MAMMOTH DEFENSEMAN EXCELS ON AND OFF FIELD

Unlike most professional athletes, the majority of lacrosse players in the NLL have second jobs. Mammoth defenseman Tom Ethington is no different.

The 29-year-old, who serves as a commercial real estate agent for Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors, was recently named a 2009 Denver Metro Commercial Association of REALTORS Young Broker of Denver finalist.

How does he manage to be successful in his two careers?

“I find time for both,” said Ethington. “I work hard during the week and travel for lacrosse on the weekend. Both jobs complement each other nicely,”

The Illinois native isn’t a stranger to Denver. Ethington received his B.S. and B.A. in Real Estate Finance and Construction Management from the University of Denver. After graduating in 2002, Ethington was drafted by the Mammoth and chose to remain in Colorado.

When asked which job he prefers, Ethington simply replied, “One pays the bills and one is fun.”

And what happens after a physical game when he returns to work on Monday?

“If I get too roughed up, I can hide behind the phone.”

While lacrosse player and real estate agent may seem to be unrelated, Ethington feels otherwise.

“I think there are a lot of similarities between my two jobs. I enjoy real estate because it is a relationship-oriented business. I love meeting with people and helping them succeed, but it can also feel pretty competitive. Lacrosse is a very competitive environment and I love competing at the highest level.”

On Friday afternoon, as so many Americans leave work behind for the weekend, Ethington’s just getting started at his second job.

The Mammoth host the Edmonton Rush on Saturday at 7pm on HealthONE Field at Pepsi Center. Tickets are on sale now.