Taylor Wray top dog in Roughnecks physical tests
October 26, 2006 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB - The results of the Roughnecks annual physical tests are in.
And the overall winner is ... assistant captain Taylor Wray.
"Taylor's a horse," said General Manager Kurt Silcott, "a man quite capable of winning games on his own. And now that's he living in Calgary, rather than having to travel here from North Carolina for every practice and game, we fully expect him to return to the form that won him the NLL's co-defender of the year award only two seasons ago."
Though Wray came first in only one of the many tests - he hoisted 429 lbs. in the squat lift - he challenged for the top spot in several others, including lateral agility, anaerobic endurance, aerobic power and core stability.
Lewis Ratcliff, the club's leading scorer the past three years, came second in the rankings, followed by Shawn Cable, Ryan McNish and Andrew McBride.
McBride emerged victorious in three categories:
1) fastest over 40 yards (newcomer Kerry Susheski was a close second)
2) lateral agility
3) fastest recovery from aerobic work
"If Andrew can increase his upper body strength and aerobic power, he will move up several places on the chart," said trainer Greg Hart.
"Andrew plays his heart out every night and he approaches his training the same way."
Hart was also impressed by the team spirit, displayed by veterans and newcomers alike.
"I've no doubt that spirit contributed to the great results, with guys cheering on team-mates, especially the tests that end in utter exhaustion," he said.
Other winners were:
-Highest total strength: Ratcliff (802 lbs. total in bench and squat)
-Strength compared to body weight: Cable (3.98 times of his body weight)
-Most flexible: Veteran Andy Ogilvie
-Vertical jump: Derek Tom ( McNish came second)
-Upper body explosive power: Craig Gelsvik
-Aerobic power: Assistant captain Kyle Goundrey (Ratcliff was close behind)
-Core stability: Kevin Reid
-Anaerobic endurance: Jeff Shattler (trailed by Taylor Wray, McBride and Cable)
-Bench press: Ratcliff and goalie Andrew Leyshon tied at 382 lbs.
Two players who are expected to make the premier squad, Jeff Moleski and Scott Anderson, both of whom live in Prince George, British
Columbia, did not take the tests this past weekend. They will go through their paces November 12.
"It was not surprising to see guys like Lewis Ratcliff and Taylor Wray provide high scores," said team trainer Greg Hart, "but it was great to see Shawn Cable returning to the team in excellent shape.
Hart also singled out newcomer Jeff Shattler and the oldest man on the squad Andy Ogilvie for special mention.
"I was impressed by Shattler's level of commitment and perseverance, while Ogie is the most flexible guy on the team - and by a wide margin," concluded Hart.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from October 26, 2006
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- Taylor Wray top dog in Roughnecks physical tests - Calgary Roughnecks
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