Who was Skip Lichtfuss. What were his athletic achievements at Washington and Lee University. How did he impact the school’s lacrosse and basketball programs. Why is he considered one of the greatest athletes in W&L history.
The Rise of a Two-Sport Star: Skip Lichtfuss at Washington and Lee
Ernest J. “Skip” Lichtfuss Jr., a native of Baltimore, emerged as an exceptional athlete at Washington and Lee University (W&L) in the early 1970s. His prowess in both lacrosse and basketball propelled the school to new heights of athletic achievement. Lichtfuss’s tenure at W&L was marked by numerous accolades and record-breaking performances, establishing him as one of the most decorated athletes in the university’s history.
Early Success and Recognition
Lichtfuss’s impact was felt immediately upon his arrival at W&L. In 1971, he was named the university’s freshman athlete of the year, foreshadowing the remarkable career that lay ahead. This early recognition set the stage for four years of exceptional athletic performance across two sports.
Dominating the Basketball Court: Lichtfuss’s Scoring Prowess
On the basketball court, Lichtfuss quickly established himself as a formidable offensive threat. He led the Generals in scoring for three consecutive years – as a sophomore, junior, and senior. His consistent performance was a key factor in the team’s success, contributing to W&L’s College Athletic Conference basketball championships in both 1971 and 1972.
A Well-Rounded Player
Lichtfuss’s contributions extended far beyond just scoring. During his junior and senior seasons, he demonstrated his versatility by leading the team in steals, assists, and rebounds. This all-around excellence showcased his comprehensive understanding of the game and his ability to impact every facet of play.
Career Achievements in Basketball
- Led W&L in scoring for three consecutive seasons
- Contributed to two College Athletic Conference championships (1971, 1972)
- Finished career as the fifth-leading scorer in W&L history with 1,592 points
- Named team captain for the 1973-74 season
- Received honorable mention All-American honors after his senior year
Lacrosse Legacy: Lichtfuss’s Impact on the Field
While Lichtfuss’s basketball achievements were impressive, his contributions to W&L’s lacrosse program were equally, if not more, significant. Over his four-year career, the lacrosse team maintained an astounding .877 winning percentage, solidifying W&L’s reputation as a lacrosse powerhouse.
All-American Honors and Team Success
Lichtfuss’s individual accolades in lacrosse were numerous and prestigious. He was named a second-team All-America midfielder in 1972, before earning first-team All-America status in both 1973 and 1974. During this three-year period, W&L’s lacrosse team achieved unprecedented success, compiling a remarkable 40-5 record – the best three-year stretch in the school’s history.
National Recognition and Tournament Appearances
Under Lichtfuss’s leadership, W&L’s lacrosse program gained national prominence. In 1974, the team was ranked second in the nation, a testament to their dominance. The Generals also participated in the NCAA Division I National Tournament for three consecutive years, coinciding with Lichtfuss’s rise to All-American status.
The Pinnacle of Collegiate Lacrosse: North-South Game Selection
Lichtfuss’s lacrosse career at W&L culminated in a prestigious honor – selection to represent the university in the annual North-South lacrosse game in 1974. This invitation-only event showcases the top collegiate lacrosse talent in the country, further cementing Lichtfuss’s status as one of the premier players of his era.
A Lasting Legacy: Lichtfuss’s Impact on W&L Athletics
The combined impact of Lichtfuss’s achievements in basketball and lacrosse left an indelible mark on Washington and Lee’s athletic program. His ability to excel at the highest level in two sports simultaneously is a rare feat that few athletes can claim.
Recognition of Excellence
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to W&L athletics, Lichtfuss was named the university’s most outstanding athlete in 1974. This honor served as a fitting capstone to a collegiate career defined by excellence, leadership, and unprecedented success.
Beyond the Numbers: Lichtfuss’s Intangible Contributions
While Lichtfuss’s statistical achievements are impressive, his impact on W&L athletics extends beyond mere numbers. As a team captain and consistent performer, he provided valuable leadership and set a high standard for his teammates. His success across multiple sports demonstrated versatility and athleticism that inspired both his contemporaries and future generations of W&L athletes.
Inspiring Future Generations
Lichtfuss’s accomplishments serve as a benchmark for W&L athletes to aspire to, particularly those who aim to excel in multiple sports. His legacy continues to motivate student-athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the field, embodying the ideal of the well-rounded scholar-athlete.
