By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/3/14
Pete Duncan has been named head boys’ lacrosse coach at Archmere Academy (DE).
Duncan has a long resume of experience in Delaware. A graduate of the University of Delaware where he played for the Blue Hens, Duncan has been head coach at Tatnall (2004-11) and Caravel Academy (2012-13) and also runs camps and travel teams through Rippin’ Rope Lacrosse.
Duncan, who played high school lacrosse under the legendary Tim Flynn at Mountain Lakes (N.J.), gave these answers about his new job:
Why did you pursue the Archmere position?
Duncan: “I have always had respect for the Archmere Academy program, having coached against them for years. When the head coaching position became available, I immediately was drawn to it. I knew that if provided the opportunity to be head coach, Archmere is somewhere I could see myself coaching for many years.
“They have an outstanding academic and athletic reputation and their student-athletes are serious about being successful. There is also tremendous administrative and parent support there. Plus, Archmere is just a five-minute drive from Saint Edmond’s Academy, an all-boys school in Wilmington, where I work.
What are your short-term goals?
Duncan: “I’d like to help instill a culture of hard work, team unity and pride in our program. Archmere’s lacrosse program is one in which all members of the Archmere community should be proud. I hope to make a positive difference in molding our players into solid young men on and off the field. Having met and seen a number of our kids play this winter, I think we can be a good team this year.”
What are your long-term goals?
Duncan: “There is a solid foundation for the program already in place, but I think Archmere’s lacrosse program has only scratched the surface in terms of how good it can be. Archmere Academy is situated in ripe lacrosse territory, and I think we can attract great kids who are serious about their education and want to play high level high school lacrosse. There is no reason why we can’t compete for state championships at Archmere, while also helping our players achieve their goals.”
What is your general coaching philosophy?
Duncan: “I take pride in shaping our teams to be detail oriented and mindful of the little things that are crucial to being successful on the field. I’ll ask our players to take ownership of their team and treat each day with focus. For example, in practice, running crisp drills with many kids moving is key. At the same time, I want players to have fun and be thankful that they get to play lacrosse in the first place. It’s a great game.
“I encourage our players to play other sports. We want players to keep life and their busy schedules in perspective but, when it’s time to work, we want to outwork other schools, be prepared and leave little to chance.”
