"I have been blessed with many great players, coaches and friends over my tenure," said McCabe. "The cornerstone has been our love for each other, Bowdoin and a passion for competition on the athletic field. Bowdoin College has been a very special place for me and our family. It is hard to imagine life anywhere else."
McCabe was hired by Bowdoin to replace legendary coach Mort LaPointe in the summer of 1990 and, upon completion of the 2012 season, will have coached one more year than his predecessor, spanning 43 years of Polar Bear lacrosse.
Over his 21 seasons on the bench, McCabe has guided the Polar Bears to two ECAC Championships (1993, 2001), ten NESCAC Tournament appearances and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament bid, and win, in 2008.
His 215 victories are three shy of LaPointe for the most in program history and rank among the best in collegiate lacrosse. His career win total stands 11th among active Division III coaches and 16th all-time in Division III history.
"Tom has had a fantastic record at Bowdoin, but his impact on his students has extended well beyond just wins and championships," said Athletic Director Jeffrey Ward. "He cares deeply about each of his students and their entire Bowdoin experience. He always has time for them. We wish Tom and Pat all the best as they take on this new challenge in the Peace Corps. Like Mort, we hope that Tom will remain closely connected to the program when he returns."
McCabe and the Polar Bears will begin practice on February 15. Bowdoin opens its 2012 campaign at Connecticut College on March 10. The complete men's lacrosse schedule will be posted on the Bowdoin Athletics site in December.