By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/7/16
Great Valley graduate Bern Walton has been named boys’ lacrosse coach at his alma mater.
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Great Valley coach Ben Walton (center) is joined by Pats (from left) Luke Terracciano, Drew German, Dawson Hilditch, Aaron Joseph, Sean German and P.J. Harris
Walton served as an assistant last year at Downingtown West and was an assistant the previous three years at Marple Newtown. He also was the 8th grade coach at Great Valley for seven years before that.
What are your short-term goals for the program?
Walton: “Starting this off-season, a short-term goal that I have for the team is to develop a sense of family through a series of team events geared towards becoming better lacrosse players and community members. The lacrosse team will be bonding together through winter service projects and team workouts. My goal is to promote good character among the players and develop a strong work ethic in the off-season that will transfer to the field in the spring.”
What are your long-term goals for the program?
Walton: “My long-terms goals for the team deal heavily with continuing to establish Great Valley Lacrosse as a program that enriches the lives of student athletes. I hope to continue to shape a program that students in the district are proud of and excited to be a part of. I want to establish a connection with the youth players in the district by having the high school players directly involved with the youth program. My goal is to be recognized as a team of character that excels both on the field and in the classroom.”
What is your general coaching philosophy?
Walton: “My coaching philosophy consists of guiding my athletes on their journey to becoming the best they can be. Through hard work, organization and preparation, athletes will be put in the best position to be successful. I promote integrity, accountability and character by holding my athletes to the highest standards. I believe the most important part of my job as a coach is to keep student athletes focused on the big picture while achieving success on the lacrosse field. There are so many important lessons to be learned from working together as a team and my goal is to make these experiences meaningful for my players.”
How does it feel to come back to coach at your alma mater?
Walton: “I was part of the Great Valley Lacrosse program during its early years. I was a player during Great Valley’s first ever lacrosse playoff game, and although we struggled back then, I had an amazing experience as a member of the team. I have watched the program grow and improve over the years, from the youth program all the way up to the high school varsity program. To say that I am proud to be back at G.V. as the head boys’ lacrosse coach is an understatement. I am excited and privileged to have the opportunity to give back to the program and to continue the winning traditions of Great Valley Lacrosse.”
