Three Terps Selected In National Lacrosse League Draft
9/25/2000 8:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Sept. 25, 2000
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Three Maryland men's lacrosse stars were selected in the 2000 National Lacrosse League (NLL) Draft on Sept. 21 in New York. All three players, Jeff Shirk (Boonton Township, N.J.), Casey Connor (Baltimore, Md.) and Brian Zeller (Forest Hill, Md.) had decorated careers at Maryland that finished this past spring with a trip to the NCAA quarterfinals.
Shirk was selected in the fifth round (42nd overall) by the Philadelphia Wings. As a defensive midfielder, Shirk was one of the nation's nastiest hitters. Prior to the 2000 season, was named a preseason All-American by Face-Off Magazine and The Baltimore Sun. In his Maryland career, Shirk played in 63 games, scoring three goals and assisting on two others for five points.
Connor was also picked in the fifth round (49th overall) by the recently-relocated Washington team. The franchise has yet to announce its name, but will play its games at MCI Center after moving from Pittsburgh. On close defense Connor was USILA second team All-American in 2000 after being honored as an honorable mention All-American in 1998 and 1999. Connor was also a preseason All-American by College Lacrosse USA and Face-Off Magazine. In his four-year Maryland career, Connor played in 62 games, starting 44.
Zeller was drafted in the seventh round (67th overall) by Washington. At Maryland, Zeller was named a second-team All-American and first team All-ACC midfielder in 1998. During the 2000 season, he was named to the ACC All-Tournament Team and the ACC Player of the Week once. He was a preseason All-American by College Lacrosse USA and Face-Off Magazine. After tallying 17 goals and 16 assists as a senior in 2000, Zeller completed his Maryland career with 74 goals and 36 assists for 110 points.
Both Philadelphia and Washington open their winter seasons on Dec. 30, 2000. The Wings travel to Rochester while Washington will host Buffalo at MCI Center.
