Duke honored at White House

Back in May, Duke Men’s Basketball got to meet the president, a reward for winning the national championship.

This week, it was the lacrosse team’s turn.

The 2010 national champions traveled to Washington, D.C. to tour the capital and attend a reception on the South Lawn honoring numerous title-winning collegiate teams. More than 650 athletes and 150 coaches heard President Barack Obama speak to them for around five minutes.

“I want to thank all the teams that have traveled from all over the country for being here. And congratulations for being NCAA champions,” Obama said. “This is the most athletic talent we’ve ever had on the South Lawn.”

The remarks from Obama focused on the challenges the athletes faced in balancing their academic requirements with their time on the field.

“When each of you won the titles you won, you didn’t do it as a professional,” Obama said. “You woke up early, put in countless hours of practice for the love of the game..... And most impressive of all, you did this while shouldering a full level of classes.”

Parker McKee, who now plays in Major League Lacrosse, along with Ned Crotty and Max Quinzani, told Duke News that one of the best moments of the day had to be reuniting with his former teammates.

“It’s great to be at the White House and it’s great to be back together with the team,” McKee said.