UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's lacrosse program wrapped up their eighth annual Alumni, Family and Friend's Weekend that welcomed back many generations of Nittany Lions, closed the 2018 season and allowed fans to get a quick glance at the 2019 squad with the team's Alumni Scrimmage on Friday evening.
Friday evening was the Alumni Game, as fans came out to see Nittany Lions from the past take on the present Nittany Lions in a sneak peek for the upcoming season.
On Saturday, the alumni hit the links in the annual golf outing. Saturday concluded with a banquet, recapping the 2018 season, and the honoring of the 2018 team award recipients.
Sunday concluded the successful weekend of togetherness with the dedication of Panzer Stadium. In May 2017, Ken Panzer, a 1982 Penn State graduate and former co-captain of the men's lacrosse team, and his long-time business partner at Douglas Emmett, Jordan Kaplan, committed a $3.55 million gift to transform the Penn State Lacrosse Field into one of the premier lacrosse stadiums in the country.
From 1947-2010, the Pittenger Award was presented to the most valuable senior in memory of George Pittenger, a Nittany Lion lacrosse player (1940-41) who was killed in action in Germany on April 30, 1944, while serving in the U.S. Army. Starting in 2011, this award was presented to a member of the senior class who led selflessly, while inspiring his classmate and teammates through his action. In 2018, Tripp Traynor was presented with the Pittenger Award.
Tyler Butler was presented with the Citizenship award, which is given to a member of the team who best combines the qualities of character, classroom and community service. Butler spearheaded many community events, including the 'Real Men Wear Pink' campaign.
The Hard Hat Award went to Ryan Keenan. This award presented to the member of the team whose persistence, work ethic and courage set a "blue collar" standard for the program.
Beginning in 2011, the Theil Family Nittany Lion Award presented to a member of the team whose actions, investments and selfless contributions are synonymous with the mantra "Success with Honor" and who sets the standard of "The Penn State Lacrosse Way." Tanner Peck earned this award for the second-straight season.
The Tom Hayes Nittany Lion Teammate Award is presented to a member of the team whose actions and words embody what being a great teammate is all about; having compassion for those around you and genuinely caring more about the team than personal needs. Following the 2018 season, Will Schreiner earned this honor.
The Friends of Penn State Lacrosse Award went to Matt Dorn, the Nittany Lions' Performance Enhancement Coach, for going above and beyond in his support of the program.