Temple University Athletics

Reid Watson
Reid Watson

Longtime Lacrosse Assistant Coach Reid Watson Passes Away

6.16.10 | Women's Lacrosse

PHILADELPHIA - Reid Watson, a veteran of 43 years in the coaching ranks and former 10-year assistant coach of the Temple lacrosse program, passed away on Sunday morning, June 13.

Watson, a resident of Kimberton, Pa., was 82. He was hospitalized recently after being diagnosed with leukemia last fall. There will be no funeral services.

From 1993 until 2004, Watson served as an assistant coach at Temple under Kim Ciarrocca. He then moved with Ciarrocca to the University of Delaware where he remained her assistant for the past seven seasons.

“He was a mentor and my best friend and was like a father to me,” said Ciarrocca, who retired as head coach of the Blue Hen program following the recently completed 2010 campaign. “He had such a positive influence on so many young people and taught them not so much about lacrosse, but about life. He always gave the big speeches before our games and focused on looking in the mirror and believing in yourself. It was amazing how he talked on their level and got their attention. He was very philosophical and put things in the right perspective. And he could outwork anyone.”

Overall, Watson helped Ciarrocca post a record of 184-127 over 17 seasons, a mark that included 12 winning seasons, six conference championships, and seven NCAA Tournament appearances.

Watson had coached lacrosse programs at every level and had sponsored lacrosse clinics for over 20 years. A 1951 graduate of Ursinus, Watson coached the Perkiomen (Pa.) School lacrosse team for 13 years prior to retiring in 1992. From 1972-79, he was the director of athletics and chair of the physical education department at Girard College in Philadelphia. He also has taught at Kimberton Farms School, Springfield (Pa.) Township High School, Ursinus College, and the Woods School.

He and his wife, Margery, a well-known name in lacrosse, have five children, including two children who competed in the NCAA Tournament.
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