Al Brown Receives Distinguished Service Award

Lacrosse Association to Present Coach Al Brown with Distinguished Service Award

The Rhode Island Lacrosse Officials Association (RILOA) will present Portsmouth Abbey Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach Al Brown with the Scott A. Shemenski Distinguished Service to Lacrosse Award at halftime during the Division I game of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League State Championships on Saturday, June 1.

An Army veteran, teacher and head lacrosse coach at Bishop Hendricken High School, Scott A. Shemenski also co-founded the Rhode Island Youth Lacrosse League in 1989 and remained a coach in that program until his death in 2001. He helped organize the RIIL's interscholastic lacrosse program, directed the Rhode Island Indoor Lacrosse League, and was treasurer of the Rhode Island Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse.

In recognizing Brown, RILOA Vice President E.J. McQuade III noted his profound influence on players throughout his 47-year career, particularly at the high school level, and the shared spirit between the two coaches.

“Scott played such an important part in the growth of lacrosse in Rhode Island, and you very much embody the service to lacrosse on and off the field – not to mention 500 wins.”

Vice President E.J. McQuade |||

Brown secured his 500th career victory on May 18 when the boys' varsity lacrosse team defeated Austin Prep 17-1.  He joined the Portsmouth Abbey community in 2000, bringing a distinguished background as a player and a coach. A standout athlete in college, he earned All-American honors twice and served as team captain his senior year. With an impressive 47 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and high school levels, he is highly respected in lacrosse. Many of his players go on to play at the collegiate level. 

RILOA’s recognition of outstanding coaches, teams, and players during the state championships has been well-received by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) and the entire lacrosse community. Presenting the awards in a prominent setting has been a force multiplier for recruiting lacrosse officials by telling the story of RILOA's work off the field to grow the game and celebrate the accomplishments of those playing or supporting the players.