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By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/26/09
Re-posted 4/6/10
Ridley midfielder Tyler Johnston has signed a national letter of intent to play Division I lacrosse at Georgetown University.
Johnston was an All-American and All-Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association (EPSLA) choice last year when he led the Green Raiders with 43 goals. He earned first-team All-Central League and Third-Team All-Phillylacrosse.com honors.
Johnston also played for the Philly team on the Under Armour Underclassmen team that placed third at Towson University.
Johnston said he is considering studying business and law.
“I was taken aback by the campus, the whole surroundings,” Johnston said. “The buildings are unbelievable and I really liked the coaches; coach (David) Urick and the assistants.”
As a sophomore, Johnston scored 39 goals and also earned first-team Central League and All-EPSLA honors while playing attack, helping the Raiders win the Central League crown.
Johnston was moved to midfield last year and admits he has grown to like the position.
“Actually, I am excited to play midfield,” he said. “At Georgetown I will play wherever they need me.”
Johnston is optimistic the Raiders can challenge in the Central League this year.
“I honestly think we can contend in the Central League,” he said. “I know Conestoga and Springfield-Delco have a lot of strong people back, but I think we can compete with them. Nearly, our whole starting lineup is back; we lose a couple poles, but we are replacing them with younger guys.”
Johnston said he plays a slightly different role at midfield than attack.
“Right now, I am not trying to take the scoring role, it’s more of leadership and being the quarterback of the offense,” he said. “Having played attack helps. I know the cuts and where everyone is supposed to be.”
Johnston has played club lacrosse both for the Duke’s Lacrosse Club and Team HEADstrong, as well as for Ridley’s summer team. He is proud to also be a volunteer for HEADstrong Foundation events and is happy to wear the lime green colors in honor of Ridley grad Nick Colleluori and his legacy.
“Any time I can help out with a fundraiser so I can give back to the organization is great,” he said. “We still have his (Nick’s) jersey in our locker room and everyone touches it before going out on the field.
“If we lose, the coaches always say we should have played more like Nick. It always comes back to Nick.”
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