By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/10/10
Chet Laubach, who guided the Lower Merion boys’ lacrosse team to berths in the state tournament the past two seasons, has resigned as Aces head coach.
Laubach posted a record of 68-60 in his six years at the helm after replacing the legendary John Linehan. He was named the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association (EPSLA) and Central League Coach of the Year in 2008 and also has served as president and secretary of the EPSLA.
Laubach led the Aces to a 14-10 season in 2010, helping the team recover from an 0-5 start. Lower Merion placed fifth in the District 1 tourney for the second straight year and fell to Emmaus, 12-11, in the first round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) tournament for the second straight year.
Laubach helped the turn the program around in 2007 following several off seasons. The team, 7-12 in Linehan’s last year, struggled with records of 4-16 and 5-15 in Laubach’s first two years. The Aces went 11-9 in 2007 and then 17-5 in 2008 before finishing 17-6 in 2009.
Laubach, who said he wanted a break from coaching, thanked the Lower Merion players, parents and administration.
“It’s been an awesome experience,” he said. “The kids have been great, and the school and administration have been very supportive.
“It’s been extremely fulfilling. Every minute has been rewarding and satisfying. Many of the kids have gone on to play in college; they are all nice kids.”
Laubach becomes the fifth coach of a Philly boys’ power to resign in the summer. Others who recently left their posts include Malvern Prep’s Dan Keating, Springfield-Delco’s Mike Friel, Hatboro-Horsham’s Dave Sowers and Archbishop Wood’s Don Mangin.
Laubach, a Haverford High graduate who played at West Chester, said he hopes one day to get back into coaching.
Laubach also served as head coach at Harriton for the two years before replacing Linehan. He had been an assistant for Linehan for three years before taking that job. Linehan was head coach at Lower Merion for 33 years, winning four state titles and 10 Central League crowns.
Laubach remains a Social Studies teacher at Lower Merion.
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