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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Fan Vote Conclusive: 'It's Schiller Time'

October 26, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, October 26)... Rochester Knighthawks' fans have spoken loud and clear, selecting hometown favorite Chris Schiller as the winner of the Fan Choice Bobblehead for the 2012 National Lacrosse League season. The team will now produce 2,000 likenesses of the Penfield native to be handed out on Saturday, February 4th as the Knighthawks host the Minnesota Swarm. In the past, the Rochester Knighthawks have produced bobbleheads of Pat O'Toole and Cody Jamieson.

"I am excited to follow in Jammer's footsteps," said Schiller about last year's Jamieson bobblehead. "A lot of Knighthawks' great have had bobbleheads. I am humbled the fans would choose me to be featured as a bobblehead. It should be a fun night."

Schiller is a 10-year NLL veteran, who has played his entire career with Rochester. The Penn State graduate is in the Top 10 in Knighthawks history in games played and loose balls, and is a three-time winner of the team's Unsung Hero Award (2003, 2006 and 2008). With his longevity in Rochester, fans have noticed his productivity on defense and in transition but have also noticed a change in his appearance, most noticeably with his hairstyle.

The alternate captain had a suggestion for his likeness, "Maybe we can go retro back to 1995 when I had a full mop of blond hair."

The 34-year-old defenseman received 41 percent of the votes with Matt Vinc finishing second with 27. Craig Point and Jordan Hall finished third and fourth respectively as several hundred votes were recorded via the Facebook Fan Voting. Schiller offered some consolation to the players he edged in the voting.

"The other players are the face of the Knighthawks. I am the head of the Knighthawks," said the always candid Schiller. "It will be a good autograph bobblehead because there will be a lot of space to sign it."

He immediately knew who would "congratulate" him first once the news was released this afternoon. "Former Knighthawk Pat Cougevan will be the first to text me. I am sure I will get a few texts, photos, who knows what," said Schiller.

Joking aside, he is very deserving of the honor having won titles in both the indoor and outdoor professional leagues. Schiller has also represented Rochester oversees with the United States national teams. In 2010, he won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 World Field Lacrosse Championships. Additionally, he won bronze with the US Indoor Team in 2007 and 2011, serving as the team captain of the 2011 team. Schiller received the ultimate local individual award last year with his induction into the US Lacrosse Greater Rochester Chapter Hall of Fame.

Now he will be immortalized as a bobblehead and occupy a place in people's homes, businesses and vehicles. He is looking forward to following the molding process and the creation of his very own bobblehead. He is especially curious to see the reaction from his soon to be four-year-old daughter, Bryn.

"It's going to be weird. It will be strange to see that bald bobblehead," he said. "I can't wait to see my daughter's reaction. It will be funny."

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National Lacrosse League Stories from October 26, 2011


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