Bates named coach at Mount Saint Joseph

Phillip Bates has been named head varsity lacrosse coach at Mount Saint Joseph on Sunday after previously serving three years as the program’s junior varsity and varsity assistant under former coach Stephen Berger. “It is my privilege to announce the appointment of Mr. Phillip Bates as our next head varsity lacrosse coach,” Mount Saint Joseph athletic director Kraig Loovis said in a written release. “His level of experience, understanding of our mission, and relationships with our current players make him the right man for the job. I am confident that The Mount’s lacrosse program is in good hands.” Before joining the coaching staff at Mount Saint Joseph in 2015, Bates spent two years as the varsity lacrosse coach at Dallastown (Pa.) Area High School, where he went 29-8. In his first year in 2014, he led the team to the York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association Championship. “I am humbled by the faith that Kraig Loovis, the Mount Saint Joseph administration, coaching staff, and lacrosse families have in me as the new leader of the MSJ Gaels lacrosse program,” Bates said in a written release. “I am looking forward to adding my own thumbprint on the program, while continuing to grow the culture that Coach Berger began four years ago.” Berger, a 2000 Mount Saint Joseph grad, stepped down after four seasons to spend more time with his family. The Gaels went 6-10 in the 2018 season. anterior cruciate ligament in the preseason opener and both Samaje Perine (sprained ankle) and Byron Marshall (lower leg) were injured in the second preseason game Thursday and are expected to be out multiple weeks. Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles and former New York Giants running back Orleans Darkwa worked out for the team Sunday morning, but both left without deals.