Butler's Wehr extends career in lacrosse
BJTLER TWP — Since second grade, Coltin Wehr had his eyes on playing lacrosse.
“I have a brother (Justin Karam) 12 years older than me who played and I went to watch his games when I was little,” Wehr said. “That was the game I wanted to play.
“It's the only sport I've played in high school.”
And it's paid off.
The Butler High senior recently signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Limestone University in Gaffney, S.C. The Saints are ranked 19th in NCAA Div. II this season and have won three national championships in the past four seasons, including last year.
“It's a first-class program,” said Wehr, who also considered Belmont Abbey and Walsh College before deciding on Limestone. Belmont Abbey is ranked 12th in the nation and recently defeated Limestone in the Conference Carolinas title game.
Wehr plays center defense for the Golden Tornado, who are headed to the WPIAL playoffs,.
“He's our shut-down defenseman,” Butler coach Trevor Monteleone said. “We always put him on the other team's best goal scorer.
“Coltin knows how to deny scoring opportunities. He attracted a lot of college interest.”
Wehr plans to major in business administration.
“I know I have a lot of work to do to get on the field there,” he said of Limestone. “That team always has great players, but I believe their system suits my abilities.
“I'll just keep working on my game, even after our (high school) season is over, to prepare myself.”
Wehr has been playing for the Apex lacrosse summer club team — based in Pittsburgh — for the past four years.
Apex won the Ohio state tournament two years ago, placed second in the Hershey tournament and third in New Jersey last year.
“A lot of the best players around Pittsburgh play for that team,” Wehr said. “I love playing with those guys. They've really helped elevate my game.”
Wehr admitted he's been hopeful of attaining a lacrosse scholarship since his freshman year.
“He's made a great choice,” Monteleone said. “Limestone is one of the best Division II programs in the country.”
J.B. Clarke is in his eighth year as Limestone's head coach. He had a 129-10 record through his first seven seasons — including the three national titles — and the Saints have won 11 of their first 18 games this year.
Limestone led all of Division II with 16.09 goals per game last season.
“My only goal is to help the team win another national championship,” Wehr said. “They're all about winning down there.”
