Rupturing my achilles tendon and being carried off the field just minutes into the 3rd Annual Woodstick Classic Alumni Game was certainly not how I'd imagined the day to end. That moment last year was nothing short of a life changing experience, and I'll forever remember the date 4/27/13. The brutal reality quickly set in that I had to consider the possibility I'd never step on the field again. I was in a bit of shock and disbelief that I was facing something that is considered by most to be a career ending injury. Playing lacrosse has always been such an important and rewarding part of my life that it was tough to imagine that I'd played my last game. As you know, I decided to share my story with you through this blog in hopes that I could inspire a person or two, or everyone along the journey! I did my best to keep a positive attitude through the grueling days, weeks, and months of rehab following surgery. I did my best to live according to all the advice I'd personally given my clients, players, and friends about the importance of staying positive and setting goals. I did my best to stay focused on how blessed I truly was despite the unfortunate setback. I did my best to believe that I would in fact play lacrosse again.
For 6 months I went to physical therapy 3 times a week. Most of my sessions lasted about 3 hours/day because I refused to cut corners in my recovery. On top of that, I went to the gym every day in an attempt to stay in shape. I did everything by the book and was determined to make a full recovery. As the months went on, I felt stronger and more confident in the stability of my new achilles. I gradually ramped up the intensity of my training, but was always careful not to put myself at any risk of re-injuring my right achilles or rupturing the left one. People often asked what percentage of full strength I was. The numbers were 60, 75, 80; getting closer to 100% recovery, but never there. In fact, chronic achilles pain, tightness in my calves every morning, and soreness anytime I got up from my chair became normal for me.
Needless to say, when the emails and discussions about the 4th Annual Woodstick Classic Alumni Game came out I had mixed emotions. Having received a wedding invitation that conflicted with the date... I thought my decision would be made for me and that it would be easy to "no show." However, I also started to think of all the possibilities. I realized, that with a local wedding it would technically be possible to go to the game, and still attend the wedding. Furthermore, given the level of training I'd been keeping up with it would be technically possible for me to actually play in the game, and not just watch. So, a few weeks ago, I just went on the website and signed up. I still personally reserved the right for myself to "back out at any time."
I tried to be careful about who I shared the idea with, but last week I was so excited/nervous I started talking about it a lot. Everyone I spoke to thought I was absolutely crazy. I heard "Why on Earth would you do that?" and "You're an idiot!" I wasn't really sure what to think. I was very focused the night before the game, and the morning of the game, and I showed up an hour early to start warming up and stretching out. I told myself that if I had any feeling or sense that something bad was going to happen, I'd just decide to watch and not suit up. As I warmed up I got more and more anxious about actually running out there and playing. Finally, the pre-game ceremony was held, the National Anthem was performed, and the whistle was about to be blown. I said a few important prayers and ran out on the field... ready to play again... ready to "Feel Again!"
It was a bit humbling to be moving at half speed. I consciously tried to stay in "first gear" and away from any dangerous situations. I was able to connect with Doug Croftonearly in the game to put Garden City ahead 1-0. "So far so good" I thought, "keep coasting." Garden City led most of the game and guys on both sides of the field were relatively calm. I was day-dreaming about how great a Garden City win, and an injury-free finish to the game would be. However, the momentum of the game soon started to shift and before we knew it Manhasset had come back.
The pace of the game and the tension had risen to a higher level. Manhasset took the lead by a goal with only two minutes left. Thankfully BJ Prager picked up a tough ground ball and was able to tie the game with less than a minute to play. We had one last chance to win the game, but Manhasset's goalie, "Kaz" made an amazing save to send the game into sudden-death over-time. The energy on the field and in the stands felt exactly like a Garden City vs. Manhasset game should. Lacrosse's most storied high school programs battling it on the field in OT for bragging rights.
Shortly into the over-time period with a victory on my mind I dodged hard for the first time all game (ignoring my achilles). I got a good shot off, but Kaz made another big save and the ball went down the other end. I almost couldn't watch as Manhasset had a chance to end the game and win the 4th annual match up in a row. Fortunately, our defense and goalie made a game saving stop, and the ball ended up back on our offensive end. I watched BJ Prager take advantage of a mismatch, and I saw a window for me to break open. BJ saw me and fed me the ball in a perfect shooting position. I caught the pass, eyed the goal, and took a shot over Kaz's shoulder. GOAL! I felt the sideline roar, and the whistle blow to signal that the game was over... the Woodstick Classic Alumni Game Trophy was back in Garden City!
As I ran towards my teammates to celebrate I felt a tidal wave of emotion come over me. Winning the game was a BIG deal, but the way we won was poetic justice. My comeback from an achilles rupture a year earlier, to score the winning goal of the game was a story book ending for sure. The simple lesson here is that I was rewarded for keeping a positive attitude and working hard. We are all faced with challenges in our lives. While there's no way every outcome can be as perfect as "an overtime goal" ... the only way to even have a chance at beating the odds is to stay POSITIVE amd keep working hard. Had I gotten down on myself, given up on my rehab, or just been too scared to play... there is no way I would have experienced the elation of this glorious experience. FAITH trumps fear.
The truly "Sweet Emotion" was felt in the moments and hours to come. The embraces and congratulations I received from Garden City players, Manhasset players, former coaches, friends, and family were overwhelming. I have felt a ton of support since the day I got hurt, but the genuine happiness and pride they shared with me felt amazing. It was heart warming to know that everyone had been by my side throughout my hardship, and I felt divinely gifted to be able to experience this joy with all those people. Thank you again to Dr. Drakos, Ed Farrell at Physical Solutions, and all my family and friends who gave me unwavering support throughout my recovery.
This Woodstick Classic Alumni Game sponsored by Monster's Kids represents all that is great about lacrosse. It brings two communities together to raise money for a special cause and brings us all back to "the glory days" remembering how much fun it was/is to play and to compete. I am so lucky to be part of this lacrosse community where high school rivals become college teammates, work associates, and friends for life. I want to especially thank Timmy Goettelmann for all his hard work in putting the weekend together, and for being so supportive throughout the past year. Special thanks also to the McDonough family who hosted an awesome after game party at their home. The future generation of lacrosse stars got to play on jumping castles and dance to the DJ. Meanwhile the past generation of lacrosse stars got to stand around "the barrel" laughing, telling stories, and remembering exactly what Saturday afternoons in the spring should feel like. For those counting... GC alums beat Manhasset alums 9-8. GC Varsity beat Manhasset Varsity 9-8! Just sayin!
