Developing A Love For The Game Part 2

Ed Howard covering a Syracuse attackman in the 1970s 

A newbie to the sport, Hobart's Ed Howard quickly developed a love for the game after just a couple of late night practices in the colleges gym, back then Hobart would practice at 10 pm at night after the school’s winter sports teams, who had priority when in season, finished with the gym. “It was the first sport that I played that combined all my past sports into one” football, basketball, and track and field, recalls Howard. After six B team practices Howard went home on Spring break. The varsity team needed another defensemen and coach Schimdt asked coach Urick to bring a B team player up. “I asked Jerry, who do you want, the best lacrosse player or the best athlete,” says Urick, “I told him to bring Ed up because he was the best athlete on the B team. So Jerry agreed and we called Ed up.” More tomorrow on Ed’s first game experience in a Hobart game uniform.

Hobart All American Ed Howard: http://lacrossememoir.blogspot.com/search?q=Ed+Howard

Developing A Love For the Game Part 1

Hobart All American Ed Howard. He died suddenly last week  

The defining moment in Ed Howard's decision to play lacrosse came during a meeting with Hobart lacrosse coaching staff. Coach Urick and Schimdt “encouraged me to come out for lacrosse,” says Ed Howard. He goes on to say, “From my perspective, I owe my entire lacrosse experience to Coaches Schmidt and Urick. What they saw in a former basketball player that made them think he could be a lacrosse player is beyond me?” The fact that at Hobart lacrosse was king also played a role in decision to take up the game. “I had never heard of lacrosse [but] I could see that it was THE SPORT on campus,” says Howard. He started practicing with Hobart’s B team where freshmen recruits and walk on players tested their metal. 

Hobart All American Ed Howard: http://lacrossememoir.blogspot.com/search?q=Ed+Howard

Rick Sowell Reflects on His Pro Indoor Lacrosse Career

Captain Rick Sowell of the Baltimore Thunder, late 1980s

Playing Pro lacrosse was a great experience. I came into the indoor league in its second year of existence and it was fun to be a part of something that had a bright future. I was fortunate to play in historic arena’s, such as the old Boston Garden, Nassau Coliseum and the Spectrum in Philly. It was also a thrill to play in front of some sold out arena’s, seventeen thousand fans cheering in an indoor building can be very loud and a tremendous rush. Travelling to different cities every weekend, competing in front of great crowds and then meeting great people after the game was awesome. At the same time I was coaching under Dave Urick at Georgetown. Working under him for 8 years was a truly a blessing. I learned so much from being around him day in and day out. I learned how to plan practice’s so the players are not only working hard, but enjoying what they’re doing. He also taught me to let the players do what they do best, don’t try and control every aspect of the game. Coach Urick has unbelievable composure during the games as he keeps an even keel even in high pressure situations. I think of him when I need to remind myself to stay calm. Finally, he is one of the funniest people I know, just a GREAT guy to be around! 

Rick Sowell Stories: http://lacrossememoir.blogspot.com/search?q=Rick+Sowell+