Jan. 11, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State men's lacrosse senior standouts Austin Kaut (Morton, Pa.) and Tom LaCrosse (Canandaigua, N.Y.) were each selected in Major League Lacrosse's Collegiate Draft Friday night in Philadelphia.
Kaut was taken by the Boston Cannons with the 19th pick in the draft, a fateful selection as the senior goalie dons No. 19 in the cage. The selection of a Penn State goalkeeper at No. 19 has also happened before as Drew Adams was taken by the Lizards in June 2009.
As for the aptly named LaCrosse, he was taken 60th by the Rochester Rattlers. LaCrosse hails from Canandaigua, N.Y. just 30 miles southeast of the city of Rochester. His selection marked the first time in Penn State history two Nittany Lions were taken in the collegiate draft.
Couple Kaut and LaCrosse's selections with that of Jack Forster's in the supplemental draft in December, three Nittany Lions garnered the attention of the pro league that houses eight teams and reaches from the Eastern seaboard to the Rocky Mountains.
Kaut anchors a defense this season that was second in the nation a year ago in goals allowed per game. Kaut become Penn State's first USILA All-America First Team honoree in 83 years while earning the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Award as college lacrosse's top goalkeeper.
LaCrosse was an honorable mention All-American last season after posting season highs in goals (25), assists (5) and points (28). LaCrosse is one of three captains elected by his peers to lead Penn State in 2014.
In all, 64 athletes were taken in the draft that was hosted in the Philadelphia Convention Center as part of the US Lacrosse National Convention and Fan Fest.