Brian Atherton can tell you everything you need to know about being a backup goalie. After all, the Tufts senior has been one since the end of middle school.
Atherton finished his collegiate lacrosse career this spring having played a total of 112 minutes over five games in four years. It was not his limited time on the field, however, that kept Atherton on the team.
"I have learned more playing lacrosse than in any class," Atherton said. "Coach [Mike] Daly has done a tremendous job and has transformed me personally into a better person and into someone who's ready to take on the world after college."
Atherton played between the pipes long before his days as a Jumbo. He picked up lacrosse as a fifth grader and split time in the goal in middle school. During high school at Pinkerton Academy, the Derry, N.H. native took on the backup role for his talented squad that won two state championships during Atherton's four years.
"I wasn't sure what to expect coming from high school to college," Atherton said. "I really didn't know much about Tufts lacrosse at the time, but I thought I would give it a shot."
Walking on to the team his freshman year in 2001, Atherton was able to follow the guidance of then-junior goalie Kirk Lutwyler. Playing behind a solid NESCAC goalie taught the freshman what the college game was all about.
"I knew coming in we had a goalie who had started his first few years," Atherton said. "[Lutwyler] was really great at teaching me how to adjust."
When current junior starter Luke Chicco landed on the team in 2002, Atherton used his one year of experience as a college backup to help the freshman get used to Tufts lacrosse.
"I stayed around because I thought I was valuable to teach the other goalies with my experience," Atherton said.
With Chicco assuming the starting position in the cage after Lutwyler's graduation in 2002, Atherton remained a backup for the duration of his Tufts career. Atherton points to only one time when he considered quitting playing lacrosse.
"There was a time my junior year when we were on spring break and I had just played, but then got really sick the next day," Atherton said. "For a while I questioned if it was worth it, but I can't imagine what I would have done had I quit."
Atherton was finally rewarded for the off-season workouts, long practices, and countless games on the sidelines on Senior Day at home against league-rival Connecticut College. Atherton started the first NESCAC game of his career, and also his second game ever as a Jumbo. The senior recorded 30 minutes of play, surrendering six goals but notching four saves. The Jumbos went on to win the game, 13-9, and secure a second seed in the NESCAC playoffs.
"Just to play was amazing," Atherton said. "I told coach Daly before that game that I was honored he was even considering me, but it was a big game. He just said 'nope, you've earned this. I'm really confident in you and we want to you start.'"
Like most seniors, Atherton has yet to make concrete plans for the future. Lacrosse, however, is something he hopes to keep in his life.
"I'd like to start coaching at some point," Atherton said. "I might go home and see if I can help my high school coach out."
"I'd also like to go pro, as a backup of course," Atherton joked. "I have to stick with what I'm used to."
Wherever life takes him, Atherton will surely be missed on the sidelines next season.
-- by Kristy Cunningham
