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Three Illinois Players in the D1 Playoffs
Posted 5/16/2012 10:05:20 AM
by Jamie Considine
As you watch the NCAA Men's Division I Lacrosse Playoffs this weekend, keep an eye out for three fellow IHSLA players who are continuing their lacrosse careers in college. Mick Parks (New Trier, Virginia), Jarrid Puzes (Stevenson, Virginia) and Gabe Lord (Saint Ignatius, Colgate) are representing Illinois well.
Notre Dame vs Virginia, Sunday, May 20, 12:00PM ET (ESPNU)
Jarrid Puzes, a senior defenseman at Virgina, was a first team IHSLA All-State selection and US Lacrosse All-American at Stevenson. Jarrid has seen action in four games this year for the Cavaliers. Jersey #16.
Mick Parks, a freshman midfielder for Virginia, was a two-time IHSLA first team All-State selection and a two-time US Lacrosse All-American at New Trier. Mick has saw action in 15 games this year as a faceoff specialist for the Cavaliers. He boasts a 53% faceoff record on 173 attempts. Jersey #26.
Colgate vs Duke, Sunday, May 20, 2:30PM ET (ESPNU)
Gabe Lord, a sophomore goalkeeper for Colgate, was an IHSLA All-Star goalie for Saint Ignatius. He joined the Raider program this year as a walk-on. Jersey #46.
For all you players frustrated with the college recruiting process, Gabe Lord's story should give you hope. Gabe had a standout senior season playing for St. Ignatius after playing for the True Lacrosse travel team during his junior summer. He loved lacrosse and wanted to play in college. Alas, he was not recruited by any school that met his academic interests. An outstanding student, Gabe chose to attend Colgate. He dabbled in club lacrosse at Colgate, never expecting to play competitive lacrosse again. During Christmas break this past winter, he got a call from the Colgate coach. Riddled with injuries at the goalkeeper position, the coach asked Gabe to return to school to join the team and help them prepare for the season. One week later, Gabe found himself between the pipes playing the fourth quarter of a preseason scrimmage against a ferocious Delaware offense. With five saves and only one goal allowed, Gabe had earned a spot on the team. Opportunity knocked and Gabe answered.
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