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Lacrosse brings Texan full circle

Web Posted: 07/29/2005 12:00 AM CDT

Nishat Fatima
Express-News Staff Writer

Reeves Craig is back home in Texas, spending his summer in the blistering heat, diligently helping middle school and high school athletes improve their skills at the Crease Ranch Lacrosse Camp in Houston.

Even after spending four years at Goucher College in Baltimore, Craig doesn't mind the hot temperatures. A 2001 graduate of Saint Mary's Hall, he has been playing lacrosse for nearly 10 years.

It is a staple in his life.

"I love the sport and being around it," Craig said. "So many people helped me become a better player, and I want to do the same for others."

Craig enjoyed great success as Goucher College's goalkeeper. He made school history by becoming its first lacrosse All-American in 2003 and he was named to various All-American teams in 2004 and 2005.

In June, he started for the South in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division III All-Star Game in Cortland, N.Y. He was the Capital Athletic Conference's first-team goalkeeper for three years.

Lacrosse does not enjoy a huge following in the United States, but the best college players from East Coast universities have a chance to play professionally. Major League Lacrosse sports six teams, with franchises in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Maryland.

Most players in the league have day jobs and they balance practices and tournaments with their work schedule. But Craig, who graduated with a degree in business management in May, isn't considering the pros.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions in my life right now," Craig said. "I want to help out in the lacrosse community, but as far as a career, I'm not too sure about it.

"I don't think I am a 9-to-5 kind of guy, but if that's what I have to do, then I'll do it."

Goucher College assistant coach Dan Shaivitz said he thinks Craig could play in the MLL if he wanted.

"There's no question in my mind that he would succeed," Shaivitz said. "(Craig) is an exceptional player."