Larry Kramer wasn?t looking for a new boys lacrosse coaching position, as he was happy trying to build Northeast into a contender in Anne Arundel County.
But, when the head job for defending 4A/3A state champion Severna Park became available suddenly last month, the opportunity was just too good to pass. Severna Park officially named Kramer its new boys lacrosse coach Wednesday, ending a frantic search following the dismissal of now-former coach Jimmy Beardmore last month. The hire comes just one day before the start of spring practice.
“This was not an easy decision to make as I care a lot about the players at Northeast,” said Kramer, who spent two years at the Pasadena school after assistant stints at Broadneck and North County. “But, I was honest with them and told them this was a move I had to make for my career. Everyone at Northeast has been supportive with my decision.”
Kramer, a Severna Park resident, said he is not worried about suffering through a season of discontent like former Falcons coach Brien McMurray went through after he replaced Mike Bellotte in 2003.
Bellotte led the program for five years and won a state title in 1999. But he was not brought back after the 2002 season when McMurray filed a grievance over not getting the job. McMurray, a teacher, had to be given preference over a non-teacher like Bellotte, who was considered an emergency coach and, like Beardmore now, had to reapply for the job every year.
“I?ve had a lot of support in the community and I didn?t file a grievance,” Kramer said. “I didn?t apply for the job until it became available.”
Kramer said he also has a lot of respect for Beardmore and knows he wouldn?t do anything to sabatoge the program with a new coach at the helm.
“Jimmy has always done what?s best for the program,” Kramer said, “He wouldn?t do anything to negatively impact the program or the players on the team.”
At least one Severna Park parent is ready to give Kramer the benefit of the doubt. John Barnes, whose son Jed is a senior midfielder for the Falcons, said it?s time to put all of the controversy behind and get ready to defend their state title.
“The only thing the players can control is how they play on the attack, midfield and defensive end of the field,” Barnes said. “It?s all a big learning process and part of growing up.”
