Head Coach Bob Miller for Central Dauphin High School took some time to answer questions about his experiences with the game, prior coaching positions, and plans for the Ram program.
How long have you been involved in the sport of lacrosse?
I started playing 20 years ago, so it has been some time.
What drew you to the game?
Like many people my age baseball was what we all did in the spring. I had just started at the Harrisburg Academy (one of the few middle school programs, if not the only one, in the area) and they had a lacrosse team. I was immediately interested in the speed of the game.
What are some of your fondest memories of playing lacrosse?
Hands down the relationships I have formed with my teammates and now players and fellow coaches. There really are to many great memories to count. My first goal as a freshman against Carlisle has to be up there. The kicker was it was in the "5th quarter" which was essentially JV time. I was moved to defense (wisely) my sophomore season so that was the end of my offense stat line. Summer League and other adult playing opportunities have also brought a tremendous amount of friendships I am very grateful for.
How long have you been coaching?
I started coaching in 2008, so this will be my 8th season. My first position was as a middle school coach back at the Academy. It really rejuvenated my passion for the game after being away from it for awhile at college and it introduced me to what has become a real passion in my life.
What are some of your previous coaching positions?
Coach for the Harrisburg Academy Middle School, JV Coach for Trinity High School, Varsity Assistant at Mechanicsburg High School, and Varsity Head Coach at Bishop McDevitt High School.
What made you want to start coaching the sport of lacrosse?
It seemed like a great way to give back to the community and the sport that provided so much for me growing up. Over the years that ideal has become fundamental in my coaching philosophies. At the end of the day helping young men develop into adults is really at the center of what we do. If I can do that and encourage their love of this great game then I have done my job.
What would you say your main philosophies are as a coach are?
Helping my players develop on and off the field and building a foundation that if we put in our maximum effort and work together as unit we will be successful.
What are some of your goals headed into the 2016 season?
We have goals as a team that's for sure. Unfortunately that stays between us as a team. My goals every season change and adapt as the unit progresses. For this group there is a lot we can accomplish if stay focused and continue to work hard.
What would you say are your strongest qualities are as a coach?
I think I am a nice hybrid of the old school hard work mentality I was brought up with by my coaches in conjunction with adapting to the ever changing style of the game. The ability to change is essential in life and I have continually tried to improve myself as a coach/student of the game.
Care to share any thoughts or predictions on the upcoming season?
No predictions. I'll say that I am very pleased to a part of Central Dauphin athletics and I think we have a fine group of young men both on and off the field.
