NHS Alum, Body, Stars On Lacrosse Field

By Andy Hutchison

Chris Body, a 2004 Newtown High School graduate, recently completed his senior season of lacrosse at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass.

The team’s starting goalie since his freshman year, Body helped Western New England reach the quarterfinals of the Division III NCAA tournament where it lost to Ithaca in double overtime, 13-12.

Body’s season and collegiate career, however, didn’t end in the playoff defeat.

The Newtown resident, who was named to the Division III All-American Team for the second straight year, was selected to play in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association’s Division III North-South All-Star game and was named MVP of the game.

“I was honored. My number one goal was to have as much fun as I could and try my best. When they announced my name at the end I was surprised,” Body said.

Body, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound goaltender, studied management at Western New England.

The Western New England Golden Bears won two conference championships during Body’s tenure. Last spring, after an undefeated campaign, the school won the Pilgrim League. This year, Western New England joined the Commonwealth Conference and won the crown.

During his senior year, Body played in 17 games and started 15. He posted a .623 save percentage and a 7.72 goals against average.

“It’s been a lot of fun. I’m definitely going to miss it,” Body said.