By Julie Shiroma
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Behind every successful team there is a strong motivating force that pushes the team to perform at its best. That driving force is essential because it provides the team with direction and leadership.
Arizona men's club lacrosse players have a strong leader who teaches them to go out and give the best performance they can.
That leader is Mickey-Miles Felton, who has been coaching lacrosse at the UA for 20 years.
Felton's guidance and leadership has helped the Laxcats achieve success, as well as a distinguished reputation.
One of Felton's greatest accomplishments was earning his 200th win last Feb. 13. Since 1980, he has compiled an impressive United States Intercolle-
giate Lacrosse Association record of 206-81. His team ended the country's longest winning streak at 42 by beating Whittier College (Calif.) in 1993. And to top it all off, he coached the 1990 team to the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League championship title.
Because of Felton's efforts, the Laxcats can say they have made the playoffs every year (except last year) since they joined the WCLL.
Felton's approach to coaching is one that his players appreciate. He said one reason the Laxcats are so successful is because he has the "ability to understand the limitations of the players" and then "adjust coaching to the ability of the players."
For Felton, coaching is an enjoyable experience. He feels that his job is a very rewarding one. According to Felton, the most rewarding aspect is forming a "relationship with the players and being able to influence some of their lives."
Those who work with Felton are fond of him and speak highly of him.
Captain Scott Griffin said that his relationship with Felton is a special one. To Griffin, Felton is not only a good coach, but "he is also a good friend".
Assistant coach Brooks Singer agrees wholeheartedly with Griffin. He said Felton is "a special guy and a good friend one-on-one."
Felton does not know what the future holds, however. He is not sure how much longer he will coach.
"I am taking it one year at a time," he said.
Felton feels that he will know when it is time to leave coaching.
"Commitment to coaching depends on the players themselves," Felton said, "and if I feel that I am becoming distant from the players, then I will know that it is time to move on."