Headmaster Trip Darrin has announced the appointment of Michael J. Herring, Sr., as the 2017-2018 head coach for the Blue Ridge School varsity lacrosse team. Michael comes to St. George from Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, where he has served as both the head varsity lacrosse and basketball coach, as well as an admissions officer and teacher of history and social sciences.
Mr. Darrin states, “Michael Herring has extensive experience as an independent school educator, coach, teacher and mentor. I’m excited about the future of our lacrosse program under his leadership.” As a coach, he has led his lacrosse teams to multiple championships and has been named Coach of the Year in both lacrosse and basketball numerous times. Many of the athletes he has coached over the years have been named US Lacrosse All-Americans and have matriculated to Division I and Ivy League universities.
In addition to his work as a teacher and coach, Michael has served as a Division I commissioner at the Pine Tree Basketball Clinic at Colby College for fifteen years. He was also the head coach for the New England Select Lacrosse League (NESLL BLACK) for ten years.
“We are very excited to welcome Michael to the Blue Ridge family,” athletic director Bryan Puckett said. “His achievements and success as a coach speak for themselves, and I have no doubt that his experience and talent will attract many potential student-athletes to our school. I look forward to seeing the lacrosse program continue to grow under his leadership.”
Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Dartmouth. He is a member of the Onondaga Nation (Eel Clan) and will be teaching history and English next year, while his wife Deborah will be teaching math. Michael, Deborah and their family will be moving to campus in July and will reside in the DAR residence.
Michael is taking over as head varsity lacrosse coach from VIC Coach of the Year John Hetzel who has decided to turn his attention to the BRS JV lacrosse program to develop the talent that will reinforce the varsity team. “I would like to thank Coaches Curtin and Pace for their tremendous contributions towards bringing the varsity team back to the top of the conference, and in the hunt for a state play-off bid. I am proud of what we have accomplished and feel confident that my successor, Coach Herring, is a great selection to capitalize on the gains that we have made, and will successfully usher our program into the very top of VISAA Division 1 lacrosse,” says John.
