Boca Raton assistance Davis learning on fly
Ex-Bobcats football coach takes on sport he never played.
BOCA RATON — Eric Davis didn’t know the first thing about lacrosse when he agreed to join Boca Raton’s junior varsity boys program as an assistant coach this year.
A former football, basketball and track coach who also has helped out with the Bobcats’ flag-football team, he turned to YouTube and cable TV to understand the sport and learn its rules.
“I started watching ESPNU, watching some of the top schools,” said Davis, who stepped down as the Bobcats football coach in December after four seasons. “A lot of it is terminology. It’s like soccer with a stick, and a little bit of basketball.”
Davis’ interest in coaching lacrosse wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had planned on joining Boca Raton’s lacrosse program as a coach at least a year before he stepped down from the school’s football program.
Chris Holly, the Bobcats boys coach, was instrumental in persuading Davis to join the program and bring some of his football players with him.
“Schools from up north, when they come down here for college football recruiting, they always ask if the players play lacrosse also, because there could be some extra money from that school,” Davis said. “I decided the only way to get these guys to come and play lacrosse is I had to get involved. So I got involved.”
Though Davis’ sons urged him to take a break from coaching after he resigned fromthe football job, Davis threw himself into learning about the game, which he never played.
He spent time shadowing Holly, and also consulted with John Rhodes, who is in his fifth season as the Bobcats junior varsity boys coach.
“It’s something I’ve never done,” Davis said. “If Jim Brown can do it, I can do it. It’s a welcome challenge.”
Davis said the hardest part of coaching lacrosse is learning the terminology and set plays, though he’s picking it up well.
“So far, what I’ve found is he’s a great fundamentals guy, which you need with the JV team,” Rhodes said. “He’s a great partner for me, because I’m a little bit of a softy, and he’s a little bit more of a drill-sergeant kind of a guy. It’s going to work out well. The kids already have a sense of that. They know when he’s around, things are a bit more spit and polish.”
That’s one thing Davis carries over from football. He’s not afraid to speak his mind if he thinks his players aren’t exerting the proper amount of effort. But afterwards, there are hugs and high-fives.
“I’ve coached a lot of sports, and watching the kids develop — whether it’s girls or boys sports — they like it when you get on them,” Davis said. “But you let them know when they did something great also. You always want them to leave the field positive.”
The team sits at 7-3 with one game remaining. And Davis’ JV players, most of whom are freshmen, welcome his guidance and support on the field.
“He’s taught me a hard work ethic,” freshman attack Bryce Strayer said. “He’s a real tough cookie. He’ll make you run if you mess up, but that’s why I like him. He’ll teach you.”