Shawnee's Gushue selected top coach

During games, it was often hard to tell who was in charge.

And that's probably the greatest testament to Tim Gushue's role as head coach of the Shawnee boys' lacrosse team.

His staff featured young assistant coaches, former players of Gushue's who ran the team's offense and defense.

And most glaringly, there was the older gentleman who stalked the sidelines, leaning on a walker. He was loud, brash and passionate, oozing with knowledge.

His name is Bob Turco. He's something of a forefather of lacrosse in the state.

And the biggest reason he was with Shawnee this season - and why he had such a notable impact - was Gushue, The Inquirer's Coach of the Year in South Jersey boys' lacrosse.

"I am here because he asked me, and if I played, I would want to play for him," said Turco, founder of Tri-State Lacrosse, one of the state's premier lacrosse club programs.

Over decades in the sport, Turco has coached several high school state champions and has experience at the college level.

"He's one of the greatest coaches I've been around," Turco said, "not just because of what he does as a coach, but because he's such a great role model for people. His work ethic is exceptional. And he cares so deeply."

This season was one of Shawnee's most successful in 11 years of boys' lacrosse.

The Renegades finished 19-5, highlighted by an upset of Moorestown in the South Jersey Group 3 final.

And while Gushue concedes control during games, much of the team's success is unquestionably the result of how he manages the program and maximizes the talents of a dynamic coaching staff.

"I leave the X's and O's to those guys. I let them coach," Gushue said. "There's a lot of trust there."

Turco coaches several Shawnee players at Tri-State Lacrosse, and that is how his and Gushue's paths first crossed more than a decade ago. And when he found his schedule open this winter, Turco was glad to receive a call from Gushue.

"He let me do what I can do," Turco said. "And I am so appreciative of that. I wouldn't want to be a head coach again, so I am blessed not only to have him, but also to have these great kids who are really in his image."