By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/25/24
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Kennett alum Matt Petrick has been named head coach at his alma mater.
Petrick replaces Bob Allvord, who recently stepped down after 8 seasons over two terms, including a trip to the PIAA 3A championship game in 2021.
Petrick was a two-year captain for Kennett (Class of 2015, defenseman) and played three seasons at Drexel, which twice reached the Colonial Athletic Association semifinals. He was an assistant at Kennett the past 4 seasons under Allvord.
Petrick answered these questions:
What goals do you have for the program in the short and long run?
“Both my short and long-term goals are to continue the success that Coach Allvord has established: to have a strong program that competes for the Ches-Mont crown every year, finds success in the district playoffs, and has a chance at a state playoff berth, but most of all, puts the boys first and develops them into quality men.”
Why were you happy to apply for and accept the position?
Kennett Lacrosse has a special place in my heart as my alma mater. When I first thought about getting into coaching in 2021, I only thought of coaching at Kennett. It is very special to have the opportunity to coach where I once played, especially after having a front-row seat to the development of the program. I remember the beginning days of the program in the early 2000’s when I was a little kid. To then come back and start coaching in 2021 and be a part of the success that we had that year and since then, I just want to continue taking Kennett Lacrosse in a positive direction.
“From a logistical standpoint, I wanted to take the position because of the support Kennett Lacrosse receives. Kennett is a strong school, we have strong athletics, we have strong AD support, we have strong facilities, strong alumni support, I could go on…but it is a great place to be.”
What is your general coaching philosophy?
“My coaching philosophy relies on focusing on the fundamentals of the game, really spending the time to teach the game to the athletes, and to teach the game the right way (from an instructional standpoint and from a respect standpoint).”
Allvord posted a 101-59 record in his tenure and led the Blue Demons to a memorable 22-3 season in 2022 when the program won its lone Ches-Mont League title and reached the District 1 semifinals. After the season Allvord was named Pennsylvania’s Coach of the year by the National Federation of State High School Associations and Phillylacrosse.com Honorable Mention Coach of the Year and
Allvord was head coach from 2010-13 and 2021-24. He also was an assistant at Kennett from 2007-2010 and in 2019 after serving as a volunteer assistant in 2017 and 2018.
