Combs named head coach of Chicago Machine
December 3, 2007 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
The Chicago Machine announced the hiring of John Combs as its head coach for the 2008 season. Combs, an assistant coach in 2007, steps into the role vacated by Lelan Rogers, who recently accepted a full-time assistant role at Syracuse University where he was already Director of Lacrosse Operations.
Combs brings close ties to the Chicago lacrosse scene to the position, having led New Trier High School to three consecutive state titles and compiling a 54-5 record during that period. He joined the Machine last season, helping Rogers post a 3-9 record that marked an improvement over the team's winless inaugural campaign in 2006. Combs said he hopes to continue to build upon the progress Rogers made in 2007.
"Last year we gained some momentum," he said. "We got stronger and learned a few lessons for the future. Mainly we laid the foundation for growth. I think the important thing is going to be continuity. We need to carry the developments we made last year over into this coming season."
Last season the Machine boasted nine rookies and the youngest average player age in Major League Lacrosse, which means Combs inherits a relatively unseasoned group.
"We were very young last season, but those young players gained a lot of experience and got a lot of quality time on the field," said Combs. "Last year we had talent but not a lot of experience. Now we have talent combined with some experience. With a little bit of experience, we're excited now about building some momentum."
Picking up where it left off in 2007, which included a 3-3 home record, was essential to the Machine.
"We made strides last year," said John Meister, Chicago's President and General Manager. "We think John is the perfect candidate to build on the successes we had and keep us moving forward."
In addition to his success at New Trier, Combs brings a strong college coaching resume to the Machine. He held head coaching positions at NCAA Division III Plattsburgh and Division I Holy Cross. In 2002 Combs served as offensive coordinator at Division I Colgate.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from December 3, 2007
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