NILCA Names Steve Finnell as the 2012 Coach of the Year
St. Louis, MO - The National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association is pleased to announce Steve Finnell, head coach of Garden City High School, as the 2012 Coach of the Year.
Finnell led Garden City to an undefeated (22-0) 2012 season, the New [lacrosse] State Class B lacrosse championship, and the top ranking in the country. Coach Finnell came back to coach at his alma mater in 2003 joining then head coach Doc Dougherty's Staff as an assistant. He became head coach in 2007.
Finnell's Garden City lacrosse teams have won a record six straight Nassau County championships. In addition, they have captured the last three Long Island titles and have played in three state finals, culminating with last season's thrilling 11-4 triumph over Irondequoit. His teams have compiled a record of 109-19 while playing schedules laced with nationally-ranked teams.
Finnell is known for his outstanding knowledge of the game and his tireless preparation. He is an outstanding communicator, skills he uses not just on the field and in the classroom, but in his considerable dealings with the New [lacrosse] area media. His players and staff both like and respect their coach who, at 37, has already accomplished what few in his profession have done.
"We are thrilled to have named Coach Finnell as the NILCA Coach of the Year," said Ren Pettinelli, President of the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association. "Finnell epitomizes everything a program could want in a coach, teacher, and mentor."
Finnell will be honored at the IMLCA meetings in December.
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