Pulteney Street SurveySpring 2019
Chasing Greatness: David J Urick Stadium Unveiled
"Now, to see your name every day reminds us of the greatness that came before us, and it inspires us to chase down some greatness of our own."
-- Hobart Head Lacrosse Coach Greg Raymond
In a dedication ceremony during Homecoming and Family Weekend, the Colleges named David J Urick Stadium in honor of the legendary lacrosse coach who led the Hobart Statesmen to 10 straight NCAA Division III Championships in the 1980s.
Former players, colleagues, friends and family gathered on Sept. 29 to honor Urick, who was in attendance with his wife, children and grandchildren.
The evening's keynote speaker, current Gettysburg College Men's Head Lacrosse Coach Henry "Hank" Janczyk '76, recalled Urick as "a voice of reason, a peacemaker, someone with humility and great character." A Hobart Hall of Famer and former Hobart lacrosse assistant coach under Urick, Janczyk reflected on his mentor, who earned a reputation as someone "who had an innate ability to bring people together for a common goal."
Interim President Patrick A. McGuire L.H.D. '12, noted that Urick "accepted who you were, pushed you and encouraged you exactly when you needed it."
"We speak about tradition often here," said current Hobart Head Lacrosse Coach Greg Raymond. Indicating the stadium's new sign and turning to Urick, he continued: "Now, to see your name every day reminds us of the greatness that came before us, and it inspires us to chase down some greatness of our own."
The fundraising effort for the stadium dedication was initiated with a $1 million lead gift by Trustee Thomas B. Poole '61, L.H.D. '06 and his wife MaryJane Poole P'91. Proceeds supported the new $3.5 million indoor turf field facility on the south side of Robert A. Bristol '31 Field House.
Eric Stein '89, who played lacrosse for Urick during several of his championship seasons, helped to lead the fundraising campaign. He described the stadium dedication as "a great opportunity to permanently memorialize a great person, great coach and great leader."
Urick joined the Hobart staff as an assistant football and lacrosse coach in 1971, became head football coach in 1976, and was named co-head coach of the lacrosse team in 1979. He took the reins solo in 1980, and over the next 10 seasons posted an unprecedented record of 129-33, including a 90-3 record against Division III teams.
As Hobart head coach, Urick won the Francis "Babe" Kraus Award as Division III Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1981. In 1987, he won his eighth-straight Division III title, surpassing UCLA's John Wooden for most consecutive championships in a team sport. He coached 40 All-American players during his tenure at Hobart, before leaving Geneva in 1989 for the head coach position at Georgetown University, where he brought the Hoyas' program to national prominence.
An active member of the NCAA Lacrosse Committee, Urick also served as head coach of the champion United States team in the 1986 World Games. A member of the Hobart College Athletic Hall of Fame, Urick was inducted in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Potomac Chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2005.