Perhaps the greatest tribute that can be made to John Parker is that his time as an All-American goalie for a national championship lacrosse team was just a small part of his full and varied life.
After two years as a back-up goalkeeper for the Shoremen, John became the team’s starter in 1954 – the same year the Shoremen shared the USILA Laurie Cox Division National Championship with Syracuse University. The Shoremen finished the season ranked fifth among all colleges in the nation, sporting an 8-2 record. John was named an All-America honorable mention at the conclusion of the season.
In 1955, John made 225 saves in just 10 games, including a legendary 47 in a loss to a powerhouse Navy team. Those 47 saves still stand as the single-season school record. He was again named an All-America honorable mention following the season.
After graduation, John was a member of the Washington Press Corps for nearly a decade. He left journalism for a career in advertising and also went on to publish five books. In 1992 John and his wife, Marcy, moved to Chestertown, opening a bed-and-breakfast three blocks from campus. Over the years, John and Marcy served as Washington College's unofficial ambassadors, hosting an array of campus visitors, prospective students, alumni, Board members, and parents. John helped out at the Literary House Press, managing sales and distribution of regional titles. Active supporters of The 1782 Society, Friends of Miller Library, and the Sho'men Club, John and Marcy were tremendous supports of Washington College Athletics, attending numerous games and hosting an annual dinner for the school’s basketball players during winter break.
Marcy passed away in 2006, but, in time, John became reacquainted with his college sweetheart – Mary Lee Lincoln McIntyre ’54. The two eventually married on campus at the John S. Toll Center. When John passed away last December, the College community lost not only an historic athlete, but also a life-long dedicated alumnus.
Washington College considers it an honor and privilege to induct John R. Parker into its Athletic Hall of Fame on this 22nd day of October, 2011.
