Starting over can be hard, especially in the world of sports. A serious change in staff or strategy can cause turmoil in the way a team conducts itself. But, thanks to the appointment of a new men’s lacrosse coach, Kevin Warne, the team is hopeful it will not skip a beat.
Warne helped lead University of Maryland to two consecutive National Championship games as an assistant coach. With his expertise in defense, he will be able to better develop Georgetown’s ability to hold opponents at bay. In all but one of the team’s losses last year, they allowed more than 10 goals.
Former Head Coach Dave Urick, who left to become a special assistant to Georgetown Athletic Director Lee Reed, has become a legend to the Hoya faithful. At the program’s helm, Urick steered Georgetown to 223 wins in 23 seasons. It’s easy to assume taking over for such a successful figure would be a daunting prospect, but Warne is taking it day-by-day.
“We want to make sure that we take this one game at a time, one practice at a time,“ said Warne. “There’ll be some tricky spots, but I think that if we focus on what we need to focus on… then when those games come around, it’ll be just like practice.”
Based on an ambitious schedule released just before the winter break, the Hoyas will need all of the focus they can get. Headlining their eight non-conference games are reigning National Champions Loyola, Final Four titans Duke, and perennial foe Navy. The Hoyas will also have to find time to squeeze in their Big East opener scheduled against Providence.
Despite a packed 2013 season, the Hoyas are keeping a level head—none more than senior attacker and captain Brian Casey.
“Our goals that we came up with at the beginning of the season are just to worry about the pre-season right now—staying healthy, doing the little things right,” he said.
Casey has more reason to be excited than most, as the Charlotte Hounds, a member of Major League Lacrosse, recently drafted him to ply his trade in North Carolina after graduation.
“It’s a great opportunity and an honor to be part of that team, but right now I’m just focused at being at Georgetown,” he said.
Warne will hope to still hold his captain’s attention as he attempts to usher in a new era of Georgetown lacrosse. Although his first season on the Hilltop may seem more like a baptism of fire than a coming-out party, he remains clear on his goals and ideals.
“Our goal after a game is to make sure and see that everyone understands what Hoya lacrosse is all about. ”
