<b>You’ll Be Missed, Coach</b>
Frequently you hear about how a coach has changed his team, one of his players or certain aspects of the game. But rarely do you hear about how a coach inspires off the field. In the last issue of Inside Lacrosse there was a memorium for Coach Mike Fuller, a lacrosse coach from Millbrook School, and formally at Bridgton Academy, who suddenly died this June of a heart attack. I just wanted to take the opportunity to express my gratitude for how Coach had influenced me and so may of his friends and especially his family.
At the first sight of Coach, most girls would stop dead in their tracks out of fear. But thanks to my brother’s prior relationship with him, I learned that he was a big, genuine teddy bear (who could also yell really, really loud.). I became fond of this seemingly scary man and we rapidly found a special bond which, in only a year, grew to Coach being my father away from home.
Just from seeing the amount of former players, teachers, friends and family members who traveled hundreds of miles to honor Coach and support his family one could feel the impact that he had made on so many people.
Mr. Bob Howe, a colleague from Millbrook spoke at Coach’s Memorial service. His words were reminiscent of the ‘90s Michael Jordan TV ad, as he spoke of the ways he wanted to “Be Like Mike.” Those reasons he wanted to be like Mike Fuller were things like: because he knew how to give to others; because he was such a great father to his two children, Maddie and Zach; because of his dedication to everything he tackled; because he never wanted to let anyone down. But the last reason stuck in my mind the most. He wanted to be like Mike because Mike inspired so many people.
Coach Fuller did inspire so many people and that is why I felt it necessary to write and honor him not only as a lacrosse coach but as friend and family member who inspired people because he cared. Thank you Coach Fuller for everything that you have given to each of us who are lucky enough to have known you. You are greatly missed.
Kinley McCracken ‘04
