By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/23/15
Andy German, who guided St. Joseph’s Prep to the PIAA state championship game in his first year as head coach, has resigned to accept a college coaching position as a Division I assistant.
German led the Hawks to a 19-6 season, the Catholic League championship and a spot against his alma mater, Radnor, in the state title game where the Hawks lost an 11-10 decision in overtime. St. Joe’s Prep reeled off 11 straight wins to reach the final, including a 12-10 victory over La Salle for the school’s first Catholic League crown in four years.
German’s new position will be made public in the coming days.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” said German. “I had a really great time the past 10 months at The Prep. The kids were awesome and they bought in when it wasn’t easy to buy in.
“We had a special run and hopefully whether we had won or lost in the finals they still enjoyed it. But when go on a run like we did, it brings everybody closer. It was a a great time for me and hopefully the kids enjoyed themselves as well.”
German said his team came so far from an 0-2 start that included a 16-2 loss to Episcopal Academy and a 9-6 defeat to St. John’s (D.C.). After that, The Prep won in overtime over Manheim Township – the team it defeated in the state quarterfinals – and other impressive victories over Garnet Valley and St. Augustine Prep.
“We had wins over Garnet Valley, La Salle and St. Augustine Prep – it just took time for us,” German said. “I came in late, in November, and we didn’t have a ton of time. But we had a ton of talent – when you have a face-off guy like Dan Fisher and a goalie like Michael Marchese (Notre Dame bound) – and we started to click offensively and defensively, we became dangerous.
“We got our butts kicked against Episcopal Academy but where we were on May 20 was more important than March 21. We were our best in May and June when it counted. We were playing pretty good ball at that time. It was fun to see the team grow and grow and grow; players emerged and stars stepped up. This team is loaded with talent again for this year and years to come.”
Dennis Hart, Director of Athletics at St. Joe’s Prep gave this statement:
“Lacrosse coach Andy German let us know earlier this week that he is stepping down as coach of our program to return to coaching at the college level. I would like to thank Coach German for his outstanding service to our lacrosse program and wish him success and fulfillment in all of his future endeavors. The work of Coach German, as well as that of Coach Eric Gregg before him, has placed the Prep among the top levels of the sport in our area. I am confident that our next coach will continue these efforts and keep Prep lacrosse in a place of prominence and that we will have a coach in place to begin the year.
“We expect that our program will continue to excel, focusing on the Jesuit tradition of developing the body, mind and spirit of each student.’
German had been an assistant coach at Villanova for five years before taking the job at St. Joe’s Prep. He also coached at Susquehanna University and continues to coach with Team Thailand and the Main Line Lacrosse Club.
At Villanova, German served as the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator has last three years there.
German began his college playing career at Alfred University, where he spent two years and was Rookie of the Year in 2004 before transferring to Villanova. A four-time varsity letter winner, German served as the Wildcats captain in 2007 when he was also a North-South All-Star.
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