Colby Wehner Signs NLI for Canisius

December 17, 2010 - In an unassuming way, Irondequoit defenseman, Colby Wehner sat at home and quietly signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse next year at Canisius College in Buffalo. "I think that Canisius was a good fit for me, not only academically but, I believe that they have an up and rising lacrosse program," said Colby when asked about his choice.

Playing time was hard to get last year as a junior, on a team that won the Class B Championship and advanced to the New York State Final Four and he was not sure about his chances to play after next year's season, but the then junior would not give up. "I always feel that the only thing I can control is my own effort and work ethic. I tried out for all the summer elite teams. I got a lot of calls from college coaches based on my try-outs, but never made any of those teams." He then tried out for the Western team for the Empire State Games and made that team.

The exposure and his play both in pre-game scrimmages and the tournament led to numerous contacts. It was through this process that he realized that he had a lot to offer at the college level.

"The coaching staff there was fantastic, and we scrimmaged a lot of college players and played in a lot of elite tournaments against the best players in the East. I think that was when I knew I could go further."

Colby says that defensemen he watched as a freshman were his early role models. He says that Sean Davern, Jimmy Walsh, and Nick Padulo were all different types of players. "The chemistry brought them together [and made them] greater than their individual abilities. I got to see one of the most successful defenses in Irondequoit history and learning from them gave me an experience that I never could forget."

It is his father, however, that he credits with his current successes. He "proved to me that I had the skills to make it far in lacrosse. He really stood by me through the easy and the hard days."

Although Colby looked at Siena, Mercyhurst, Manhattan and Cortland before committing to Canisius. Less than an hour away from home, it looks like some of Colby's best fans will have many opportunities to see him play after one more year at Irondequoit.

A few Minutes with Colby Wehner

How did your official visit at Canisius go?

"My visit was great because I really got to get the feel of the campus and the people who I`ll be around for 4 more years. I met a lacrosse player from Hilton who showed me around all day and gave me a feel of the whole college."

What are your current strengths and what do you need to work on before next fall?

"I think my strengths are my knowledge, strength and leadership that I bring to the field. I like to be a leader out there and keep to the basics of lacrosse. I may need to work on becoming faster and get use to the speed of Division 1 lacrosse."