‘Take nothing for granted’

Severna Park’s Lawhorne back on field after lung issue nearly took lacrosse away

Severna Park midfielder Tyler Lawhorne was hospitalized last fall when an allergic reaction to a medication damaged his lungs. He thought his athletic career was over, but he’s back on the field for the Falcons this spring. JEFFREY F. Bill/Staff photos

Severna Park’s Tyler Lawhorne has a new outlook after almost facing the end of his athletic career. “I take it as a blessing,” Lawhorne said, “and I take nothing for granted.”

Except for a close football loss to South River and a crusty breakout on his skin, Severna Park junior Tyler Lawhorne believed he was just fine.

But over that September weekend, he felt he “was on fire.” Lawhorne’s body was covered in a rash and his fever screamed to a 103 degree pitch. When a doctor put a stethoscope to his chest a few days later, he couldn’t hear Lawhorne’s right lung.

A case of impetigo rampaged through the Falcons football team early last fall. Lawhorne and his teammates took medication to counteract the contagious skin condition, but an adverse reaction to it sent him him to the hospital” for a month. When he arrived, he couldn’t breathe right. He underwent surgery to reinflate his partially collapsed organ. His future, years devoted to his No. 1 sport — lacrosse — all seemed to wilt away around him.

“I had to come to terms that I might not be able to play sports again,” the Severna Park junior said. “One drug, one accident could take something away I’ve been doing my entire life. But at least I’m alive.”

But now, only a few months later, Lawhorne is competing under the lights again, stick in hand, another state title in his sights. He can breathe. He can run.

“I take it as a blessing,” Lawhorne said, “and I take nothing for granted.”

It’s no surprise that the program with 13 state title plaques crowding its display case is loaded with talent. Through the first four games this season, Severna Park is outscoring opponents 66-5. Their goals can flow from any of the numerous stars orbiting the net, their stops collected by a slew of defenders even before reaching the goalkeeper. Guys are chasing scores and the spotlight, even Severna Park coach Bob Zichelli knows it. But on the field, that’s not Lawhorne.

While it’s true you have to all but drag the midfielder to the sideline to get him to rest, it’s because he never wants to stop doing the grunt work his team needs. Lawhorne said he was born with an unending hunger to compete.

“He’s not a real loud kid, but his actions speak,” Zichelli said. “He gets ground balls, he clears. We’ll say, ‘Ty, you just ran down the field five times,’ but he does not want to come out. And if he does, he steps right back up and says he’s ready to go back in.”

And though he’s useful on offense, he was happy to fill in where his team needed him. Injury and illness depleted Severna Park’s defensive corps early this year. So, Lawhorne shifted back. Glory isn’t his driving force, Zichelli said. But they know where their offense comes from.

“Tyler’s gritty, but unselfish,” junior teammate Cole Cavanaugh said. “He’s fitting for the ball whether he’s on offense or defense, but he’s always looking to spread the love with the rest of the team, whether by making some impressive passes or assists to our guys on attack.

“To sum it up for someone who hasn’t seen him play, the only thing I gotta say is that they’re missing out.”

Lawhorne’s efforts to sharpen the offense can be seen in practice, too.

He’s close friends with many of the Falcons’ other top starters, but has no trouble attacking them in drills as if they were a rival team.

Lawhorne thinks back to his hospital bed. Facing the emptiness of a post-athletic life he wasn’t prepared for was crushing. It would be some time before he’d know for sure whether he’d be cleared. But he wasn’t given the space to wallow in the possibility that his playing career could be over. Too many of his teammates were constantly by his side to let that happen.

Once he realized he’d be able to don his lacrosse gear again, Lawhorne’s spirits turned up. As soon as the hospital discharged him, he signed on to compete in a fall lacrosse league with his Severna Park teammates.

“Seeing friends and talking it through with people made it better,” Lawhorne said, “and knowing that some things — family, friends — are important.”

Those values play heavily into Lawhorne’s decision as to where he’ll continue his playing career. He’s being recruited by teams such as Towson, UMBC and Salisbury. His landing spot will be a place that reflects his values back to him.

By the end of this spring, Lawhorne intends to compete at a level that could be considered good enough for a coach’s All-County vote — though that particular goal pales in comparison to lifting the program’s ninth consecutive state title with his closest friends in May.

“Last year, it would’ve sounded pretty crazy that I’m back and able to compete at this level,” Lawhorne said. “It gives you a new perspective — don’t pass up on any opportunity. Work a little harder.”

Have a sports tip? Contact Katherine Fominykh at [e-mail] or DM @capgazsports on Instagram