The Severna Park High boys lacrosse team is one of the top programs in Maryland, having won three state titles since 1999, including last year?s Class 4A-3A crown, and advanced to the state finals four other times since 2000.
However, that success has not come without controversy. Each of the Anne Arundel County school?s last three coaches ended their tenures on difficult terms. The latest came last week when the team?s most recent coach, Jimmy Beardmore, did not have his contract renewed after school officials accused him of allowing a “hazing” incident while also holding an improper out-of-season meeting.
Gary Klein, whose son, Max, is a defender on the team, said about 200 Beardmore supporters gathered Monday night at the Big Vanilla Racquet and Fitness Club in Arnold and signed a petition, which they plan on presenting to schools officials with the hopes of having the coach rehired.
“Whatever happens, I?m just pleased to have had this opportunity to coach at Severna Park, and I hope to have that opportunity again,” Beardmore said earlier this week.
County school spokesman Bob Mosier said this week he could not comment on the situation because it is considered a personnel matter.
Beardmore had a 50-8 coaching record in three seasons with the Falcons after taking over for Brien McMurray, who resigned after the 2003 season. McMurray went 18-1 in his only season on the job but was never accepted by many of the players and their parents, who preferred former coach Mike Bellotte.
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 wasn?t there before, but it?s a credit to the student-athletes who have the proper mental attitude and skill to be successful, no matter who is the coach,” Gary Klein said.
Beardmore?s removal, according to Klein, came after an incident last week where a couple of students, including Max Klein, had water thrown on them. Those students had not participated with other teammates in the Polar Bear Plunge Jan. 27 at Sandy Point State Park. Gary Klein added that none of the students felt the incident was hazing. Practice begins March 1.
“The whole community supports Coach Beardmore,” said John Barnes, whose son, Jed, is a midfielder on the team. “They got him on a technicality. The ones that will be hurt the most by this are the sophomores and juniors who need help getting into college.”
