Flynn: An Unsung Contributor For BHS Lacrosse Team

By Ken Hamwey

Bulletin Sports Writer

A major plus for Steve Linehan, Bellingham’s varsity boys lacrosse coach, was having an assistant like Mike Flynn by his side for the last six years.

Linehan, who became the Blackhawks’ head coach in 2017, relied on Flynn as a volunteer aide during his first season. But, a year later, Flynn became the junior-varsity coach and Linehan’s varsity assistant. The program benefitted immediately. The Blackhawks went  from 2-18 to a 6-12 record as the team tripled its victory total.

And, during their six years, the program earned a tourney berth — facing powerhouse Nantucket last year in a first-round loss. That playoff appearance was Bellingham’s second in the 13-year history of the program. 

The 58-year-old Flynn, whose son Mic scored 54 goals during the revitalized 2018 campaign, no longer is on the sidelines. He stepped away from coaching for two reasons — to see his son play lacrosse at UMass-Boston and for health considerations. 

Linehan greatly appreciated Flynn’s six-year run and the assets he brought to the table.

“In our first year together, Mike and I decided our top priority would be to build a program based on accountability, responsibility and commitment,’’ Linehan said. “As our jayvee coach, he developed talent and he promoted our culture of accountability and commitment. As my varsity assistant, Mike managed the substitution box. He did a fine job making sure that we had the right combination of players on the field at the right time.’’

Linehan, who started the youth lacrosse program in Bellingham in 2013 and played the sport at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, wanted an aide who taught at the high school and could bring the discipline of the classroom to the program. “Mike also was terrific at impressing upon our players to be proud to represent their school and the lacrosse program,’’ Linehan said.

“I really enjoyed coaching,’’ Flynn said. “I’ll miss the spirit and the determination of the players and I’ll also miss the bus rides after a victory. That atmosphere was always enjoyable. And, when Mic played, I just loved being around the team.’’

A native of Bellingham and a 1982 BHS graduate, Flynn has been on the high school’s faculty for 27 years and will continue to work in the special education department. He majored in secondary education at the University of Rhode Island and earned his masters from Providence College in special education.

The personable Flynn learned all the details and nuances of lacrosse when his son played in Bellingham’s youth league. “Actually, it was Mic who taught me everything I know about the sport,’’ Flynn offered. “Mic learned a lot by going to camps and clinics. I’m glad he had success and it came because he was self-driven. I never pushed him. He inspired me.’’

Mic is Bellingham’s all-time leading scorer with 173 points (131 goals and 42 assists).

A volunteer for the youth league, Flynn did whatever was needed. “I set up nets and provided youth supervision,’’ he said. “Whatever they needed, I offered to help.’’

And, that’s how it worked as Linehan’s right-hand man.

Flynn was an ideal choice for the jayvee post. In that role he was acutely aware that the top priority was to get players ready to compete at a higher level. Winning was important but player development was crucial.

“I taught eighth and ninth graders during school and many of my jayvee players were my students,’’ he said. “I liked the responsibility of coaching and I stressed the attributes that Steve emphasized. The players learned commitment and accountability. I also tried to strengthen their passion for lacrosse so they could eventually be contributors on the varsity. And, I also made sure that every player participated.’’

As Linehan’s varsity assistant, Flynn’s prime role was managing the substitution box — a pressure-packed job that requires quick-thinking. “Lacrosse substitutions are like hockey,’’ Flynn noted. “They’re made very quickly and it can be challenging. The decisions involve the right combinations to deal with the situations on the field.’’

Linehan also relied on him to keep tabs on players during school hours. “It helps to have a coach in the system,’’ Flynn said. “Behavior can be monitored and it also was helpful to see the kids to discuss grades or whatever was on their minds.’’

Flynn’s assets as an assistant were his commitment, his approachable nature and the discipline he brought to the program. “I have a sense of humor and I would use that to defuse a tense situation,’’ he said. “And, I provided a second set of eyes to help Steve in his decision-making.’’

Linehan listened to his assistant’s suggestions and liked the way Flynn reinforced his coaching philosophy.

“Mike’s thoughts were always credible,’’ Linehan offered. “We had a good friendship and I would often use Mike as a sounding board before I would speak to the team on a key issue. Mike shared my core values and his strengths were his intense commitment to the program and his ability to make players comfortable with what he had to say. He was approachable and that’s a prime asset for any coach.’’ 

Flynn’s favorite moment was in 2018 when the Blackhawks defeated Dedham in overtime. It was senior night and a large crowd was on hand. “We won the game when we took the ball from the defensive end and advanced all the way to the offensive end,’’ Flynn recalled. “Mic passed to Colin Day who scored. It was exciting and I was happy for the kids.’’

Although BHS lacrosse has struggled, Flynn firmly believes it will keep improving with Linehan at the helm. 

“The players’ skills are improving, players have the benefit of learning the sport in the town’s youth league, more players are choosing lacrosse as a second sport and they like it’s up-tempo nature,’’ he offered. “My advice to the players is to keep working hard, keep grinding and prove people wrong. And, my advice for parents and fans is to keep supporting the kids. It means a lot for their confidence and competitive nature.’’ 

His advice is solid because at the Bulletin’s deadline, BHS had a 3-2 record.

Flynn, who played two years of basketball in high school, is the son of Frank Flynn, the first athletic director at BHS and the first inductee into Bellingham’s Athletic Hall of Fame. 

“My dad died when I was two but I’ve heard so many positive words about him,’’ Flynn said. “I’ve been told he was motivating and inspiring. He also coached three sports — cross-country, basketball and baseball. And, he coached some of our early standout athletes, like Glenn Garriepy, Roger Canestrari, and Ron and Jim Bonollo.’’

Flynn’s position with the lacrosse team has been filled by a former BHS lacrosse player, George Pearson. Linehan and Pearson will see Flynn at as many games as he can attend.

“Mike has an open invitation to attend all practices and games,’’ Linehan emphasized. 

Mike Flynn’s departure should be viewed in positive terms. The program is still striving to be competitive in the Tri Valley League, but, thanks to his caring and commitment, Bellingham’s lacrosse program is in a better place.

His imprint on the program is indelible.