Controversy Surrounds Exiting Boys Lacrosse Coach

The Wilmington High School boys lacrosse team put together the best season in program history this year, making the playoffs for just the second time and earning a Middlesex League title after going undefeated for much of the campaign. As the team looks to build on this year’s success, however, it will be doing so with a new coach on the sideline.

Head coach Kieran Kavanaugh, who led the team for the last two seasons, will not return next year. Kavanaugh cited scheduling conflicts with his work life and assistant coaching duties with the Boston Cannons.

“I think winning the Middlesex League championship was a great accomplishment for the coaching staff, the team and the town,” said Kavanaugh. “So I have a great feeling on where this program is going to be, and it’ll be in good hands. I definitely wish them the best and obviously want to see the program grow.”

Several sources have indicated, however, that it was not entirely Kavanaugh’s decision to leave the program. Multiple people who were involved with the program indicated that Kavanaugh was asked to leave due to a tumultuous relationship with his players.

When asked what role the administration had in Kavanaugh leaving, Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton said she was unable to comment on personnel issues.

Junior Austin Ferreira told Patch that there were many issues this year between Kavanaugh, players and parents. Ferreira said much of the conflict came over Kavanaugh's demeanor towards his players.

“His attitude and actions caused us not to want to play, or have anything to do with the game of lacrosse,” said Ferreira, who said that fact became evident as the team lost several games late in the season after ripping off a lengthy unbeaten streak to start the year. “(That) ultimately led to the slow downfall of the team, as you saw in our record. He truly ruined our season and our potential.”

One player who wished to remain anonymous said several players considered leaving the team due to the coaching situation, and said the atmosphere was “unprofessional.”

During his two years, Kavanaugh has shown to be a fiery presence on the sidelines during games. At one point last season the then first year coach was ejected late in a contest.

Not every Wildcat player was on board with Kavanaugh not returning. Brian Priem said he had no issues with the mentor, and said the situation spiraled out of control because parents and some players went to the school administration without first talking to the coach.

Priem said that his experience playing football along with high school and club lacrosse prepared him for the intensity of Kavanaugh’s practices. He added that the situation was “blown out of proportion” because of those who avoided face-to-face conversations with Kavanaugh.

“I can say firsthand that Coach Kavanaugh was not a bad coach,” said Priem. “In no way was there any case of violence or truth to rumors of harassment displayed towards any players. Coach may not have been some players’ or parents’ favorite coach, but he was there for us in our sights of a league championship and playoff berth.”