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Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:

1. Chazz Woodson, 35, retired from the MLL, as announced by the Florida Launch on Tuesday.

“Part of the main reason I am stepping away now is the fact that I get to step away on my own terms and be OK with how I finished,” said Woodson, co-founder of the Sankofa Lacrosse Foundation and member of the US Lacrosse board.

Woodson’s professional career spanned 12 years with seven different teams. He first left the league in 2014 after being let go by former Launch coach Stan Ross, which was then referred to as “technically retirement,” but reemerged in 2016 after personally calling MLL coaches.

As Woodson spoke with the then-recently named head coach Tom Mariano of the Launch, he knew he had more to give. He made the roster, which was described as “improbable” by the team Tuesday.

“All I wanted was a fair shake,” he told Mariano.

After lettering in football, basketball and lacrosse in high school, Woodson had a successful career at Brown as a two-time All-Ivy League selection. He was then selected 19th overall by the Long Island Lizards in the 2006 MLL Collegiate Draft.

The Team USA veteran had stops with the Boston Cannons and the now-defunct L.A. Riptide, followed by the Chicago Machine and Washington Bayhawks. He returned to the Machine in 2012 and was picked up by the Launch in 2014.

In his second and final season with the Launch as an attackman, Woodson tallied 28 points on 20 goals and eight assists, tying for third on the team in scoring and helping the Launch reach the franchise’s first playoff berth.

The Sankofa Lacrosse Foundation supports the growth of the game, especially in economically challenge communities.

“I’m at ease. It’s cool. I can do other stuff now,” Woodson said. “You’re never going to see me sign that retirement paper though. The athlete in me won’t let me do that.”

2. The inaugural IWLCA Hall of Fame class was named on Tuesday and features Missy Foote, Tina Sloan Green, Carole Kleinfelder, Sharon Pfluger, Cindy Timchal, and Marge Watson.

“They personify the highest level of achievement in our sport, and have set a standard the rest of us aspire to reach,” said Kathy Taylor, president of the IWLCA and coach at Le Moyne College. “Their impact on their players, programs, institutions, and the larger lacrosse community cannot be overstated and we are pleased to be able to celebrate

The Hall of Fame selection committee was chaired by Princeton coach Chris Sailer.

3. The “Man in the Red Bandana” film, which recounts the heroics of Welles Crowther on Sept. 11, is set to debut nationwide in select theaters on Sept. 8.

Matthew Weiss, director of the documentary with VerdiProductions, shares how he heard about Crowther’s story.

"I was just blown away," said Weiss. "In my head, three things came in quick succession. I said to myself: 'What an amazing story. Everyone needs to hear this story. I want to share this story with everyone.”

4. Don’t be fooled by a “full ride.” Towson men’s coach Shawn Nadelen and Andi O’Connor, a club team coach and mother of three, including Syracuse All-ACC defender Kaeli O’Connor, are just two of the doubters.

“Straight out of high school, that is very rare,” said Nadelen, who this season led the Tigers to their first NCAA semifinal since 2001. “Typically a freshman’s athletic scholarship might be 20 percent of the total bill, if that.”

“I always told my players to focus on their academics, because there’s actually more money out there for academic scholarships,” O’Connor added.

5. Check out photo and video highlights from Team USA’s Blue-White scrimmage on Sunday. Blue won 16-13.

What We’re Reading

What We’re Watching

Joey Epstein, a Johns Hopkins commit, is touted as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2018. Lax Sports Network hosts a special on Epstein with recruiting expert Ty Xanders providing insight.

What’s On Tap

  • We continue our “Myth Busters” series, which originally appeared in the September/October edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Learn about the common myths regarding the “Division I or bust” outlook and “sticks don’t bend” concept.

  • Who’s excited to attend #LaxCon in 2018? Stay tuned to hear about how you can register for a spot today.  

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