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Dick Edell, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame coach affectionately known as “Big Man,” died early Wednesday morning after being hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia in Howard County, Md. He was 74.
Edell suffered from inclusion body myositis, a degenerative muscle disease that confined him to a wheelchair in the later years of his life. He retired from coaching in 2001 at age 57. Edell is most known for his 18-year stint at Maryland (1984-2001), where he led the Terps to three ACC championships and 13 NCAA tournament appearances — including seven final fours and three national runner-up finishes (1995, 1997 and 1998).
Before Maryland, Edell coached for seven seasons at Army, leading the Black Knights to the NCAA tournament three times, and for four seasons at the University of Baltimore, a Division II program that he also guided to four NCAA bids. He also coached UB’s soccer team, which he led to the 1975 NCAA championship.
All told, Edell amassed 282 career wins, ranking fifth among all college coaches at the time of his retirement.
In recent years, Edell’s home in Howard County became a gathering spot for some of the sport’s luminaries. Bill Tanton, the longtime US Lacrosse columnist who retired last year, wrote about them and Edell as a reflection of what’s beautiful about the lacrosse culture.
“Big Man, the former Army and Maryland lacrosse coach, was stricken with a rare disease that deprived him of use of his arms and legs. He’s wheelchair-bound. He is also the most courageous man I know, never ever yielding to the negative,” Tanton wrote in his farewell column.
“On one occasion there were five National Lacrosse Hall of Fame coaches who were there just to visit Dick. Dom Starsia was there. So were Dave Urick and Jim Adams. Scotty and Edell are Hall of Famers. That day, as I left, Big Man looked up at me and said quietly, ‘I don’t think the football guys do this.’”
Edell is survived by his wife, Dolores, four children — daughters Lisa, Krissy and Erin and son, Gregg — and several grandchildren.
Check back to USLaxMagazine.com for more remembrances from the lacrosse community as it mourns the loss of one of its all-time greats.
Sad day for the lacrosse world with the passing of National Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Dick Edell. The "Big Man" was one of the most beloved individuals the sport has ever seen. pic.twitter.com/61zU6qc8pL
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) May 2, 2018
A sad day for the Terrapin Lacrosse family. Legendary coach Dick Edell has passed away. The "Big Man" was truly larger than life. Like all the young men he touched during his life I will miss him dearly. Thankful for his guidance & friendship. His legacy will live on here in CP. pic.twitter.com/MmpZ2Gq0q4
— John Tillman (@CoachTillman1) May 2, 2018
The world is a lesser place without the Big Man. A sad day as a legend and special man, Dick Edell, has passed on. Prayers to the Edell’s pic.twitter.com/dt4QMq2RKf
— David Pietramala (@CoachPetro43) May 2, 2018
A sad day for all lacrosse fans as we say goodbye to legendary coach Dick Edell. I remember fondly the calls I would get when I was an assistant @ArmyWP_MLax to love the players and beat Navy. He was also one of the first to congratulate me on taking over here @ColgateLacrosse
— Mike Murphy (@LaxcoachMike) May 2, 2018
Very saddened to hear of Dick Edell’s passing. When my run at Michigan ended he sent me the warmest, most uplifting note. From a guy I barely knew. Didn’t surprise any of his former players I mentioned it to. RIP Big Man.
— John Paul (@JohnPaulUM) May 2, 2018
A post shared by Casey Connor (@caseyconnor81) on
Our sport lost one of its greatest today. Coach Edell was a catalyst for the game’s growth — at every level. Such a kind, motivating, and compassionate person. I had few interactions with him, but each left a measurable impact. #RIP pic.twitter.com/tK3C1AsriT
— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) May 2, 2018
My sympathies to the Edell family. The smartest and most genuine person I have ever met. The world just lost one of the greatest. #BeTheBest
— Jake Bernhardt (@jak3bernhardt) May 2, 2018
RIP Big Man. Truly a 1 of a kind. I’m so grateful for our time together.
— Brian Reese (@breese34) May 2, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the Edell family and all the men and women he touched. The Big Man was loved and respected by all.
— Dave Cottle (@CoachCottle) May 2, 2018
The world lost Coach Dick Edell early this morning. He was a Hall of Fame Coach and Person @CoachPetro43 @CoachTillman1 @TerpTalk @DixonLacrosse @paulcarcaterra pic.twitter.com/oDocaeasV0
— Roger Blumenthal (@rblument1) May 2, 2018