Virginia parted ways with Dom Starsia, the winningest coach in Division I men's lacrosse history.
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A SIGN OF THE TIMES
Just a decade ago, what were the chances a Hall of Fame coach could be sent packing five years after winning a title? BY PATRICK STEVENS
44 LACROSSE MAGAZINE » July/August 2016
irginia coach Dom Starsia’s ouster after 24 seasons with the Cavaliers
might qualify as a “be careful what you wish for” moment for college lacrosse. The sport is still growing at all levels, with Division I men’s set to add its 71st program in 2017. It continues to provide television inventory, not just for ESPN’s various channels but also for the Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network and others. Investment in the sport is expanding; just check out Marquette earning a home game in its fourth season of existence earlier this month. Schools adding lacrosse are in it to win, not just to field a team. And the much- bemoaned early recruiting phenomenon adds another cutthroat layer to the puzzle. The sport is bigger than it was a generation ago, and many (including coaches) have benefited. But not every consequence of growth is necessarily positive. The instant discussion pivots around whether
Virginia should have made the move, officially announced May 23 following two weeks of speculation when athletic director Craig Littlepage said after the season that he was evaluating the state of the program. Starsia was 274-103 at the school. The Cavaliers were also 1-15 in the ACC over the last four years. Starsia’s teams won four NCAA titles and reached the final four 13 times. The last time either of those happened was 2011. Those are icy, incontrovertible facts and could be used to support either outcome as Starsia’s contract expired. At the same time, it felt like a needlessly awkward breakup. Even most who wanted a change probably wished the Hall of Famer received a more graceful exit.
This, though, is a single data point in a larger picture. Just a decade ago, what were the chances a lacrosse coach with Starsia’s record could be sent packing five years after winning a national championship?
A Publication of US Lacrosse
©JOHN STROHSACKER
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