DeRose is thrilled to be coming on board, saying “I’ve known about Williamson for a long time. The school has an incredible reputation and I am honored to be a part of such a fine institution. From a lacrosse standpoint, I don’t know where things stand at this point, but our guys will work hard, be well coached, and be outstanding representatives of the school both on and off the field.” Soccer Team Captures ESSL Title With 6 Players And Coach Recognized After a slow start the soccer team came on strong in a big way, ending with their first winning season since 2007 and capturing their 2nd Eastern States Soccer League title in the past three years. They not only won the ESSL championship while going 7-6 overall, but they also did extremely well off the field, placing a school record six players on the 2014 All-ESSL team. Highlighting the picks was senior sweeper and 2014 ESSL Player of the Year Alex Hutchison (SR/Broomall, PA). His play helped to record five shutouts on the year and anchor a defense that helped Williamson achieve a winning record. He was an all-league selection in 2013 and is a 2-time USCAA Academic All-American as well. Joining him was fellow senior Joe Goodwin (SR/Potsdam, NY), who played mainly midfield, but was asked to play several other positions and was outstanding at each. He also is a 2-time All-ESSL member and a 2-time USCAA Academic All-American. Two juniors also made the team. Zach Koechig, the team’s leading scorer was named to the squad for the first time as was goalie Aaron Marr (JR/Essington, PA). Koechig had six goals and two assists to lead Williamson in scoring and helping spark an offense that was able to score 24 goals in 13 games. Marr was outstanding in goal with five shutouts and recorded six of the team’s seven wins in net. Two freshmen round out the allleague selections — midfielder Jesse Martinez (FR/West Chester, PA) and fullback Blake Dunston (FR/Elkton, MD). Martinez was 2nd on the team in scoring with four goals and four assists with his ball skills controlling the tempo of many of Williamson’s games. Dunston ma