By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/23/11
Lawrenceville School (N.J.) rising senior defenseman James Lawrence has made a commitment to play Division I lacrosse and begin the admission process at Brown University.
Lawrence is a two-year starter who helped the Big Red finish 18-3 and win the Mid-Atlantic Prep League title this year. Two of Lawrenceville’s losses were to Malvern Prep, 10-8, and the nation’s top-ranked team, Haverford School, 13-11, in the semifinals of the Inter-Ac Invitational.
“I chose Brown because coach (Lars) Tiffany is a great guy and his program is on the rise,” Lawrence said. “I heard a story about when he was first interviewing for the job at Brown that made my choice easy.
“He told the search committee that his success as a coach shouldn’t be judged by how many National Championships he wins during his tenure, but should rather be judged 20 years from now by the quality and personal success of the graduates of Brown University’s lacrosse program.
“I don’t only want to play for a coach who wants to see me do my best on the field, but also a coach who wants to see me do my best in life.”
Lawrence plans to study Political Science at Brown.
“I plan to focus on Political Science in preparation for a life of public service following graduation,” he said. “I will also focus on Economics, as I believe it’s becoming increasingly imperative that politicians understand this defining aspect of our nation.”
Lawrence, originally from Minneapolis, MN., came to Lawrenceville to play ice hockey. He did not begin playing lacrosse until his sophomore year, when he earned a starting spot, and credited Big Red coaches Allen Fitzpatrick and M.V. Whitlow for his development.
Lawrence said one of his top memories of the 2011 season was the battle with Haverford School in the Inter-Ac semis – a game Lawrenceville led much of the way.
“Our season had ups and downs, culminating in an all-out battle against Haverford,” he said. “They’re obviously a spectacular team, and my hat is off to the entire Haverford Lacrosse program.
“The wounds from that loss are still fresh, but I’ve heard from numerous people in the lacrosse community – from fans to parents to Division 1 coaches – that it was the best quality high school lacrosse game they had ever seen, and that the wealth of talent on each side of the field was unparalleled anywhere else in the country.
“I suppose that is some sort of consolation, but everyone in the Lawrenceville Lacrosse program will be working hard over the next year to avenge the loss next spring.”
*Note – As such with all Ivy League commitments, student-athletes will go through the regular admissions process with their respective universities, as no spot is guaranteed in each university.
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