Why I Play Series: Tim Watson, Hartwick College

Men's Lacrosse | 12/10/2020 9:58:02 AM

Tim Watson returns for his fourth season with the Hartwick College men's lacrosse team in 2020-21. He was off to a strong start in 2020, tallying six points on two goals and four assists in two games before the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watson tallied career-best totals of 16 goals, 10 assists and 26 points during the 2019 season.

A native of Wrentham, MA, Watson has appeared in 30 games over his first three seasons with the Hawks and has 27 goals and 22 assists for 49 points with 30 ground balls in his collegiate career. A business administration major, Watson is a two-time Empire 8 President's List recipient.

Tim Watson - Why I Play

Institution: Hartwick College
 
Sport/Position: Lacrosse/Midfield

Academic Major: Business Administration

GPA: 3.5

Class Year: Senior
 
Academic Honors/Clubs/Community Service Roles?
Two-time Empire 8 President's List recipient, five-time Dean's List recipient.

What Have You Done During the COVID-19 Pandemic to Stay Active and What Are Some Positive Effects of the Pandemic You Have Experienced?
During the pandemic I have focused on staying positive in these challenging times. This past summer I was able to coach youth lacrosse and pass my knowledge of the game to the younger generation coming up. I continued to stay active by running and I also played a lot of golf during this pandemic which kept my spirits up.

What Role has your Lacrosse Played in your Personal Development?
Playing lacrosse has helped me drastically in my personal development. I have learned how to successfully work in a team and shaped my leadership skills. These are all things that I saw pay off this summer in the business world as I completed my summer internship with Liberty Mutual in Boston. I worked with my Boston team virtually and was able to adapt on the fly and not let the pandemic takeaway an invaluable experience.
 
At what age did you start playing lacrosse and what made you stay with it? Did you play any other sports growing up?
I started playing lacrosse when I was 9 years old. I was also playing baseball at the time but I loved the pace of play of the game and fell in love with the sport. I played lacrosse in the spring and summer but I also played soccer, football and swimming. In high school I was on the swim team and the lacrosse team.

Any Superstitions When It Comes to Pregame Rituals/Training?
I don’t have any crazy superstitions or pregame rituals other than listening to music. I usually receive a pregame goodluck text from my dad before all of my High School and College games which has turned into a ritual.
 
Why Did You Decide to Attend Hartwick?

I decided to attend Hartwick because it seemed like the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. I wanted to attend an institution where the academics were top notch but also had a strong lacrosse program where I could make an impact on the field.

How has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College?
Playing collegiately in the Empire 8 has prepared me for life after college as I was able to play the sport I love while still focusing on academics and my future. Hartwick opened many doors for me in the Business world and I am happy to say I have secured a job after graduation. The connections I have made while at Hartwick has been overwhelming and extremely rewarding. I maintain a busy schedule throughout the year and feel challenged both academically and athletically.

Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time at Hartwick:
My favorite athletic memory from my time in college was my freshman year when we played Nazareth in the last game of the season. We had not beat Naz as a team in a very long time and we were able to come out on top that day sending our team to the playoffs. It was really cool talking with the alumni after the game, who were really proud of us for doing something they were unable to do in their time at Hartwick.

Favorite Professional Team: New England Patriots

Favorite Movie: Sahara

Favorite TV Show: Entourage
 
Last TV Show You Binge Watched:
How I Met Your Mother
 
Favorite Food:
Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes
 
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You: I play the trumpet
 
Advice to Younger Student-Athletes on Why You Chose to Play a Collegiate Sport and Why Playing A Sport is So Important/Beneficial?

Playing lacrosse in college was one of the best decisions of my life as you entered campus your freshman year with a full team of best friends. It is nerve racking going into a place not knowing anyone but being on a team makes the transition to college that much easier. I love any chance I get to compete and have loved my time playing lacrosse here at Hartwick College.
 
The Empire 8 Conference's “Why I Play” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who discusses devotion to its respective sport.

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
 
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