Earl Coach Bill

Coach Bill graduated from Deerfield Academy and attended Dartmouth College before joining the US Air Force in December 1959. His life was defined by his love for his wife Pat of almost 50 years, who predeceased him in October 2010, his country who he proudly served for 24 years and sports, especially lacrosse.

Coach's Air Force career was mainly at Lackland AFB as a Drill Instructor. However he also did tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam. He also served as the Head Lacrosse Coach at the US Air Force Prep School in Colorado Springs from 1974 to 1976 drawing on his High School and college experience.

When he retired in November 1983 he'd risen to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Coach then continued working at Lackland running the base Fitness center until 1994 when he began his "second" career as the Athletic director and Head lacrosse Coach at St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio. Coach had always been a great athlete in both High School and college often boasting he'd played against Jimmy Brown when both were in High School.

This athletic background resurfaced when he played on the inaugural San Antonio Lacrosse Club SALC team in 1974. Coach played Defense for the half of each game and then Goalie when the starter had to leave each game at halftime. He continued playing through the mid 70s before turning to Coaching the SALC full time leading them to League titles in 1990 and 1993.

As if that wasn't enough he also coached many All Star teams in tournaments across the country including Memphis, New Orleans, Chicago and his favorite The Vail Lacrosse Shootout. Coach's teams won that tournament 4 times over a 25 year period in 2 divisions. He regularly "held court" during the tournament regaling all his lacrosse "family" with stories and imparting his unique "wisdom and philosophy." All who met him did not soon forget him.

Perhaps Coach's greatest legacy though was the impact he had on Texas high School Lacrosse. Taking over at St Mary's Hall in 1993, he formed a lacrosse team and with 2 years had them playing at the highest level going to the State Final Four 8 times in his ten 10 years as coach. His crowning achievement was the team's 3 State Championships in 1998, 1999 and 2000. His team also won the SPC title in 2002. His overall record at SMH was 150 -23. Total Lacrosse record was 369-100 and was recognized by US Lacrosse as a Member of their 300 win coaching Club.

When the true love of his life Pat passed away in October Coach also lost much of himself as well and his health deteriorated over these past 7 months. He is finally at peace and with her. He is survived by his large Lacrosse family of former teammates, Coaches, players and friends, all whose life he touched.

ROSARY

THURSDAY

JUNE 16, 2011

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

MASS

FRIDAY

JUNE 17, 2011

10:15 A.M.

ST. HELENA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

14714 EDGEMONT

Visitation will be held prior to the Mass at 9:45 a.m.

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to US Lacrosse Foundation www.uslacrosse.org. Please include Earl's name and designate an "In Memory" contribution. All gifts to programs in San Antonio, TX or to St. Mary's Hall School, 9401 Starcrest Drive, San Antonio, TX 78217 with designation of LAX.