With offensive and defensive skills aplenty, Armstrong is a key cog for the Bruins

The lacrosse ball was still in the air when Tracy Armstrong began sprinting toward the sideline. Forest Park's junior defenseman hadn't decided exactly what to do when he got there.

All that really mattered was making sure the pass didn't result in a goal.

He could do that with a stick check. Armstrong is especially proficient in that area. But nothing deters shots on goal like sending an opposing player flying out of bounds.

So Armstrong went there instead.

Bam!

That's how ground balls are created the Armstrong way.

In three years as a starter for the Bruins' boys' lacrosse team, he has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best and most versatile players in the Northwest Region.

Though talented enough to start on just about any attack line, Armstrong has an expressive personality more suited for checking, marking and clearing.

"Defense is fun," he said. "I get to stop guys from scoring goals."

The linebacker in Armstrong loves the physical aspect of protecting the net. But there is an art to it as well.

And that's what separates him from many of his peers.

"Tracy is our best all-round player," Forest Park coach Bud Sichler said, noting that he is also a captain.

"Not only is he our most outstanding defenseman, but he also does face-offs and is on our Extra Man Offensive team. This is unusual for a defenseman, but the reason is his stick skills are as good as any of my offensive players."

Like his older brother, Tim, who once starred on defense for the Bruins, Armstrong has been at the forefront of Forest Park's three-year run atop the Cardinal District standings.

He's even contributed a few goals and assists along the way -- not that Sichler would ever consider moving his district player of the year candidate to attack.

"Tracy's always been a great defensive player," the Bruins' coach said. "I know a lot of times he'll pick up a short stick, but I've always seen him as a defensive player. If you have guys on the defensive end of the field who are offensive-minded, they actually become offensive players because they transition the ball down field."

Armstrong averages about a dozen clears per game, but he doesn't venture away from his territory for very long.

In 43 career games, he's accounted for 137 ground balls, 42 takeaways and 12 interceptions. The Bruins have also won 78 percent of his faceoff attempts, which is why the two-time defending Cardinal District champions are currently 8-2 overall and 7-0 in the district play.

"I knew I could pass and catch, but I didn't think I was going to start as a freshman," Armstrong said.

Now the Bruins can't imagine not having him on the field.

"Tracy showed up as a freshman and was immediately a starter and leader on defense," Sichler said. "He brings not only great lacrosse skills, but energy in both practice and games.

"Our undefeated record in the district is a direct result of his positive attitude and energy both in practice and in our games."