In the wake of last year?s Duke lacrosse scandal, Ed Douglas did some soul-searching.
A product of Gilman, Douglas was about to graduate with a degree in biomedical engineering, and it was time to think seriously about whether he wanted to carry on with the Duke lacrosse program.
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But, just like when Douglas walked on as a freshman, there was something missing.
“For him, what was more important ? was the situation for Reade [Seligmann], Collin [Finnerty] and Dave [Evans],” said Corni Douglas, Ed?s mother.
The three players she mentioned were those reportedly involved in the sexual assault that led to the suspension of Duke?s lacrosse program.
Now, Douglas and his teammates will return to the state for the first time since that incident, when the Blue Devils visit Maryland tonight at 7:30 at Byrd Stadium.
Douglas, a fifth-year senior midfielder, is a captain of the team after walking-on in his second year on campus. He takes his leadership role just as seriously as he does his graduate schoolwork.
“That?s not a program you can do unless you?re serious about it,” Douglas? mother said of Ed?s degree in biomedical engineering.
“He?s a classic walk-on,” first-year Duke coach John Danowski said. “He?s making progress. He?s as fine a person as I?ve ever met.”
Danowski joked last week that whenever Douglas decides to run for president, Danowski would “stop what I?m doing and help his campaign.”
But, despite speaking four languages, and pursuing his graduate degree with a focus upon international relations and foreign policy, Douglas isn?t ready to drop his stick for a seat in the Oval Office.
“Its not entirely off the mark,” Douglas said, reacting to his coach?s prediction with a laugh. “But I?m notready to announce a presidential campaign at this point.”
He?s not quite sure what he?d like to do after this season, but he said this year is about enjoying time with teammates.
“I think the greatest asset we have is that there is sort of a great camaraderie of closeness by virtue of being on a team with all of these individuals,” Douglas said. “Living that experience has brought us close together.”
With whatever lies ahead for Douglas after this spring, the Roland Park resident can reach back upon his experiences in Durham, as he did heading into this season. If he ever needs motivation, all he needs to do is reflect on his embattled former teammates.
“I think we?ve learned a lot about loyalty and friendship throughout the process,” Douglas said. “And that?s something that you can apply to the rest of your life.”
THE DOUGLAS FILE
» Age: 23
» High School: Gilman
» Did you know? In 2005, Douglas earned the Jack Persons Award as Duke?s most improved player ? Scored 14 goals with 17 assists as a senior at Gilman ? Douglas is one of four children of Andrew and Corni Douglas
