Two years away from the game was enough for lacrosse legend and lifer Dave Cottle.
“Went through the pros and cons and felt like I really like our guys and I want to see if I can help make them better,” said Cottle.
The former Loyola and University of Maryland head coach came out of retirement to rejoin the Bayhawks as their head coach.
A couple years off has mellowed him just a bit.
“I’m going to try and do a better job not yelling at the referees as much now, now that I had two years away,” he said with a laugh.
The 62-year-old Cottle replaces Brian Rees.
“When you get my age you sleep over anything,” added Cottle. “The last couple nights I have not gotten to sleep as early as I normally do worrying about making sure I give these guys an opportunity to be successful.”
The team’s first chance at success comes on Saturday as the Bayhawks open their season against Dallas. Chesapeake went 7-7 last season. Returning this year, among others, are 6’5’’, 240 lbs. midfielder Myles Jones and last year’s Major League Lacrosse Rookie of the Year Josh Byrne.
“(We) got a good young team. Got some really, really outstanding players. We think the future is pretty bright,” said Cottle.
Game one happens Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. That’s the current home of the Bayhawks. But what about their future home?
Chesapeake Sports and Entertainment Group is set to unveil updated plans for a Crownsville stadium complex on Friday.
Before that brings the MLL Draft on Wednesday.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
