Sports stats



NLL Colorado Mammoth

Mammoth Defenseman Davies Chose Lacrosse Over Football

February 4, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - For Mammoth rookie defenseman Ben Davies, weekend games used to mean bleachers, pigskin and third-down conversions on a football field under Friday night lights. Now, weekend games mean crosschecks, loose balls and penalty kills on HealthONE Field under the Pepsi Center lights.

Growing up in New Westminster, British Columbia, Davies spent most of his childhood playing lacrosse and hockey, never once considering playing football. When his high school program started its football program back up after a 25-year absence, Davies was asked by the coach to join the team halfway through the season. Davies immediately got into to the line-up playing safety, and was also the back-up quarterback in just his first season playing in an organized league.

To most, the fact that he never played football until 10th grade may be shocking, but Davies explained that it wasn't that uncommon in his hometown. "A lot of the kids at our school hadn't played much football. We were all hockey and lacrosse players, which wasn't a bad thing because we all were pretty good athletes. We all liked to run and hit, so we learned the game [of football] pretty quickly,"

The following season, Davies and his team made it all the way to the semi-finals. Although they lost a close game, it was that night, he says, that football had him hooked. Davies spent the next summer focusing primarily on football instead of lacrosse. It was a tough decision, but one he would face many times in the future. His commitment paid off, as his team climbed the polls from unranked to 5th in the province.

In his senior season, Davies was recruited to play on the gridiron at the University of Calgary. Although excited about the opportunity, he was once again torn between his love for football and lacrosse. A self-proclaimed lacrosse player first, Davies made the tough decision and committed to playing football.

The start of the collegiate season saw Davies in an all-too-familiar position, as the team's back-up quarterback. He saw no playing time in his rookie season but loved dressing for games, calling plays from the sidelines, and being a part of the team.

Before returning to the University of Calgary for his sophomore season, Davies experienced a case of "cold feet." He realized football had taken over lacrosse and he couldn't let that continue. Instead of returning for his second year, Davies transferred to Simon Fraser University to play lacrosse alongside childhood friends.

This change-of-heart has worked out well for Davies, as he was selected by the Mammoth in the 2009 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. While an injury kept him sidelined in 2010, Davies has played in every game to-date this season.

Even though he hasn't played football in several years, Davies credits his time between the hashes with making him the athlete he is. "I believe I wouldn't have the work ethic I do today if I didn't play football and didn't have all the great coaches and teammates along the way."

This weekend, Davies' focus will be on lacrosse until Sunday when he tunes in to watch the Super Bowl. As for his pick

"I am going to have to go with Green Bay. I like how Aaron Rodgers has come in and filled Favre's shoes. I know everyone is saying Pittsburgh is going to take it, and since I'm usually a fan of the underdog, that gives me another reason to go for Green Bay. I predict 23-20 Green Bay. It's going come down to a long field goal."

Davies himself is no stranger to close games. All four of the Mammoth's games this season have been decided by just one goal. Colorado takes on the Washington Stealth on Saturday night at 7pm on HealthONE Field at Pepsi Center. Mammoth Guys Night Out packages to Saturday's game are on sale now and include two tickets, two beers (or sodas) and a $10 Altitude Authentics gift card.

Check out the Colorado Mammoth Statistics



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 4, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central