May 26, 2000

By Tack Richardson
AllLacrosseAmerica.com Staff Writer

Over the course of a season, coaches endure hundreds of interviews, interviews where the same questions are most likely asked over and over again. And Maryland Head Coach, Dick Edell is no exception, especially considering that he has been a head coach since 1973 and undoubtedly heard the whole gamut of inquiries. Therefore, with this thought in mind, it would be expected for him to give a blas?, impersonal interview. However, Coach Edell is not your normal coach, he is a legend, an engaging, friendly man whom his players lovingly call, "Big Man," a man who can exude a sense of warmth to anyone with whom he speaks. His gentle nature makes even the most complete of strangers seem like an old friend. This nature tends to make you hinge upon every word he speaks, and when it comes to lacrosse, there is no one better to listen to than Coach Edell.

Although he would still like to be coaching lacrosse this Memorial Day weekend, a fact that he is quick to point out, Edell does believe that four deserving teams are left alive to fight for the crown. Coming into the season, Edell felt that Syracuse and Virginia had the best talent in the country, a feeling which he still deems correct, especially after playing all four finalists in one capacity or another (Maryland played JHU, UVA, and Princeton during the season and Syracuse during a fall tournament). Edell cites many factors for Virginia's success this season, factors that he believes will lead them to the NCAA Final on Monday.

To him, the Cavs have "great athletes" at all positions, especially defense. Defensively, he likes their depth and their physical style of play, noting that they were still close to impenetrable even without Ryan Curtis in the lineup. Edell also loves the play of two of UVA's stars, Jay Jalbert and Conor Gill. In Jalbert, Coach Edell sees the epitome of a midfielder, a player who plays "like a true midfielder, playing both sides of the ball with equal effort and skill." As for Gill, he feels that Gill is a real team player even with his star status. Edell highlighted the fact that "if you're open, Gill will get you the ball," which is an attribute that he loves. UVA doesn't have a cakewalk, however, and Coach Edell notes that they have to get through a well-coached Princeton team and, in Edell's most likely scenario, an equally athletic Syracuse team.

Speaking of the Orange, Edell likes their "athletic arrogance," the fact that they can bounce back from giving up a goal and stuff it right back down your throat. He also feels that one of their greatest advantages is their style of transition game. According to Edell, most colleges employ a transition approach of moving the ball from defense to middies to attack. Syracuse, however, tends to go directly from to defense to attack, a tactic which tends to stifle many opponents. This style also will allow Syracuse midfielders to be more creative in their play, something that Ryan Powell and company are good at.

The dynamic Ryan Powell is another player that Edell likes. Powell is a weapon, a factor that teams have to constantly worry about, and Edell has nothing but rave reviews for the `Cuse star: "(Powell) plays with flamboyance, he's entertaining, you go to a game to watch him and you're guaranteed to smile." To Edell, that is what the game is all about. In fact, he hopes that UVA and Syracuse make the final because that is what he feels would be most exciting and draw the most exposure for the sport.

When asked about his own team and season, one truly can see why he is beloved by his players. In a year which Maryland had its ups and downs, Edell still saw the positives. He characterized his team as "resilient," as a team that wasn't his "most talented but that got the most out of their God-given gifts." For that, Edell says he will always remember this team. They were warriors, playing 6 one-goal games and winning five. They were full of heart and never laid down for anyone. According to Edell, they were everything he wants in a team, playing hard and playing like warriors.

This weekend will find Coach Edell watching the events at Byrd Stadium, wishing his team was there, but still hoping for the best so that the sport can receive maximum exposure. This type of attitude seems to typify Edell, and shows why he is such a beloved coach and contributor to the game. His gentle nature and immense knowledge are the reasons why the legend grows.