Sept. 13, 2007
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State Nittany Lion lacrosse coach Glenn Thiel has announced that seniors Andrew Mackrides (Newtown Square, Pa.) and Tommy Zichelli (Severna Park, Md.) have been named team captains for the 2008 season. The seniors are two of only four seniors on a very young Penn State roster.
"Both Andrew and Tommy are natural leaders. They are two of our hardest workers, and most intense players," Thiel said. "Zichelli is a leader on the field of the defense. He has the drive to win an NCAA title and he will convey that intensity to the youngsters on the defense this spring. He will drive the group to excel in the weight room and on the practice field. Mackrides has been one of our natural leaders for three seasons; this spring he will step up to an offensive role to solidify our youngsters on offense. He has the potential to be a true 60 minute middie for the Nittany Lions. Mackrides will be an in-your-face leader for the squad."
Mackrides is a 5-8 middie who is coming off a solid 2007 that saw him play in all 13 games for Penn State, scoring two goals. He has played in 40 games during his first three seasons at Penn State and has nine goals and one assist for ten points.
Zichelli is a 6-3 defender who also played in all 13 games for the Nittany Lions in 2007. He had 25 ground balls, which was fourth on the team. Zichelli has played in 38 games over three years, has four goals and two assists for six points as well as 64 ground balls.
Penn State will take part in two exhibition tournaments in October. The events, both in Baltimore, take place on Oct. 7 and Oct. 20. The Penn State regular season begins with a home game vs. Robert Morris on Feb. 16.