NLL Colorado Mammoth

Gary Gait entering Hall of Fame

November 9, 2005 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - Before Gary Gait begins his first season as coach of the Colorado Mammoth he is to be honored for his illustrious playing career. Gait, widely considered to be the best lacrosse player in the sport's history, will be inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame this Saturday in Hunt Valley, Md.

A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Gait had an immediate impact on U.S. lacrosse when he arrived at Syracuse University in the late 1980s. He was a first-team All-American three times, two-time national player of the year and led the Orangemen to national championships in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He left Syracuse as the school's all-time leading goal scorer with 192, a record that stands today.

Gait began his 15-year professional indoor lacrosse career in 1991 with the Detroit Turbos, capturing rookie of the year honors while leading the team to the league championship. He was an All-Pro each season and was named the league's most valuable player a record six times, including 2003, his first of three seasons with the Mammoth.

Gait retired from the National Lacrosse League at the conclusion of the 2005 season as the league's all-time leader in goals (596) and points (1,091). He is also the league's most prolific playoff scorer with 66 goals in 22 career postseason games.

Gait has continued to star in the outdoor game as well, serving as both player and coach of the Baltimore Bayhawks since Major League Lacrosse debuted in 2001. Gait has led the Bayhawks to MLL championships in 2002 and 2005.

"Gary not only dominated the sport of lacrosse for the better part of two decades, but he has been a tremendous ambassador of the game," said Mammoth general manager Steve Govett, who will present Gait at the induction ceremony on Saturday. "Thousands of kids have been drawn to this wonderful game because of Gary Gait. Anyone who saw him play, practice or teach the game wanted to pick up a lacrosse stick right away."

Gait's twin brother, Paul, who came out of retirement last season to play four games alongside Gary for the Mammoth, will also be inducted on Saturday. Paul Gait also was an All-American at Syracuse and was named the NLL MVP in 2002.

Joining the Gaits in the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame class of 2005 are: Mildred Barnes, Jack Emmer, Norman Engelke, Susan Ganzenmuller, Thomas Haus, Dorothy Hayden, Amanda (Moore) O'Leary and Gillian Rattray.

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