RallyNorth.net

Coaches' Corner: Kevin "Bud" McCarthy

Tuesday, November, 06 By Alan Siegel
Staff writer

Kevin "Bud" McCarthy's summer soccer camp is a thing of the past. That's why, he said, his coaching record isn't a concern anymore.

"I don't have to keep track of that anymore," he said. "It was always good to have on the brochure."

Never one to shy away from cracking a joke, McCarthy recorded a serious milestone this season. He now has a 302-72-43 career record. This week, McCarthy, who's now in his 21st year at North Andover, discussed what reaching the 300-win plateau means to him.

1. So, 300 wins. Is that pretty amazing to think about?
"Honestly, coaches get all kinds of credit. It just means you hung around a long time. It means you're old. I don't think I scored a single goal or made a single save, yet I'm getting the credit. A lot of people deserve a lot of credit."

2. You retired from teaching two years ago. Do you miss it?"
"Not so much (he taught social studies in North Andover for 32 years). I miss the people. Sunday nights are pretty nice now. You don't have to worry about what's going on or what meetings you have to go to."

3. Do you think the teaching profession could use a lift?"
"Absolutely. The demands keep growing more and more. There has to be some more monetary rewards in the profession. Teachers have to pay for advanced degrees. In private industry, every time you take a course, you get reimbursed."

4. What would you say to a young adult who's thinking about becoming a teacher?
"It's fulfilling in terms of human interaction with professional colleagues and students. It's nice to watch (the students) grow over the time that you have them."

5. Do you enjoy running into your old students?
"Absolutely. If I could remember all their names, I'd be all set."

6. How has high school girls soccer changed since you started coaching?
"I started at the high school 25 years ago. I did the JVs. I remember saying to a girl at the time, 'How come you weren't at practice? She said, 'I had to get my hair done.' There is no way that would happen nowadays. The girls are much more dedicated, serious, committed athletes than they were 25 years ago. Skills have improved quite a bit. The Cape Ann League has grown stronger over the years."

7. Do you follow professional soccer at all?
"I really don't follow the pros. I enjoy high school soccer. The pro game I find a little more boring. In high school soccer, when a kid makes a 20-yard pass, you get excited. In the pros, it's like catching a tennis ball with your hand. ... A professional game is more like a chess match, because every movement is so controlled, so defined. ... I do enjoy watching the women's team compete internationally."

8. You coached former National Team goalie Tracy Noonan Ducar, did you happen to see Hope Solo's tirade against (now former) women's coach Greg Ryan?
"You know, I really felt bad for her. You have to take that moment back. She should've bit her lip. ... The fact is, nobody wants to win more than the coach. He is not going to intentionally do something to make it less likely for his team to win. She should've bit her lip, but she'll mature."

9. Has coaching gotten any less exciting for you over the years?
"It never gets less exciting. They're teenagers."

North Andover takes on Belmont Wednesday in the Division 2 North quarterfinals.