Dear UMBC Community,
We were saddened to learn this week about the passing of E. Richard (Dick) Watts. Mr. Watts served as the University’s first athletics director from 1967-1985, and also as the Men’s Lacrosse Coach from 1971-1993. Mr. Watts played a vital role in building the foundation for the burgeoning Division I program that exists at UMBC today. Under his leadership, UMBC Athletics became a well-recognized and respected program throughout the Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor and beyond.
During his tenure as Athletics Director, Mr. Watts oversaw the completion of the UMBC Fieldhouse, the Natatorium, and UMBC Stadium. At the same time, teams experienced success at the NCAA Division II level. The men’s soccer, basketball, and baseball programs participated in NCAA Division II Tournament play in the latter part of the 1970s, and women’s programs in basketball and lacrosse began to flourish in the early 1980s.
As the lacrosse coach, Mr. Watts amassed 178 wins in 23 seasons. He was named the USILA Coach of the Year in 1980, after coaching the team to UMBC’s lone national championship to date. That year, his team capped a stellar season with a 23-14 victory over Adelphi in the NCAA Division II national championship game.
Watts was a two-time All-American defenseman for the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays in 1955 and 1956. Following his playing career, he coached at Baltimore Friends School and Kenyon College before arriving at UMBC. After his tenure at UMBC, Mr. Watts spent 23 years at Stevenson University as the Director of Physical Education, where he guided the school's physical education, intramural, and intercollegiate athletic programs.
Mr. Watts is a member of three Halls of Fame, including the U.S. Lacrosse National Hall of Fame (2008). Recognized as an outstanding player, coach, administrator, and supporter, Watts was inducted as "a great contributor." He was also inducted into the UMBC Athletics and U.S. Lacrosse Greater Baltimore Chapter Halls of Fame.
We extend our most sincere condolences to his wife Marcie, his children, and extended family, including the UMBC Men’s Lacrosse community and people who he worked with during his time at UMBC.
Funeral arrangements are not complete at this time. When they are set, they will be available at www.umbcretrievers.com.
Greg Simmons, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Brian Barrio, Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation
Brian Barrio, Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation
