Boston, Mass. (August 16, 2010) -Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced Wednesday that attackman Tim Goettelmann of the Long Island Lizards has been honored as the 2010 New Balance MLL Sportsman of the Year, according to MLL Commissioner David Gross. Players are nominated for this honor by the coaches and general managers of the six MLL teams and the finalists are presented to New Balance for consideration.
The New Balance MLL Sportsman of the Year was created in 2004 and recognizes a player who has consistently demonstrated sportsmanship through tenacity, determination, and fair play on the field over the course of the regular season. In addition, The Sportsman of the Year should also be an individual involved in off-field charity work, which not only promotes the sport of lacrosse, but also helps youth players understand the importance of sportsmanship and team play.
This is the second straight season the 10-year veteran has won the award. This year Goettelmann donated his entire 2010 Major League Lacrosse salary, to his foundation "Monster's Kids." The foundation, named after his lacrosse nickname "The Monster," raises money to local Long Island Children's hospitals.
Goettelmann's salary went to the Pediatric Emergency Wing at the Cohen Children's Medical Center of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. In the past two years, Monster's Kids has raised over $100,000.
For more information on the foundation visit: http://tinyurl.com/yffqokf
"New Balance is thrilled to honor Tim Goettelmann as New Balance Sportsman of the Year," says Mark Cavanaugh, general manager of team sports for New Balance. "New Balance is proud to associate our brand with athletes like Tim who share our values of integrity and teamwork and are committed to giving back to their communities.
On the field, Goettelmann is a ten-year veteran of Major League Lacrosse, joining the League back in 2001. He has played for the Lizards in every one of those ten seasons. Goettelmann is the all-time Major League Lacrosse record holder in games played, goals and game-winning goals. He became the league's all-time goal scoring leader on July 31st with a three-goal performance against the Toronto Nationals
Goettelmann notched 21 goals and added 8 assists this season.
All-Time New Balance MLL Sportsman of the Year
2004 Kevin Finneran, Philadelphia Barrage
2005 Pat McCabe, Long Island Lizards
2006 Michael Culver, Chicago Machine
2007 Greg Bice, Los Angeles Riptide
2008 Tom Zummo, Boston Cannons
2009 Tim Goettelmann, Long Island Lizards
2010 Tim Goettelmann, Long Island Lizards
Goettelmann and his #3 seed Long Island Lizards will face the #2 seed Denver Outlaws on Saturday, August 21 at 3:00 PM ET in the second semifinal game of the MLL Championship Weekend presented by Warrior. The winner of that game will go up against either the Chesapeake Bayhawks or the Boston Cannons in the Championship Game on Sunday, August 22 at 1:00 PM ET.
The 2010 Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend presented by Warrior takes place at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, one of the nation's premier athletic venues. Tailgating is permitted for both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:00 AM. A number of great attractions will be featured in the fan zone on both days, including the Warrior Lacrosse Chop Shop, musical performances by MAD PLANET, Bud Light Build-A-Bar, face painting and other activities for fans.
Tickets for the 2010 Championship Weekend presented by Warrior are still available. Complete MLL Championship Weekend packages which include tickets to all three playoff games start at just $30 and may be purchased by calling 866-MLL-TIXX or by visiting www.majorleaguelacrosse.com. Single day tickets will go on sale beginning Sunday, August 15 and will cost $20.
ABOUT NEW BALANCE:
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. In early 2004, New Balance acquired Warrior Lacrosse, widely recognized as the world's most cutting edge manufacturer of lacrosse equipment. In August, 2006, New Balance acquired Brine, a recognized industry leader in soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and volleyball based in Milford, MA. New Balance employs 4,000 people around the globe, and in 2008 reported worldwide sales of $1.64 billion. For more information please visit http://www.newbalance.com.