From the early part of the century until his death in 1941,
tall and humorless "Father Bill" Schmeisser, his furled
umbrella in hand, was a familiar sight on the Hopkins
lacrosse field. "This way I know it won't rain," was his response
to the uninitiated who inquired as to why he carried rain gear on
sunny afternoons.
Schmeisser played from 1900 to 1902, and coached the 1902 and 1903 teams to intercollegiate championships. A lawyer by trade, he continued as head coach from 1905-09. Even after he relinquished the reins as head coach, Father Bill remained an active member of the coaching staff, accompanying the team on its trip to the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam. (His contribution to the sport is recognized annually with the national William C. Schmeisser Award, given to the outstanding defense player in Division I.)
Father Bill's efforts were entirely altruistic: never once, in all the years he coached, did Schmeisser receive a penny of remuneration.
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