Decatur’s Johnston Headed To Lynn University

Decatur’s Johnston Headed To Lynn University
Decatur lacrosse standout Xan Johnston last week signed a letter of intent to continue his college career at Lynn University in Florida. Pictured above is Johnston (center) flanked by dad Thomas Johnston and Coach Scott Lathroum. Pictured in the back row is Decatur Vice Principal Curtis Bunting, new varsity lacrosse coach Hoffy Hoffman, athletic director Don Howard and coach Matt McGinness. Photo by Shawn Soper

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur boys’ varsity lacrosse standout Xan Johnston last week signed a national letter of intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Lynn University in Florida next year.

Johnston, a stalwart defenseman for the Seahawks, committed to Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida and its fledgling Division II lacrosse program. Johnston was a All Bayside Conference First Team player last year as a junior and was also named a Maverick All American.

Decatur Vice Principal Curt Bunting presided over the Johnston’s letter-signing ceremony at the Berlin school last Thursday and had high praise for the senior defenseman.

“This is a fantastic time of the year,” he said. “Xan is going to continue the tradition of what Stephen Decatur means, not just for athletics, but for lacrosse.”

Johnston’s father Thomas Johnston said his son came home from an early Beach Lacrosse practice and declared he was switching to defense because it seemed to be the clear path to more playing time in the youth program. He has steadily developed into one of the strongest defenders in the conference. For his part, Johnston thanked his father, his teachers and coaches, including Coach Scott “Spunky” Lathroum, who announced he was stepping down after last season.

“The majority of the people in this room helped me as a person and a lacrosse player,” he said. “Coach Spunky is one of the main reasons I’m here.”

Lathroum praised Johnston not only for his athletic ability, but also his innate understanding of the game.

“He as the lacrosse IQ and he knows the field and knows the game,” he said. “He definitely has the self-confidence. There is nothing like playing college lacrosse. It’s like a new family you will always have.”

Johnston also considered Delaware, Mount Saint Mary’s and St. Bonaventure before deciding on Lynn University. Lynn University in Boca Raton plays in the Sunshine State Conference in Division II. Johnston follows former Seahawk and face-off specialist Dryden Brous to Lynn, who was named the school’s first-ever lacrosse All American last season.

About The Author: Shawn Soper

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Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.