Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. The lacrosse community is mourning the loss of legendary coach Dave Huntley, who died suddenly Monday in Florida. Huntley, most recently the head coach of the MLL's Atlanta Blaze, is a Canadian and National Lacrosse Hall of Fame member.
Huntley was a three-time All-American at Johns Hopkins, winning the McLaughlin Award for best midfielder in 1979.
He spent 10 seasons coaching in the NLL, serving as the Philadelphia Wings general manager two separate times. He also coached in the MLL for eight seasons, winning the 2009 championship with the Toronto Nationals.
Huntley helped Canada win the 2006 and 2014 world titles as a coach and as the Canadian Lacrosse Association’s director of men’s field lacrosse.
Reaction to the sad news continued late into Monday night. Some of the game's biggest names shared stories of Huntley.
We lost a very special man today. The world is lesser a place without Dave Huntley in it. Thoughts and prayers are with the Huntley Family. pic.twitter.com/0AogcRQdEm
— David Pietramala (@CoachPetro43) December 19, 2017
I was fortunate enough to know Dave Huntley as my coach, a fellow Hopkins alum, and a friend’s father. He was a great man who will have a lasting impact on so many of us in this close community. Rest In Peace.
— Matt Bocklet (@Bocko7) December 19, 2017
So sad to hear of the passing of my high school asst coach Dave Huntley. He was all about tough love & he pushed many of us beyond where we thought we could go. Many @CalvertHallLax alums benefited from Coach Huntley. Grateful to be one.
— Mike Kruger (@Coach_MKruger) December 19, 2017
The lacrosse world just lost a legend.
Tragic news in the Lacrosse world today. The lacrosse world lost a great man and coach in Dave Huntley God Bless him and his family R.I.P. Hunts
— Joe Spallina (@JoeSpallina) December 19, 2017
Incredibly sorry to hear of the passing Coach Dave Huntley. His passion for the game of lacrosse, coaching & his players was more than admirable. His respect & appreciation for his competition also was a true indication of what a good man he was. Many prayers to his family.
— CoachDavis (@BearEssentLax) December 19, 2017
Coach Huntley was my first professional coach in Toronto. I remember it like it was yesterday him picking me up from the buffalo airport and driving me to first pro practice. He was a great coach but a better man.I will always treasure his passion and friendship. Sad sad day
— Scotty Rodgers (@ScottyRodg42) December 19, 2017
This man meant so much to his family, friends, our community, and the game. A competitor, a selfless man, never wanted credit, and cared about people. That always showed. Love you, Dave. You’ll always be remembered. Thinking about you, Nancy and Kev. pic.twitter.com/KkAr1RDQ91
— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) December 19, 2017
2. Air Force will field a men’s lacrosse team in 2018, according to Inside Lacrosse. The team has been the subject of a school investigation into "hazing, bullying, abusive sexual contact, and drug use."
Associate Director of Athletics George J. Nelson, Jr. sent an email out to fellow members of the Southern Conference, pledging that the Falcons would remain on schedules and play this season. Air Force is the defending SoCon champion.
3. Kenzie Kent looks to be on track to play lacrosse in 2018, according to an updated statement from Boston College associate director of athletic communications Lizz Summers. USLM posted a story on Monday, based on a statement from an athletics spokeperson, that Kent would skip the 2018 season to focus on hockey, but the school later clarified.
“As has been the case in the last three seasons, she focuses on hockey until that season is over — usually in March — and then moves her attention to lacrosse," the updated statement read. "This year as a captain of the hockey team that’s especially true with her leadership role with them”
Last season, Kent balanced both sports, playing out her hockey season and going to the Eagles lacrosse program in late March. She tallied 77 points in 12 games and became the first player from a losing team to be named the NCAA women’s national championship game Most Outstanding Player.
4. Johns Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala also shared on Twitter on Monday night that former Blue Jays goalie Scott Smith had passed away, Smith played in 25 games for Johns Hopkins from 2003-06, starting 13 games in 2004. He was 34.
5. Chile was recognized as the FIL’s 60th member nation last week. With the recognition, South America now holds claim to four FIL recognized teams (Argentina, Colombia, Peru).
The Chilean lacrosse movement began in 2010, when Victor Zenteno found the game through YouTube highlights. He got help from names like Trent Heffner, head coach of the national team, and Vicente Aranguiz, who played in Europe.
6. Saskatchewan Rush GM/coach Derek Keenan quietly became the winningest coach in NLL history over the weekend. He was tied with Darris Kilgour with 121 wins before the Rush beat the Toronto Rock 17-9 on Saturday.
Keenan, 56, has been on eight championship pro indoor teams as either a player or coach. He began coaching as a Toronto assistant in 1999 and has won four championships. He won back-to-back titles with the Rush in 2015 and 2016.
“It’s nice, but it’s not about me,” Keenan said about topping the list. “There are some good names on that list. I learned a lot from a lot of those guys, especially [former Bandits and Rock coach] Les Bartley.”