Clements Moving Up At UVA

By: Luke Jackson

In his first season playing lacrosse at the University of Virginia, St. Paul's graduate Chris Clements had a typical freshman year -- one start, no goals, no assists and three shots on goal.

That can be a tough adjustment after being a star on his high school team his senior year. But Clements settled in nicely after a spectacular final year with the Crusaders.

The 6-foot, 185-pound midfielder scored 45 goals, a school record for a midfielder. He also recorded nine assists and 101 ground balls. Clements had over 200 for his career. He earned 2007 Baltimore Sun first team All-Metro and Under Armour All-American honors.

Clements scored four goals in a game four times, and three goals in a game six times. His 54 points were tied with two others for the team lead.

"Chris Clements may be the best athlete I've ever coached," said Rick Brocato, the St. Paul's lacrosse coach. "He ranks at or near the top with Mike Watson and Connor Gill. Freakish speed, I think we clocked him at a 4.4-second 40-yard [dash].

“He played extra-man, man-down, was our best defensive and offensive midfielder and the best athlete in the [Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association]. He has an incredible swim move and can shot with accuracy both right-handed and left-handed. He is a textbook shooter."

Clements recorded 10 goals and 18 assists as a junior. He played on the varsity football and squash teams at St. Paul's and was All-MIAA as a senior in football.

But can Clements reproduce his junior and senior high school lacrosse numbers at Virginia? He certainly has the tools. Now all he needs is the chance.

"I firmly believe Chris will be outstanding in college at the University of Virginia over the course of his career," Brocato said.