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April 27, 2007
OFF THE FIELD WITH GRAHAM
TOWNSEND
Playing the role of the backup goaltender isn't an easy one. Following
the game from the sideline, the reserve netminder must remain focused
and ready to step in whenever they may be called upon.
In his third year, junior Graham Townsend (Williamsville
N.Y./Williamsville East) has watched as both Dan Webber and current
senior Ryan Kaufman have guarded the pipes in front of him. Waiting for
his turn next year, Townsend has put in the time and has remained
focused throughout his three seasons, and it shows when he sees the
field. Getting his first start late last season in the Wolverines'
National Championship tournament consolation game, Townsend has seen
increased time this season, and gives the Maize and Blue a different
look in goal with his 6'4", 215 frame.
As the 2007 campaign nears its conclusion, Townsend discusses switching
roles from starter in high school to backup in college, his tight-knit
relationship with Kaufman, and the importance of communication on the
defensive end..JPG)
On his high school lacrosse experience...
"I started playing lacrosse in 7th grade for the modified
program. The only lacrosse I had ever seen before was going to Buffalo
Bandits indoor box games so I'd never seen outdoor lacrosse to tell you
the truth. All my friends were going out for the team and it didn't
interfere with me playing hockey so I decided try out. Lacrosse was
always a second sport for me because I played travel and high school
hockey and that was always my passion. I got called up to varsity at
the end of my freshman year but didn't start until my junior year. I
worked hard in the summer and in the fall to improve my game and it
definitely paid off. In terms of lacrosse in my area, I would compare
Western New York lacrosse to lacrosse in Michigan more so than Central
New York or Long Island. But it definitely has produced some great
college players and is growing exponentially every year."
On ending up at Michigan...
"I had been a huge Michigan fan since middle school for some reason. I
guess I jumped on the band wagon and fell in love after they won the
football national championship in 1997 and also the hockey national
championship in 1996 and '98. I wanted to go to a school that had great
academics and great sports so Michigan was my first choice all the way.
I knew it would be difficult to play D-1 lacrosse so Michigan was a
perfect fit for me. I applied to Maryland, Penn State, Pitt and
Syracuse but all that mattered to me was getting into Michigan. I was
the one who told my older sister to apply here and when she didn't get
into her top choice she visited here and fell in love so I always tease
her about that."
On his knowledge of the team coming in as a freshman...
"I had met some of the guys when I used to come up and visit my sister
because she was friends with some of them. I had also attended the
Michigan Lacrosse camp the summer before my senior year so I had talked
to Coach Paul and a few of the players and they all seemed like great
guys. I knew I was going to try out for the team from the beginning."
On getting the chance to don the Maize and Blue...
"It was an amazing experience. I look back on it now and I remember
wanting to make the team so bad that first week of tryouts my freshman
year just so I could put on that winged helmet and all of the other
Michigan apparel that all of the older guys had on. My dad even has my
jerseys from freshman year and got them framed and put them up at my
house so that's something that I will always have to remind me of
playing for Michigan and being a part of the tradition here."
On the lessons learned from former netminder Dan Webber...
"Webber was a great role model for me. It was nice to be able to learn
from a first team All-American too. He was just so smooth making saves
and always seemed to be in control of the game and his defense. We had
a great group of seniors my freshman year and I still keep in touch with
Webber and a few of the other guys as well."
On switching roles from starter to backup...
"It was tough but then again I was also so excited to make the team in
the first place. I knew my role on the team and I just had to do my
best and learn every day at practice from Webber and Kaufman because I
knew my time would come. I got to get in a few games and that was a
great experience for me."
On how his confidence has grown over time...
"I think the Sonoma game was a great confidence booster for me. Not
only did it show me that I could play at this level but I think it also
showed my teammates that as well and that they had confidence in my
ability to play in games and not just practice. I took what I learned
last year and tried to carry it over as best as I could to this year."
On his relationship with senior goaltender Ryan Kaufman...
"Kaufman and I have a great relationship and that's important to both of
us. We feel like both of us are capable at getting the job done and we
support each other when the other one is in goal. Kauf has always been
great when I get into the games and make a save, he's always the first
one on the sidelines to be yelling "Great save Graham!" so it's nice to
have that support. We are also in Sports Management together so we see
each other outside of lacrosse in the classroom."
On the importance of communication...
"Leadership and communication is vital to a successful defense,
especially one that is young like we are. At times we struggle with it
during practice and a few of the games we've played but I'm really
excited for the next few weeks leading up to nationals and obviously
next year when I have basically the same personnel in front of me."
On his clearing ability...
"Both Coach Paul and the goalie coaches, Gigs and Gil, have stressed to
me the importance of clearing the ball. Coach and Gigs have really
worked with me on getting that first breakout pass right after the save
to try to get some fast break opportunities where as Gil has worked with
me to try to come out of the cage more and go after loose balls to help
get possession of it so we can effectively clear."
On his post-collegiate plans...
"Nothing as of yet. I will be in New York City this summer working for
Golf Digest in their sports marketing department which I am extremely
excited about. Other than that I'm just going to try to enjoy my senior
year next year and see what opportunities arise."
Contact: Joe Hennessy (734) 276-8493, jjhennes@umich.edu
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