When Radnor High School lacrosse coach John Begier announced he was retiring, student athlete Michael Savadove looked to athletic director Mike Friel for consolation.

“It was like my best friend was dead. I didn’t know what to do. I was losing it,” Savadore said.

At the time, he had no idea he was talking to Begier’s successor, writes J.F. Pirro for Main Line Today.

Friel , a Ridley High School alum, took the job so there would be no drop off from the team with Begier’s departure. 

It was an unusual move. Most schools don’t have an athletic director who also coaches.

Friel’s got a good track record. He was named coach of the year by the Central Athletic League and the Eastern Pennsylvania Lacrosse Association after his team at Springfield High School finished 20-3 in 2010.

“I want to give these guys my all,” Friel says of the Radnor Raptors lacrosse team. “At the end of the season, if my boss says I’ve given too much or I feel I’ve given too much, we’ll start the search process in June.”

Radnor has a shot at state history this spring, a fourth straight PIAA crown. Radnor has been second-ranked by Inside Lacrosse.

Read more about Mike Friel and John Begier in Main Line Today.