Matt Mackrides' Road to Recovery
March 22, 2017 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
Kennesaw - Matt Mackrides, an all-star midfielder for Atlanta in 2016 will return to the field for the Blaze this spring after his first season with the team was cut short by injury. In the Blaze's game on July 1st against the Charlotte Hounds, Mackrides collided with a defensemen from the Charlotte Hounds and immediately fell to the ground; requiring escort off the field by EMT's and Blaze medical personnel. However, with the incident now 8 months in the rear view, Mackrides is excited to return to the Blaze. Mackrides, who had posted 20 points in ten games for the Bayhawks and Blaze, said that "I got my feet tangled and while falling.was vulnerable." He went on to add that he only remembers "waking up on the field to the sound of [the Blaze's] trainer" calling his name. After a weekend of rest and recovery, Mackrides was diagnosed with a slight T3 vertebrate fracture, which required a hiatus from lacrosse - and exercise in general - to heal.
Mackrides owns and operates Blue Ox Lacrosse training facility in Berwyn, PA and said the four months without exercise were difficult given his job and active lifestyle. However, he added that once he got the go ahead to resume lacrosse activities he immediately began preparations to come back "faster and stronger in 2017." Initially focusing his workouts on strengthening his neck and back muscles, he has incorporated cardio and more varied weight lifting to be in shape come the first training camp on March 31st.
Mackrides, who signed a two-year contract extension this offseason, has been a steady offensive contributor at the professional level after a successful career at Penn State. Though he was only able to appear in three games last season for the Blaze, general manager Spencer Ford expressed his excitement at having the MLL veteran back this summer, saying "Matt is everything right about this sport." He went on to praise Mackrides' character and commitment to the team, both of which are attributes that fit the culture that Ford and the Blaze have been growing this off season. Head Coach David Huntley agreed stating, "It will be great to have Matt back on the field with us. His talent as a player is obvious [and] his leadership and enthusiasm are equally important to the Blaze. We are a better team with him in the lineup."
Having served an integral role in his short tenure for the Blaze prior to his injury, the Blaze fans and coaching staff alike are excited for a 2017 season with a healthy Mackrides. Ford summed up the excitement appropriately, stating that "the Blaze are lucky to have [Matt] in the organization for the next couple years and hopefully beyond."
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from March 22, 2017
- Matt Mackrides' Road to Recovery - Atlanta Blaze
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