NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Walters Supports His Hometown Lacrosse Program

Published on February 10, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, February 10)... Can you image taking batting practicing with Albert Pujols, skating with Wayne Gretzky or shooting jump shots with LeBron James?

For nearly 100 area lacrosse players, they experienced a similar thrill Tuesday night at All Star Sports Arena in Irondequoit. The kids from for the West Irondequoit Youth Lacrosse developmental program took pointers from Rochester Knighthawks transition man Joe Walters.

"Tonight is obviously a very special privilege with someone like Joe Walters (coming to the session)," said West Irondequoit Lacrosse Board Member Craig Eichmann. "He is an alumnus of Irondequoit. All the kids know him and have his poster on their wall." The demonstration was a chance for Walters to share his lacrosse knowledge with the first to sixth grade boys and girls that will one day play at the same high school he attended: West Irondequoit.

"It is a pretty cool feeling coming from here and going through the ranks from middle school to high school and then on to college," said Walters. "It's nice to talk these kids so they can have the same opportunities that I did. It's a good feeling to talk to them and pass on some knowledge."

Walters is in his second season with the Knighthawks and is one of the most decorated college lacrosse players in Rochester sports history. While at the University of Maryland, he was a four-time All-American and was the 2006 recipient of the Jack Turnbull Memorial Award as the Attackman of the Year. He was also a candidate for the Tewaaraton Trophy, given to the National Player of the Year. He still holds Maryland's all-time record for points and goals with 227 and 153, respectfully. He has also won back-to-back titles in the pro field lacrosse league.

This season, he switched to transition with the Knighthawks and responded with three assists in his first game. In six games, he has one goal, four assists and 19 loose balls.

Although balancing the two pro leagues, owning a local diner and running a nationwide lacrosse camp business, he still had time to spend with the kids. The focus of his talk was proper shooting technique. Afterward, he answered questions and signed autographs for the kids on their helmets, lacrosse balls, sticks and team photos.

"I just hope they got something out of it. There were some pretty valuable points I was giving them," said Walters. "When I was their age, Gary Gait and Paul Gait, specifically, I went to a bunch of their camps and clinics. There were things I picked up on. I am just trying to give back to those kids and give them one point... one thing they walk away with that will make them a better player."

The kids and coaches will show their appreciation for Walters during the Knighthawks' regular season home finale. The folks at West Irondequoit are preparing to attend the Saturday, April 10th game against the Philadelphia Wings.

"We have the date already squared away on April 10th that we are going to do a lacrosse night for Irondequoit," said Eichmann. "We'll have the kids out there for the tunnel team before the game and have the kids playing during halftime. The whole organization is looking forward to that."

Walters and the K-Hawks return to the turf on Saturday, February 13th for a 2:05 p.m. contest against the Boston Blazers at The Blue Cross Arena.

For ticket information or to book a player appearance, call the Knighthawks office at (585) 454-5335. Tickets are also available online at knighthawks.net and ticketmaster.com.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 10, 2010


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