Plenty of news – some good and some not – came rolling forth for the Londonderry High boys’ lacrosse program in the wake of its 2014 season recently.
The Lancers had recently-graduated star defender Eric Coburn claim both All-American and All-State honors, a number of his now former LHS teammates also collect All-State recognition, and veteran varsity coach Joe McCune decide to step down from his post.
Merrimack College-bound Coburn snagged All-American honors, was named the New Hampshire Division I Defensive Player of the Year, and was placed on the D-I First-Team All-State contingent as well. All of those honors came Coburn’s way after he was named the Division I Hockey Player of the Year during the 2013-14 winter sports campaign.
“I am thrilled at the accolades Eric has earned as a player and student while here at LHS,” said McCune. “He is a special student/athlete that any team in the state would be fortunate to have. He has played all four years on the varsity squad. and has truly stood out the last two years.”
“Merrimack College is fortunate to be gaining such a talented and coachable young man,” he added. “He has worked hard because that is how he carries himself on and off the field.”
Coburn’s 2014 teammates who also garnered D-I All-State honors included second teamers John Derhak (a junior midfielder), Nick Yennaco (senior attack), and Matt Rimol (junior defender), and honorable mention pick David Wiedenfeld (sophomore attack).
McCune – a former LHS lacrosse player who teaches English at the high school – decided to step down for personal reasons after occupying the post for nine seasons.
“I have some other goals right now in my personal and family life that need my attention,” he said. “I have enjoyed coaching in my tenure here, and it will be part of my life that I will always treasure.”
McCune led the Lancers to a solid, 10-7 regular season record and the number seven seed in the Division I tournament. He and his charges hit the end of the 2014 campaign thanks to a first-round tourney loss to those tough rivals from Pinkerton Academy.