Queens University's Wray To Play Professional Lacrosse In Calgary
Queens assistant coach drafted second overall
December 20, 2003

Courtesy Queens University Sports Information Office

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 20, 2003) - Taylor Wray, assistant men's lacrosse coach at Queens University of Charlotte, was the second pick taken in the National Lacrosse League's (NLL) annual entry draft. Wray was acquired by the Calgary Roughnecks and will report to training camp this weekend.

"I'm a Roughneck and I'm excited to be one," said Wray, a 24-year-old Edmonton product who is happy to bring his game back to Alberta. "Lacrosse in Alberta has given me a lot of opportunities and it will be great to go back and help promote the sport."

According to Roughnecks president and GM Brad Banister, acquiring Wray adds another dimension to Calgary's team. Wray stands 6'2" and 225 pounds and is a stellar defenseman. Additionally, Wray has the open field and short-stick skills that are required of the NLL's indoor quick style of play.

"The first pick was the important one, you have to see that guy," said Banister. "He is an automatic impact player who can play for any team in our league right now."

Wray is excited to start his NLL career.

"Professional lacrosse has been in the back of my mind for a few years," said Wray. "I knew I wanted to play professionally. I grew up playing mostly indoor lacrosse and this is the game I love."

Wray played four years of college lacrosse at Duke University and graduated last year with a B.S. in Pre-Medicine. Wray was a captain for the Blue Devils, who were two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament Champions and three-time participants in the NCAA Tournament. He led his team to a top 25 national ranking and was also a three-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll. He is currently pursuing his Master's in teaching at Queens.

Calgary will have its practices on Thursday or Friday nights, and games are on the weekends. Wray will commute on nights and weekends so that he can continue to coach Queens University of Charlotte's team. He knows Queens' players will be watching his progress closely, as many of the NLL's games are televised.

"The guys are real excited about me getting drafted. I think they realize now that with hard work and determination, it becomes more of a realistic option for them after college," said Wray.

Queens head coach James Fritz is also thrilled with Wray's opportunity.

"I am extremely excited for Taylor and our program," said Fritz. "It says a lot about the quality of our program and it will mean a lot to see Queens represented in the NLL."

The entry draft consisted of ten rounds and the NLL's ten teams took a total of 83 players. The NLL has teams in Buffalo, Philadelphia, Rochester, Toronto, Anaheim, Arizona, Calgary, Colorado, San Jose and Vancouver. Calgary's first game is at Vancouver on January 9, 2004. Additional information can be obtained form the NLL's official web site, www.NLL.com.

Queens University of Charlotte is a private, coed, Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts university in the heart of historic Charlotte serving approximately 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students through its College of Arts and Sciences, The Pauline Lewis Hayworth College and the McColl Graduate School of Business.

For additional information visit Queens' website (www.queens.edu/athletics), or call Queens University of Charlotte at 704 337-2585.