Atlanta Blaze Head Coach John Tucker Inducted into National Lacrosse Hall of Fame
Published on May 25, 2016 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Blaze has been coached by Head Coach John Tucker in its inaugural season, whose induction into National Lacrosse's Hall of Fame was announced today. The Atlanta Blaze would like to extend their sincerest congratulations to Coach Tucker, and thank him for his service to the Blaze organization. Tucker is being inducted with eight other decorated contributors to lacrosse, and the Atlanta Blaze is lucky to have him as their coach and looks forward to a long relationship with him as head coach.
John Tucker played midfield at both Towson University and Johns Hopkins University where he was named for honorable mention All-American three times, and won a ring with the Blue Jays for capturing the NCAA Title. He then moved on to professional lacrosse, winning three gold medals for Team USA at the World Lacrosse Championships, captaining two of the teams to victory and earning a status as Top Midfielder in 1990. Tucker played seven years for the National Lacrosse League with the Philadelphia Wings, gaining two additional championships in the NLL during 1989 and 1990 before retiring from playing, with his jersey retiring soon after.
John Tucker then moved on to coaching, working in the Maryland area and winning four Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association championships before becoming a professional coach in the NLL for the Baltimore Thunder in 1997 and then the Pittsburgh Crossfire three years later. Finally, he became a coach for the MLL where he earned Coach of the Year for his work with the Los Angeles Riptide, before working for the Bayhawks and Boston Cannons. It was while working for the Cannons that he earned the honor of MLL Brine Coach of the Year before moving on to the Atlanta Blaze where he has coached the team to victory both at home and away.
He was inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame in 2010 for his stellar work with the Philadelphia Wings, and now his induction into the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame will add another award to his array of accolades. Coach Tucker said of the announcement, "I am extremely proud, honored, and humbled to be selected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. It is quite surreal at the moment. I had a lot of help getting to this point. I've been blessed to play for so many great coaches over the years. Thanks to all of my teammates who made playing the game so much fun and enjoyable." The Blaze is privileged to have such a talented and decorated coach leading the team, and there is no person the team would rather have coaching them in their inaugural season.
The Blaze will play their next home game on June 4 th against the Boston Cannons.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 25, 2016
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