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closeBeyond the Athlete: Abbott shows skills on the biggest stage
Shaun Scott
Robert Abbott recently got the opportunity to unveil his lacrosse skills on the national stage.
Abbott, a 15-year-old who will be a ninth grader at Ferrucci Junior High School this fall, competed against some of the best lacrosse players in the United States at the U-15 National Championships in Philadelphia, Pa. from July 17 to 20.
Abbott was on the roster of the West Coast Starz, a team comprised of some of the best lacrosse players from Washington, California, Texas, Nevada and Oregon.
“When I heard I was picked for the team I was surprised,” Abbott said. “I knew that I was good but I didn’t think I was that good.”
Lacrosse is a physical sport and that is one particular part of the game where Abbott excels.
“I like to score goals. I like scoring and then after that going to the defensive side where I can knock someone to the ground and get possession,” Abbott said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Even though Abbott is an aggressive player, he still shows respect for all his opponents regardless of the outcome.
“He’s a really level-headed kid. He stays centered,” Robert’s father Graham Abbott said. “Robert doesn’t pump his fist during the games. He’s all business out there.”
Recently, I had an opportunity to ask Robert a few questions about his life outside of lacrosse.
Shaun Scott: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Robert Abbott: “300.” I like the original version. It’s a good story line. Three hundred people went against a huge group and still almost won.
SS: Who do you want to be the next president of the United States?
RA: John McCain. He’s older and actually knows what he’s doing.
SS: What is your favorite restaurant in Puyallup?
RA: The Ram. The ribs there are just awesome.
SS: Where do you see yourself in five years?
RA: I want to be in the Naval Academy. They’ve got an awesome lacrosse team there that I eventually want to join.
SS: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
RA: Don’t get a big head. I got that from my dad.
SS: What is your favorite dinner dish?
RA: Hawaiian pizza and bread sticks. I like the pineapples and whatever else they put together on there. It’s really good.
SS: Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
RA: I have two favorites. One is Gary Gait. He’s the best left-handed lacrosse player of all time. The other is Mike Powell. He’s one of the little guys but he’s still one of the best.