Boys' lacrosse coach of the year

CHRIS BUTTON, FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Years coaching: 17

Years at school: 3

Reason behind coaching: ”Choice between coaching and teaching high school or coaching college. Just decided I wanted to try something different and discovered I really enjoy teaching.”

Day job: Athletic director

Family: Wife (Justine) and a son due in October

Hometown: Royal Oak, Mich.

Alma mater: Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, Pa.)

Most challenging aspect of this season: ”We had three weeks (off at spring break). We come back, have two or three days (of) practice and go right into games. That’s the most challenging, our academic schedule.”

Compare your coaching style to a well-known coach: Tom Grazier, boys’ lacrosse coach at Kent Denver. “He coached against me when I was a player in Michigan. I know we share the same educational philosophies when it comes to coaching.”

Easiest way to find your doghouse: “Unsportsmanlike behavior. You’ll end up on the bench real fast.”

From a player’s eyes: “He’s the best coach I’ve ever had. He’s forced me to improve myself every day. He’s turned the program around a whole 180 degrees from where we were.” — junior midfielder Glenn Lazar