By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/29/08
Even though he is now a Hall of Famer, Brian Dougherty says he is not done playing lacrosse.
Friday night the popular Philadelphia Barrage goalie and Haverford College assistant coach was one of seven people inducted into the University of Maryland Sports Hall of Fame. Dougherty, affectionately known as “Doc,” said he graciously accepted his award and even wondered if he deserved such an honor while he was still playing.
“I am still playing, and it seems that something like this should be for when you’re done playing,” said the 1996 graduate who was a two-time NCAA Goalie of the Year at Maryland. “It’s only been 12 years since I graduated. Since I am the only one still playing, this is even more of an honor.”
Dougherty, 34, was accompanied by his parents, his wife, his brother and other friends. Each inductee was introduced with a video of their playing highlights at Maryland; they also showed highlights of Dougherty in the pros.
Not to anyone’s surprise, Dougherty – know for his free spirit – gave an entertaining speech that came with no rehearsal.
“I got up there, and thanked some people, and made fun of some other people,” said the Episcopal Academy graduate. “I don’t really remember what I said; I don’t plan speeches. But I felt pretty comfortable; I get up and speak from the heart.
“I didn’t know what to expect. But the event was awesome. There were three governors and 10 senators there. I had about 100 people say I was hilarious, including the governors.”
Dougherty, a three-time Warrior Goalie of the Year in Major League Lacrosse (MLL), was a two-time First-Team All-American and was also named the nation’s outstanding tournament player when he led the Terps to the finals in 1995.
Dougherty was voted Outstanding Player in the North-South game and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference 50th Anniversary team. Dougherty played two seasons for Rochester in the MLL and then came to Philadelphia to play for the Barrage. He led the Barrage to MLL titles both in 2006 and 2007, garnering save percentages of 62.7 and 58.0, respectively.
Dougherty also played for Team Toyota and was a member of the U.S. team in the world games. As a coach, “Doc” served as an assistant for his alma mater, McDonough School in Baltimore, as well as Penn, before coming to Haverford with current coach Mike Murphy.
The rest of the 2008 Maryland inductees included Kelly Amonte-Hiller (lacrosse, soccer), Keith Booth (basketball), Kim Chorosiewski (lacrosse, field hockey), David Diehl (M Club Executive), Darryl Hill (football) and the Hon. Thomas V. “Mike” Miller (meritorious service).
Dougherty said he hopes to play again next year in the MLL, especially if the Barrage return to Philadelphia. This year the two-time champs had to play all their games on the road since the team was run by the MLL pending sale of the franchise.
“I still feel good, and I still feel I can play this game,” he said. “It depends on what happens with the Barrage.
“I don’t know if I can take another 22,000 miles in a journey around the country. If it’s the Utah Barrage, I won’t guarantee I’ll continue to play. But if we play in Philadelphia, you’ll have to take a forklift and pull me out to make me stop playing.”
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