It appeared Dan Murphy’s lacrosse season was over before it started when the Orchard Park sophomore broke his arm while playing club hockey this winter.

However, he stayed in touch with the sport as he recovered from the injury by becoming the modified boys team’s manager, a position offered to him by Coach Derek Gilham.

Just a couple days after breaking his arm, Murphy said he stopped in to the modified practice to pick up his younger brother Chris, who is in eighth grade. While talking with Coach Gilham, Murphy was asked if he would be interested in helping out with the team.

“I wanted to stay involved with the lacrosse program while I was hurt and I figured that helping the modified kids was a good way to do it,” said Murphy. “I was at that level just a few years ago so I could relate to what they needed help with.”

Gilham was familiar with Murphy’s work ethic and attitude since he is also the coach of the Orchard Park varsity hockey team, on which Murphy is a forward.

“Dan is a great student-athlete with tremendous character, so is a good role model for the modified kids,” Gilham said.

Murphy’s commitment to the modified program this spring was more like that of a player or coach than someone just looking to kill time.

“I attended every modified practice and game and all of the varsity home games, as well,” said Murphy. “It was almost like I became more involved in the lacrosse program while I was injured.”

Murphy was cleared to play prior Orchard Park’s last regular season contest at Bishop Timon-St. Jude on May 21. The promising attacker scored a second half goal in the Quakers’ 11-3 win that night.

“When I came back it felt great just to be back in the routine of practicing everyday and being with the guys on the team,” said Murphy. “I just wanted to help the team get better in any way I could, so it was great to be able to contribute in a big game like the one versus Timon.”

Working with Coach Gilham every day helped Murphy see a different side to the game, which he says helped make him a better player. As far as a future in coaching, Murphy still has two more years of high school, but it’s a possibility for a young man who has now seen the game from the sidelines.

When asked if Murphy’s experience might prompt him to consider coaching someday, Gilham replied: “I hope so. He would make an outstanding coach.”

(James Goller is the publisher of OrchardParkSports.com)