Spring Break
Bates resigns, headed to Princeton
Mike Mazzeo
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: Sports
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"This is a great opportunity for me and my family," Bates said in a June 29 press release issued by Princeton's athletic department. "The University speaks for itself in terms of the caliber of what Princeton stands for and what it does. The second piece of that is the tradition and history of the men's lacrosse program. I'm honored to be taking the reins."
The Tigers' men's lacrosse program is considered one of the most prestigious in the nation, having won six national championships since 1992.
Bates, who took over the Drexel men's lacrosse program in 2000, compiled a 70-71 record during his 10-year stint at the helm, including a 31-17 mark over the past three seasons.
Before he began his tenure with the Dragons, the program had just two double-digit win seasons in its 60-year history. But that quickly changed under Bates, a two-time Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year.
He led Drexel to an 11-5 mark in 2007, including the university's first-ever upset victory over a No. 1 ranked team in any sport - a thrilling 11-10 triumph over Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. Bates guided the Dragons to an even better record, 13-4, in 2008. That team nearly became the first Drexel team to win a CAA title in any sport, but a last-minute collapse against Hofstra in the conference championship game cost the Dragons that chance.
Drexel finished this past season just 7-8, but the mediocrity was due in-large part to the graduation and subsequent loss of several key components from its roster.
"Drexel Athletics wishes Chris Bates the best of success and thanks him for investing in Drexel and building a winning and competitive lacrosse program over the last 10 years," Dr. Eric Zillmer, Drexel director of Athletics, said.
"Today, Drexel has a great tradition in lacrosse, attractive facilities, and Drexel University is a very interesting place at which to attend school and work. Thus, I am convinced that we will be able to hire a dynamic and successful coach who will continue the momentum that we have enjoyed under coach Chris Bates."
Bates coached two All-Americans, 25 All-Conference selections, a conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year during his decade at Drexel. Four of his players were named the league's Rookies of the Year and seven were selected to the All-Rookie team.
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