Inspiration

One of the inspirations for my Stick project was the book The Spirit in the Stick by Neil Duffy. I had the privilege of meeting Neil at a U.S. Lacrosse event where he was the featured speaker. He had given me a copy of his book, with the request that when I was finished, I had to describe what I would carve in the stick that is the centerpiece of the story. It was a great way to look back on my five decades in the game.

Neil was kind enough to create a blog where you can read his exceptional and accessible work. I hope you will think about what you might carve on your wooden stick!  Click here to go to his blog.

Legendary Johns Hopkins coach Bob Scott (who has his own entry in the pantheon of lacrosse books) wrote an introduction for the book, here in edited form.

“Lacrosse is one of the great team games on the American sports scene. Nearly everyone who has played it or watched it as a spectator loves the game. Lacrosse gets in your blood because it is such a fast-moving and exciting sport.”

Lacrosse, considered the oldest sport known to North America, is a game rich in tradition and history. Yet there is very little lacrosse literature. So it is with great pride that I introduce The Spirit in the Stick. This work is, to the best of my knowledge, the first and only of its kind. Its story is so deep and powerful that it is sure to enrich everyone who reads it.

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Neil Duffy has shared the incredible story of a boy, Robbie Jones, who joins an ageless fraternity when he is presented with an ancient Native American lacrosse stick by Navy’s Jimmy Lewis, considered by many, myself included, to be one of the game’s greatest players. The stick and its original custodian, an Indian boy named Red Hawk, lead Robbie on a journey to places through time to visit with people he could never have imagined. Robbie learns lessons of integrity, respect, and honor from each of the stick’s previous custodians.

In much the same way lacrosse does, The Spirit in the Stick will captivate your heart, mind, and soul. It will get into your blood. Prepare to embark on a marvelous and special journey. I’m sure you will enjoy it!”