Skip Lichtfuss: A Hall of Fame Career
The culmination of Lichtfuss’s remarkable athletic career at Washington and Lee University came with his induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989. This honor recognizes not only his individual achievements but also his significant contributions to the overall success and reputation of W&L’s athletic programs.
A Deserving Inductee
Lichtfuss’s Hall of Fame induction was a natural progression given his numerous accomplishments:
- Multiple All-American honors in lacrosse
- Record-breaking performances in basketball
- Leadership roles on championship-winning teams
- Consistent excellence across two sports
- Contributions to W&L’s national athletic reputation
His inclusion in the Hall of Fame ensures that future generations of W&L students and athletes will remember and draw inspiration from his exemplary career.
The Enduring Impact of Skip Lichtfuss on W&L Athletics
As we reflect on Skip Lichtfuss’s career at Washington and Lee University, it becomes clear that his impact extends far beyond his four years as a student-athlete. His achievements set new standards for athletic excellence at W&L and helped elevate the school’s national profile in both basketball and lacrosse.
A Model of Athletic Versatility
In an era of increasing specialization in college sports, Lichtfuss’s success in both basketball and lacrosse serves as a powerful reminder of the value of multi-sport athleticism. His ability to transition seamlessly between two demanding sports, excelling at the highest level in both, is a testament to his extraordinary talent, work ethic, and competitive spirit.
Legacy in Numbers
The statistical legacy of Skip Lichtfuss at W&L is impressive:
- 1,592 career points in basketball (5th all-time at W&L)
- Three-time leading scorer in basketball
- Three-time All-American in lacrosse
- Part of a lacrosse team with a 40-5 record over three years
- Contributor to multiple conference championships
These numbers paint a picture of consistent excellence and significant contributions to team success across multiple seasons and sports.
Inspiring Future Generations
Perhaps the most enduring aspect of Lichtfuss’s legacy is the inspiration it provides to current and future W&L athletes. His achievements serve as a benchmark for excellence and a reminder of what is possible through dedication, talent, and a commitment to athletic pursuits.
For coaches and administrators at W&L, Lichtfuss’s career offers valuable lessons in nurturing well-rounded student-athletes and building programs capable of competing at the highest levels of collegiate competition.
A Place in W&L Athletic History
Skip Lichtfuss’s name is now forever enshrined in Washington and Lee University’s athletic lore. His Hall of Fame induction in 1989 solidified his place among the greatest athletes in school history, a fitting tribute to a career marked by exceptional achievement and lasting impact.
As W&L continues to build on its rich athletic tradition, the legacy of Skip Lichtfuss serves as both a foundation and an aspiration – a reminder of past glories and a challenge to future generations to reach new heights of athletic excellence.
Skip Lichtfuss (1989) – Hall of Fame
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A native of Baltimore, Ernest J. (Skip) Lichtfuss Jr. was a standout in both lacrosse and basketball, leading W&L to regional and national prominence in both sports.
Lichtfuss, a 1974 graduate, was W&L’s leading scorer in basketball as a sophomore, junior, and senior, helping the Generals to the College Athletic Conference basketball championship in 1971 and 1972. In addition, he led the team in steals, assists, and rebounds in both his junior and senior seasons.
Lichtfuss, who served as captain of the team during the 1973-74 season, finished his W&L career with 1,592 career points to make him the fifth leading scorer in W&L history. He was named an honorable mention All-American after his senior year.
As a lacrosse player, Lichtfuss helped W&L to an .877 winning percentage over four years. Lichtfuss was named a second team All-America midfielder in 1972 and was elevated to first team All-America status in both 1973 and 1974. In those three years, W&L compiled a 40-5 record, the best three-year period in the school’s history. The Generals, who were ranked second in the nation in 1974, participated in the NCAA Division I National Tournament the final three years that Lichtfuss was chosen to represent W&L in the annual North-South lacrosse game in 1974.
Lichtfuss was named W&L’s freshman athlete of the year in 1971 and was named most outstanding athlete in 1974.
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Skip Lichtfuss: How it Can Be in Our Sport
Skip Lichtfuss: How it Can Be in Our Sport | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Skip Lichtfuss: How it Can Be in Our Sport
Tue Jul 28 2020 | Skip Lichtfuss | Fuel
US Lacrosse
Kenny Jerkins never played lacrosse, then became a fixture with one of its most storied teams.
