Philllyacrosse.com, Posted 8/12/09
The Duke’s Lacrosse Club has announced that recent graduates Grady Stevens (Unionville) and Dave Alyanakian (Strath Haven) have been awarded book scholarships in the name of the late Ricky Whelan.
Whelan, a popular Duke’s player who starred at Brown, passed away in his sleep four years ago.
The scholarships come as the Duke’s announces the dates for the Annual Ricky Whelan Duke’s Developmental Program in September and October. The clinics lead up to the Duke’s tryout date of Oct. 11.
Whelan exemplified the quality of player and person the Duke’s wishes to promote and associated itself with, according to the Duke’s coaching staff. Whelan, who played for Ashbee Lacrosse, Episcopal Academy and Brown University, was an Honor student and standout player at Brown where he was voted the team’s Unsung Player as a senior.
Stevens, an All-American and an Honor student, will play next year at Johns Hopkins as a face-off specialist and midfielder. Alyanakian, also a strong student, will play attack at Delaware. Stevens was a First-Team All-Phillylacrosse.com pick in 2009 while Alyanakian was an Honorable Mention choice.
The developmental clinics are being offered for current Duke’s players or those aspiring to play for the club, which this year was named the top boys’ club program in the pre-season by Inside Lacrosse and finished the year at the No. 3 spot.
The clinics will be held at Harriton High (Rosemont) beginning Sunday, Sept. 6, for five Sundays in September and October. It is open to boys in grades 8 through 12. Only very advanced 7th graders are eligible. The instructions will feature high intensity drills and techniques designed to increase one’s level of play in transition situations and to improve decision-making on the fly defensively and on the offensive end.
The limited-contact clinics also will feature Summit training centers, personal trainers assisting with speed and agility training. Local college players will be assisting with face-off techniques, wing play, defensive midfield techniques and other skills.
Coaches will include:
*Coach Ebe Helm -Defensive fundamentals and techniques
*Coaches Jason and John Christmas-offensive skill sets and techniques
*Coach Eric Gregg (head coach at St. Joseph’s Prep and LEAPS co-founder) goalie coach/instruction.
For more details contact Jason Christmas at johnjc32xmas@aol.com
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