John Cheek, one of the most prolific scorers in lacrosse history and a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, passed away at his home in Naples, Fla. on April 3. He was 70 years old.
Cheek was a three-time All-American at Washington (Md.) College, earning first team honors in 1976 and 1977 and second team honors in 1975. He finished his college career as the school’s all-time leading goal scorer with 212 goals, including a school-record 69 goals in 1976. He also finished 13th in team history in career assists.
A native of Towson, Md., Cheek was named the Division II/III Player of the Year in 1976 and the Attackman of the Year in both 1976 and 1977. He was also selected for the annual North/South All-Star game in 1977 and led the South squad with five goals in the contest.
After his college career, Cheek remained active as a post-collegiate club player for several years, and was selected as a member of the 1978 U.S. Men’s National Team that competed in the world championship in England. The U.S. finished as the runner-up to Canada after a 17-16 overtime loss in the final game.
“John made a lasting impact on the Washington College lacrosse community and campus,” said Bryan Matthews, president of Washington College and Cheek’s presenter for the National Hall of Fame in 2003. “As a player, John was both a throw-back and a visionary. He was ahead of his time as a crease attackman who carried the ball and dodged, and as an inside player who roamed the entire field.”
Matthews also noted that Cheek played the game with great enthusiasm while also having a true appreciation for the beauty of the game.
“John possessed a total lack of fear, supreme confidence, and an absolute belief in himself and his teammates,” Matthews said. “Above all, John was an extraordinary goal scorer who never thought he was covered, and never really was. His accomplishments are legendary and he will be missed.”
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 7 pm at the Centerpoint Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, FL 34105. A recording of the service will be available afterwards.
