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Health & Fitness

Meet Evolution Lacrosse Coaches Tim Martin & Mickey Norton

Evolution Lacrosse Academy is staffing up for Summer Camp 2014. The coaching staff once again this year will be comprised of some of the top local male and female high school/college players. Over the coming weeks, we will introduce the Evolution Lacrosse coaching staff through a series of short profiles. 

We start off with Tim Martin and Mickey Norton. Both played for Evolution Lacrosse Academy Founder Matt Podwoski at Boonton High School on a pretty special team, and both went to Muhlenburg College to play some very competitive lacrosse.

Tim Martin

Position: Midfield

How long have you been playing lacrosse? 17 years

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Playing Experience: 

  • Boonton High School Class of 2004, 4 year varsity letter (2 year captain)
  • Muhlenberg College class of 2008, 4 year varsity letter (senior captain)

Coaching Experience: 

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  • Chatham High School 2009 – Freshmen CoachVarsity Assistant
  • West Essex High School 2010-present – Varsity Assistant

Achievements/Awards: 

  • 2-time all-conference and 1 year all-state at Boonton High School
  • 2008 Arthur Taylor Award Winner (program commitment and contribution) at Muhlenberg College

Best moment of your lacrosse career: 

Ending my career at Muhlenberg as a 4 year starter and helping build the program to its first winning season in program history, to a school record for wins in a season, and its first Centennial Conference postseason appearance in school history.

What is it that you love about the sport of lacrosse? 

Its perfect. It’s the only sport that requires a player to be fast, smart, physical, selfless and patient all at once. The game of lacrosse has so many intricacies and unique situations, no two plays are ever alike. 

What draws you to coaching? 

The most influential people in my life have all been coaches. I love the ability to have such a profound influence on others by teaching them something that I love. 

What would you say to a young athlete considering playing lacrosse? 

If you love a challenge, you’ll have the time of your life playing this sport. Its football, basketball, hockey and soccer all rolled into one. And its not a penalty to swing a metal stick at someone. 

When I'm not playing or coaching lacrosse, I like to... spend quality time with my wife and dog. 

Mickey Norton

Position: Attack, Midfield

How long have you been playing lacrosse? 

Since 6th grade, I am currently 27 years old and I still play in men’s leagues in the summer.

Playing Experience: 

Started varsity at attack all 4 years of high school for Boonton High School, and also started all 4 years of college (3 years attack, 1 midfield) for Muhlenberg College.

Coaching Experience: 

  • 2009 Depaul Catholic High School (Assistant Coach)
  • 2010 Morris Catholic High School (Assistant Coach)
  • 2011-2013 Montville High School (Assistant Coach)
  • 2014-Present, Boonton High School (Head Coach)

Achievements/Awards? 

  • High School: Over 100 career points and 100 career assists, 1st team all-conference, 2nd team all-state, member of the Gil-Gibbs All-Star Team.
  • College: Two time All-Centennial Conference member (once at attack, and once at midfield), the schools’ All-time leader in points and all-time leader in assists.

Best moment of your lacrosse career: 

In my senior year of college, going on a 7-game winning streak and beating Ursinus College to make it to the Centennial Conference Playoffs (arguably the most competitive conference in division 3), it took my class 4 years to finally achieve it. 

What is it that you love about the sport of lacrosse? 

I love how it is such a team sport. Every single member of the team plays a vital role in the teams’ growth and success. I also love how fast the game is, and how quickly a game can change in a matter of seconds.

What draws you to coaching? 

First and foremost is the love of the game. I felt that I learned so much over the years as a player and I have grown to genuinely love this game inside and out, so I feel the best thing I could do is to instill some of my wisdom to a group of young men who hopefully love this game and feel the same passion that I do. Second, I love the competitive side of being a coach. I still get those pre-game jitters and the pre-game excitement as a coach as I did when I was a player. Being able to be the mentor and person in charge of 30-40 young, eager, and competitive young men is what has generally drew me to coaching.

What would you say to a young athlete considering playing lacrosse? 

I would stress how important it is take the time during the off-season to find a wall and work on catching and throwing with both hands. If you can’t find a wall then get a friend to have a catch with you. Most kids play other sports today, which is great. I feel playing other sports is great for keeping yourself in shape, keeping the competitive edge, and being a part of a team. But if you don’t play other sports and lacrosse is the sport you want to play down the road, then there is no reason you can’t take a half hour to an hour a day to grab your stick and go to a wall or have a catch with a friend.

When I'm not playing or coaching lacrosse, I like to... Work out and stay in shape by lifting, running, playing basketball and football. Sports have and always will be a part of my life. I also like to take some time away and go down to the beach in the summer with my wife and our families.

Evolution Lacrosse Academy will offer two one-week summer camps this July at Centennial Field in Verona.

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