Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/21/24 – Updated 12/22/24
The Philly lacrosse community is mourning the passing today of Hall of Fame coach Stuart “Stu” Brown, 95, considered the “Father of Springfield Lacrosse” for founding the youth program in Springfield, Delaware County.
Mr. Brown, who learned the sport while at Swarthmore High in the mid-1940’s, launched the Springfield Athletic Association program in 1969 and founded the Springfield high school team, which began in 1973 as a club squad. Springfield soon became a scholastic power and won state championships (then called Avery F. Blake Memorial Trophy winners) in 1978, 1982, and 1992 (and later in 2016 and 2017).
Mr. Brown, who was inducted into the Eastern PA Chapter of the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1999, was named the Lacrosse Coaches Association Man of the Year in 1980. He later served as an assistant for goalies under Hall of Fame coach Doug Ellers at Ridley High and was on staff during four of the Green Raiders’ state championship runs, from 1995 to 2001, helping develop such goalies as Dave Mullen, Cory Daws, Chris Crooks, and Tony Brant.
Mr. Brown also helped advise Ellers in launching the Ridley youth program in the 1970’s.
“He was tremendous,” Ellers said. “One of my players reminded me just the other day that he (Mr. Brown) would talk about repetitious skills. One of his quotes was, ‘A poor craftsman blames his tools. Usually, when one looks at his stick after missing.. a failure to prepare is to prepare to fail.’ That’s the kind of guy he was; his knowledge was incredible. All the kids respected him. He was a big proponent of lacrosse. He helped me start the youth program at Ridley. The (Ridley High) kids loved him and respected him. He was a big part of the Ridley success, that’s for sure.”
Mr. Brown was also a volunteer coach at Elizabethtown College from 2002-2005.
Mr. Brown passed away at his retirement residence in Elizabethtown.
Comments on Mr. Brown’s contributions to lacrosse:
“He taught lessons in life through lacrosse. His gifts to lacrosse will live on for many generations.” – Ebe Helm, member of the first Springfield youth team and later became founder of the area’s first major club team, Duke’s Lacrosse.
“Stu taught me the game, but he wasn’t just a teacher. He created a situation where you developed a passion for the game. That passion was infectious.” – Mike Mackrides, senior member of the 1973 Springfield HS team who later coached with Brown at various levels
“Stu was my first coach in 4th grade at Springfield in 1993, he put a goalie stick in my hands. Stu was part of Chris Wakley’s recruiting pitch when he left Widener to launch the Elizabethtown College program that started in the fall of 2001. Chris Wakley promised me that Stu would be the goalie coach if I committed to Elizabethtown. And so I started playing lacrosse with Stu in 4th grade and played my last collegiate game with him in 2005. Stu represented everything good and pure about youth sports. He did it for all the right reasons, the love of the game and his players. He will be greatly missed.” – Fran McKeever
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Stu Brown, a man who shaped not only the game of lacrosse in Springfield but also the lives of countless players, coaches, and families. Known to many as “The Father of Springfield Lacrosse,” Stu’s impact on our community is immeasurable.
“Stu’s passion for lacrosse was evident in everything he did. In 1969, he launched youth lacrosse to the Springfield Athletic Association that introduced boys from 4th to 8th grade to the game, focusing on teaching fundamentals, fostering a love for the sport, and providing opportunities to grow both on and off the field. For Stu, lacrosse was never just about winning; it was about development, teamwork, and giving every player the chance to find their position and their passion. Stu was known for hanging outside of baseball and football practices with a trashcan full of sticks looking to recruit new players as they walked off the field. His tireless efforts and creative approach to growing the game laid the foundation for what would become a thriving lacrosse community in Springfield.
“Under his leadership, Springfield Lacrosse flourished. His vision and dedication helped produce championship teams and alumni who went on to play at the high school, college, and professional levels. Yet, for all his accolades, Stu always saw himself as a teacher first—someone who inspired others to be their best, both on and off the field.
“To honor Stu’s legacy, we will be dedicating the Springfield High School season to him and will be in touch with plans to celebrate his life and contributions at one of our home games this season. We hope you’ll join us in remembering and honoring the man who built the foundation of Springfield Lacrosse.
“Many of us were fortunate to know Stu as a mentor, a coach, and a friend. His legacy will live on in the memories we share, the lessons he taught, and the program he built—a program that continues to thrive because of his vision and unwavering dedication.
“We will share details about services and arrangements as soon as they become available.”