Like many of us, I have been ruminating about the issue of diversity and inclusion relative to the game we all love. The recent circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have been complicated by questions of racial and other social injustices.
There are no easy answers, but one absolute is that without continued, open and honest dialogue, there can be no solutions.
I know I certainly don’t have the answers. It’s very difficult, despite one’s own experiences, to put oneself in the shoes of another.
But as I’ve pondered my own personal experiences, specifically within the game of lacrosse, I’ve concluded that it might not always have been so divisive and unjust. While I am aware that the inequities and exclusion do exist, I can’t understand why, because I’ve always believed in merit and giving someone the chance. I choose not to use a broad brush on either side of the discussion.
Consider the story of Kenny Jerkins.
This story starts in the 1980s at the Mount Washington Lacrosse Club (MWC) in Baltimore. For the uninitiated, MWC was an iconic post-collegiate club that was founded in 1904. Up until the 1960s, MWC was arguably the most dominant team in field lacrosse, regularly beating the best in the college ranks. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since the club was heavily comprised of the finest post-collegiate All-Americans. Prior to the advent of the inclusion of women’s players, coaches, officials and contributors into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1992, one of every five men’s inductees played or coached at Mount Washington at some point.
Thus was the legacy of MWC.
I was fortunate enough to spend 35 years (1975-2009) at MWC, the longest tenure in club history — 10 years as a player, 22 years as head coach and the remaining years as the president. Not only did I experience the game at the highest level with the finest players and coaches of the era, but I also gained some perspective on the sport’s diversity and inclusion issues over that time span.
During my tenure at MWC, clubs such as the Long Island L.C., Maryland L.C., Chesapeake L.C., Philadelphia L.C. (aka, Eagle’s Eye and MAB), North Hempstead L.C., Brine L.C., Toyota L.C., Capital L.C. and NYAC were among those that formed the United States Club Lacrosse Association (USCLA). There were more than 50 clubs in the league at its peak.
In 1984, the American Lacrosse League (ALL) started with 29 teams. Because of the growth of the game in the ‘70s and ‘80s, there was a need for more teams as more and more post-collegiate players wanted to continue playing.
The ALL afforded that opportunity to players other than the All-Americans and top Division I and Division II and III players who comprised the USCLA.
Mount Washington used to practice two nights a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and play home games on Friday nights at historic Norris Field and road games on Sundays at other venues. Tuesdays and Thursdays were something that we all looked forward to. First, it gave us all an excuse to get together and play and allowed us to game plan. Since we had our own facility, it was always a benefit that attracted players to our club. Up until the late 1980s (as a result of a change in NCAA competition dates rules) we’d annually play — and defeat — the top college teams such as Cornell’s great 1976-78 teams, Virginia, Maryland, Navy, Hobart and Princeton as well as the Canadian, Australian and English national teams.
During one such weeknight practice in early in the 1986 season, a muscular black man with a significant Afro sauntered through the Norris Field gate on foot with an equipment bag slung over his shoulder and both a lacrosse and hockey stick in hand.
I was in my second season as head coach at the time, and I summoned over Dennis Wey, my longtime assistant and close friend, asking him if he had any idea who this man might be. Dennis shook his head no, and so I met the man behind our team bench.
He identified himself as Kenny Jerkins, with a broad smile and a casual affability. I was struck by his physical presence. He was 6-foot-2 and about 240 pounds. He was NFL linebacker big. His handshake was vice-like and although he was wearing sweatpants, they barely contained his disproportionately large thighs. He had a booming voice and a distinctive chuckle which would become one of his most endearing qualities.
Kenny explained that he had always wanted to play lacrosse. As a young adult, he already participated in a semi-pro baseball league (later to become its commissioner) and a semi-pro football league while also playing pickup ice hockey at the Mount Washington Ice Rink. During his trips to the rink, he had seen us playing and practicing at Norris Field.
Ultimately, he decided what the heck and summoned the nerve to walk in, introduce himself and inquire if there was any chance that he could “try out” for the Wolfpack.
As a multi-sport athlete that played basketball and from an early age competed with and against players of color in the Baltimore metro area through college and beyond, I guess I never really paid a lot of attention to issues of diversity and inclusion in sports because it wasn’t apparent to me. However, lacrosse has been and continues to be overwhelmingly white.
