Ex-Duke lacrosse coach Pressler speaks to students
Mike Mazzeo
Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Sports
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When he first took the job with the Blue Devils in 1991 they weren't very good.
"Duke was the doormat of the ACC," he said.
However, through recruiting, Pressler turned Duke into a dominant lacrosse program during his sixteen-year tenure, in part due to great recruiting.
He preached that recruiting is about "being a good communicator and good listener."
Pressler talked about when he first heard about the allegations at a team bowling event. He also talked about his darkest days when he couldn't get an interview from any college lacrosse program, despite his impressive resume.
Following his speech, Pressler fielded questions from the audience ranging from what he learned to if he would've changed anything during the process.
Students certainly took something out of the experience.
"Mike Pressler was under extreme scrutiny and he was able to overcome a very difficult situation," said Corey Smith, a pre-junior in the sport management program.
"I admire the way he handled himself given his circumstances," said Chris Hoenninger, a pre-junior in the program.
Pressler had known Kelly from their days when they were both on the football coaching staff at Ohio-Wesleyan University.
The two eventually choose to pursue different paths.
While Pressler was hired at Duke, Kelly became the Head Football Coach at Valdosta State University in Georgia before heading to the CFL as a scout/coach. Kelly's career then took him to the NFL where he worked under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve Spurrier with the Washington Redskins.
Given the talented personnel he's worked with during his career, Kelly gave Pressler the highest praise.
"This guy is the best coach I know," Kelly said.
"Duke was the doormat of the ACC," he said.
However, through recruiting, Pressler turned Duke into a dominant lacrosse program during his sixteen-year tenure, in part due to great recruiting.
He preached that recruiting is about "being a good communicator and good listener."
Pressler talked about when he first heard about the allegations at a team bowling event. He also talked about his darkest days when he couldn't get an interview from any college lacrosse program, despite his impressive resume.
Following his speech, Pressler fielded questions from the audience ranging from what he learned to if he would've changed anything during the process.
Students certainly took something out of the experience.
"Mike Pressler was under extreme scrutiny and he was able to overcome a very difficult situation," said Corey Smith, a pre-junior in the sport management program.
"I admire the way he handled himself given his circumstances," said Chris Hoenninger, a pre-junior in the program.
Pressler had known Kelly from their days when they were both on the football coaching staff at Ohio-Wesleyan University.
The two eventually choose to pursue different paths.
While Pressler was hired at Duke, Kelly became the Head Football Coach at Valdosta State University in Georgia before heading to the CFL as a scout/coach. Kelly's career then took him to the NFL where he worked under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve Spurrier with the Washington Redskins.
Given the talented personnel he's worked with during his career, Kelly gave Pressler the highest praise.
"This guy is the best coach I know," Kelly said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Nina Zash
posted 10/26/07 @ 12:40 PM EST
Mike Pressler is the best there is! Always was, always will be!
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