Newsome’s boys varsity lacrosse coach Eric Blackburn joined eight other coaches in Florida tonight when his Wolves defeated Sickles in front of the Newsome faithful.
Coach Blackburn has been coaching the Wolves for eight seasons, beginning in 2012 when Newsome – and most other public schools in Tampa – was just a club sport. During the club period, coach Blackburn’s Newsome Wolves went 24-10 over a two-year period. They’ve since gone 75-12 after becoming a sanctioned sport.
With the win tonight, coach Blackburn has earned a career record of 100-22.
He has coached many of the better players in the area through the years, but when asked for specifics, he is able to name a few.
“I am proud of all of players over the years and it’s great to see the young men that they have become” he said, “I’m especially proud of my son Colby who had a great lacrosse career and continues to help me any way he can. Also, Kyle Rintoul and Connor Florich who both won the HALAX player of the year award.”
And the event that stands out in his head over the last eight years? “My most memorable win was beating Jesuit in the 2015 State Playoffs to bring us to the State Quarterfinals (Elite 8).”
Congratulations to coach Eric Blackburn on his 100th career win.
