UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A trio of seniors have been announced as team captains for the 2022 Penn State men's lacrosse season. Brett Funk, Brayden Peck and Brian Townsend will serve in the role for the first time, taking over for recent graduates Nick Cardile and Mac O'Keefe.
"Our staff is excited to announce the captains of the 2022 Penn State men's lacrosse team," said Penn State head coach Jeff Tambroni, who is set to enter his 12th season with the Nittany Lions. "Brayden, Brian and Brett have been tremendous role models on and off the field, and we are confident that they will continue to lead with character, compassion and courage."
Funk is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. He started 16 games on the Penn State defense over the past two seasons and has a total of 21 games of experience under his belt. Through three seasons, he has career numbers of 22 ground balls and seven caused turnovers, including career highs in both categories last season with 12 ground balls and four caused turnovers in nine games.
Peck has earned three Academic All-Big Ten honors. He returns for his fifth season after playing 46 games, including 42 as a starter on defense, through the first four. The four-year starter enters his final collegiate season with career totals of 40 ground balls and 21 caused turnovers. He played a key role in Penn State's Big Ten title season in 2019, posting career highs in both ground balls (16) and caused turnovers (7).
Townsend is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten award recipient. He missed the 2021 season with an injury, but his work ethic and competitive attitude were more than enough reasons for Cardile to pass down to him the prestigious No. 16 Penn State jersey. Townsend played 37 games through his first three seasons and tallied 18 points on 10 goals and eight assists. He added 20 ground balls and seven caused turnovers from his spot in the midfield.
Funk, Peck and Townsend have been at Penn State for numerous program firsts during their careers. They helped the Lions win their first-ever Big Ten regular season and Tournament titles in 2019. That year also saw the Lions post their first varsity win over Maryland and advance to the NCAA Semifinal Round for the first time. In 2021, the Lions played in Panzer Stadium's first ever Big Ten Men's Lacrosse Tournament game.
