Geoff Chenworth, Northampton’s head boys’ lacrosse coach and a longtime youth coach in the Lehigh Valley, died Monday evening. He was 58 years old.
Mr. Chenworth was a well-known mentor in the area, having previously served as head coach at Parkland (2009-2011) and as an assistant at Allentown Central Catholic (2016-19). Mr. Chenworth, who had a 1-12 record last year, was named Northampton’s first varsity coach for the 2020 season (which was canceled due to COVID-19). Before Mr. Chenworth was hired, the program had been running at the club level for about ten years.
Northampton Athletic Director Shaun Murray stated that players were informed of their coach’s death on Tuesday and that Chenworth’s three assistants, Francis Meagher, Bill Stump, and Geoffrey Lowell, will lead the team as preseason workouts continue. Meagher will take over as interim head coach.
As Parkland’s head coach, Mr. Chenworth had a 36-20 record. His last game was a 12-4 victory over Pleasant Valley last year.
“We have three assistants who have known Geoff for a long time and will stay with the program,” Murray said. “We believe that being together is the best thing for our boys, whether it is practicing or being there for each other and supporting each other.”
“The coaches have undoubtedly demonstrated a willingness to keep it going, not only for the boys, but also to honor Geoff’s memory.” It is exactly what he would have wanted, for them to put in the effort. He was so proud of the boys and all they had accomplished in the three years he had been here.
“The impact he had at the time – through COVID – and the relationships he established in the community are irreplaceable.” I would never met anyone who was so enthusiastic about what he did.
“The time he spent with the kids in a relatively new sport…along with the time he spent with youth lacrosse for more than a decade has had such an impact.” He will be sorely missed.”
In the early 2000s, Mr. Chenworth was instrumental in establishing the nearby youth program at Schnecksville. He was a lacrosse player at Calvert Hall (MD) and Bucknell University.
