By
Jeff Lund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friends praise Felton for his dedication to lacrosse
Although the announcement of UA head lacrosse coach Mickey-Miles Felton's retirement came over a month ago at the United States Lacrosse Intercollegiate Associates' National Championships in St. Louis, many involved in the sport of lacrosse - including coaches and former players - are still shocked by his decision.
"He brought some swagger to West Coast (lacrosse)." Sonoma State head coach Douglas Carl said. "He started at a time when people did not think the West Coast had anything to offer lacrosse. He was definitely a pioneer."
Carl said Felton was a big help to lacrosse players nationwide.
"He was good for the sport and good for Arizona," Carl said. "He helped generations of kids at Arizona and along the way, he taught them lacrosse."
Joe Gold, a former assistant coach with the English National Lacrosse Team, said Felton's impact in the sport is immense.
"There isn't enough space in any article to tell you how important Miles is to lacrosse in the West," Gold said. "I can assure you the (Arizona) program would have never been exposed to so much without the dedication and passion that he brings to the table."
Gold, who met Felton at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, said he was impressed not only by the coach's love for lacrosse, but also his laid-back and friendly nature.
"I know a kindred spirit when I see one, and Miles and I became immediate friends," Gold said.
Gold said he was shocked by the decision of Felton to step down as head coach at Arizona.
"Say it ain't so," he said. "Lacrosse will never be the same without (Felton)."
Felton's successor will be assistant coach Adam Hopkins, who will have the task of replacing the only head coach in program history.
Though Hopkins is just two years removed from an All-America season as a player at the New York Institute of Technology, Felton believes he has left the program in very capable hands.
"When Adam committed to staying for next year, it made my decision to retire much easier," Felton said. "Not many people can step into a program like this, but he is extremely capable and has a great understanding of the game and players. I feel great about Adam stepping up and taking control."
With the new era starting under Hopkins, Felton will have the freedom to do as he pleases.
"I don't want to rush into anything," Felton said. "I am going to take time to relax, see my family and travel."
Felton, who was selected to coach the US national team for the world games in Australia next summer, said lacrosse will still be an integral part of his life.
Felton mentioned that he had been contacted by the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League and USLIA about possible positions, but said he will not make a final decision about his future until the end of the summer.
"I believe I want to stay in the lacrosse industry," Felton said. "I would like to help high school and colleges with lacrosse and things from uniforms to fund raising. I want to take advantage of the knowledge I have of the game," Felton said.