Admittedly, I was surprised on several levels. One, this young man had never played the game and here he was walking onto a field with college All-Americans and putting himself out there. That, in itself, was impressive. Two, at the time, we had one other black player on the roster of 35, an All-American from Maryland named Curtis Rountree. As years progressed, we had many other people of color play with us at MWC, but the sport was even less diverse then than it is now.
As head coach for 22 years, I had a no-cut policy. If you were willing to attend practices on a regular basis and put in the time to improve your skills, you would get a uniform and suit up for all games. There was never a playing time guarantee for any of our players, since our goal every year — aside from the great experiences we had and friendships we formed — was to win the USCLA championship. We had prospects who upon seeing the caliber of play decided to remove themselves from the roster. We had others who just loved the experience so much that it didn’t matter if they ever stepped on the field in a game situation. However, there was never a season in which even those less-talented players didn’t get some game time, notably in lopsided games. It was awesome to see their teammates root them on and support them.
Back to Kenny. I explained the competitive nature of our club and was very candid about his chances of ever seeing the field. However, his countenance indicated to me that he just might be one of those exceptions.
I invited him to suit up and jump into the warmups. I vividly recall that he didn’t have a lacrosse helmet, and though a hockey helmet would have sufficed, we had a couple of extras in our equipment room, so I grabbed one and handed it to him. Back then, the bucket helmets had laces up the back (old school), and despite loosening them to their maximum without taking them out altogether, the helmet perched precariously high on his head and the facemask left his chin exposed.
Kenny was very introverted and observant. His father was a professor at Morgan State University. Kenny was well-informed, more polite than most, a little gullible at times, but honest and hard-working. He had a good amount of trouble with the stick skills required for even the basic drills, but he exhibited a powerful athleticism and fierce intensity. In the years to come, very few players fared well in a physical confrontation on the field with Kenny Jerkins.
After practice, Dennis and I, along with a few of the players, discussed the possibility of having Kenny continue practicing with us.
We were unanimous in our decision to have him continue. I can count on one hand the number of practices or games Kenny missed over the next 20 years.
Kenny’s skills progressed to the point where he got some meaningful playing time in competitive games. His spirit and intensity in practice and as a teammate on the sidelines were unmatched. He became a friend with whom we shared many competitions, social events and laughs. His opinion was respected, and very few players walked away unscathed after a Kenny Jerkins stick or body check. He was fierce.
During one scrimmage with Johns Hopkins at Homewood Field in the late 1980s, at the faceoff we lined up Kenny on the wing as the long-stick midfielder. On the other side of the field, Hopkins lined up its 6-foot-4, 220-pound All-American middie. The whistle blew and the ball popped out to open space. Kenny and the Blue Jay raced headlong toward the ball, neither looking to back down from the impending collision.
And collide they did.
It was like a cartoon scene. For what seemed like an eternity, which in reality was a matter of a couple of seconds, both players stood firm. Then gradually, the legs beneath the Blue Jay wobbled and he fell to the turf in a heap. Play stopped as the Hopkins training staff attended to the fallen Blue Jay and Kenny sidled over to the sideline with his usual understated body language to the amazement of his teammates. He was a specimen.
Little did we know on that initial day that Kenny arrived at Norris Field he not only was carless, he didn’t even have a driver’s license. To get to Mount Washington from his home near Morgan State, it required a bus trip including two transfers and 40 minutes. He did this for several years.
Kenny lived with his dad, who left a car to him after passing away. Kenny eventually got his license and started driving to and from practices and games, but not until after several years of boarding three buses each way three times a week to play lacrosse with us.
This account began as an example of inclusion in our sport. At the time, we thought nothing of welcoming Kenny Jerkins to the Mount Washington Lacrosse Club. We embraced him. I realize now what an isolated example it is.
As I struggle in many ways with the racial issues as they are presented today in our country and community, I understand them, but don’t believe it has to be this way. I’m compelled to share this story in hopes that it will shine a light on the positive effects of diversity and inclusion, not only for our sport but as an accepted societal direction.
I’m confident that there are more such stories and hopeful that we can all come to terms with a stigma that needs to be addressed more universally.
Skip Lichtfuss, a National Lacrosse Hall of Famer, is the director of national teams and high performance at US Lacrosse.
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