May 28, 2008

BOSTON, Mass. - Long stick defender Ben Johnston (Branford, Conn.) recently completed his collegiate lacrosse career at Providence College as one of the top defenders in program history. On Sunday, May 25 Johnston was honored as one of the top defenders in the Nation by being named to the USILA Division I Men's Lacrosse All-America Team. He was an Honorable Mention Selection. Johnston becomes just the second Friar all-time to earn All-America honors, following Michael Farley, who was selected as an honorable mention All-American in 2006.

Johnston, who began his lacrosse career as an attackman at Branford High School in Branford, Conn. in 2001, played four years as a long stick defender for the Friars at Providence College from 2005-2008. During his career with PC, Johnston played 57 games, picked up 67 groundballs and recorded one assist. He helped guide the Friars to two NCAA Tournament appearances (2006, 2007), three Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Regular-Season Championships (2005, 2006, 2008) and two MAAC Tournament titles (2006, 2007).

As a senior in 2008, Johnston became the third Friar all-time to be named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year since Providence joined the league in 1996. He also earned All-MAAC First-Team accolades. Johnston also won one of the College's nine major honors at Providence's All-Sports Gala on April 30, 2008 as the winner of the Sine Qua Non Award. The award was established in the early 1950's and is presented annually by the Newport Area Alumni Club to a graduating male senior who has distinguished himself among his peers without receiving proper recognition. He is the son of Mary and Bill Johnston of Branford.