By David Erickson

John Chorlton was named to the All-State Lacrosse team as a (LSM) Long Stick Mid-Fielder. It was a hard decision as where to nominate John this year as he plays everywhere.

Over the years, John has been one of Hastings best Close Long Stick Defenders, but he can play the short stick just as well. Many times, a long pole defender does not want to or is not good with a short stick. Chorlton seems to have the ability to play on the offensive and defensive ends of the field with ether stick extremely well.

John broke two Hastings High School Lacrosse records this year. He broke the Raiders Forced Turn Overs and Ground Balls records. Two very important, overlooked and never celebrated stats. Chorlton’s Forced Turnovers numbers lead the State, and his ground numbers ranked him number three in the state for the year.

John’s numbers were the best for LSMs in the state but playing so many different positions may have worked against him as he was not a full time LSM. Chorlton ran the Raiders man up offense with a short stick, which improved his scoring numbers and had to be taken into consideration. He took face offs with a short stick, helping improve his ground ball stats. And playing both ends of the field on the ride really enhanced his forced turn over numbers.

John’s numbers are even more impressive when you consider that he was put under COVID tracing protocol (contact at school) and was forced to miss the first two games and 14 days of the season.

Chorlton’s athletic ability and versatility has allowed him to be named an All-State Lacrosse player, but he was also the Raiders team captain. John started his Freshman year in lacrosse claiming all conference honorable mention honors. His sophomore year Chorlton was the Raiders starting outside linebacker, moving to middle linebacker this year, John lead the Raiders football team in defensive tackles, and an opportunity to playing a little running back as well. He broke into the hockey starting line up as a defenseman his sophomore year and lead the team in plus minus stats this year.

We cannot wait until next year to see John on Todd Field once again and McGree Rink donning Blue and Gold for the hometown Raiders.

John Chorlton