Ford Shaw III 

Capt,                               USMC 

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Ford Shaw III Capt., USMC

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Ford Shaw, III Captain, USMC

As a student at Ridge High School, Ford always had a smile on his face.  He was energetic, happy and had many friends from different circles. He was involved in a variety of school activities and during his senior year, Ford was President of the student government as well as Captain of the lacrosse team.

Ridge High School
Ford played lacrosse in the early years of the Ridge High School Lacrosse program and is still one of the most pivotal captains in its history. In 2002 during his senior year, the program had one of its best season records going 17-4. Ford led the team to the County Tournament Semifinals which was the first time Ridge had made it that far in post-season play. In that game, they challenged a strong Pingry team but lost 7-8. That same year, Ford led Ridge to its first conference title.​During his senior year, Ford headed a group of defensemen that had a range of personalities. Ford was a leader who embraced all of his teammates and their different approaches to playing the game. The defensive unit that he led was an extremely cohesive group both on and off the field. That group still holds the Ridge lacrosse record for man down stop percentage at 87%. There is no team since then that has come close!

 

US Naval Academy
After high school, Ford attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 2006. He was a decorated commissioned Marine officer who served two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. During his service, Ford was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon with two stars and received the Bronze Star posthumously.​
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Honoring Ford Shaw
Each year, the Ridge High School Lacrosse program honors Ford Shaw by choosing the player who best embodies his spirit, character, and dedication. That player wears Ford’s jersey - #3. As Ford did, that player displays selfless leadership and a team first attitude. A plaque is presented to that player at the year-end banquet and reads: “In memory of Marine Captain Ford Shaw. A legacy of leadership, character and dedication to family, country and Ridge Lacrosse”. 
  • 2024 - Rooke Donohoe

  • 2023 - Jason Ward

  • 2022 - Nick DeCandia

  • 2021 - Kevin Lopez

  • 2020 - Jack Perry 

  • 2019 - Wes Hudkins

  • 2018 – Michael Harris

  • 2017 – Brody Bunsa

  • 2016 – Charlie Keating

  • 2015 – Triston Conway