June 10, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Terrapin men's lacrosse senior captain Michael Howley (Wantagh, N.Y.) continued his collection of postseason accolades after being awarded the William C. Schmeisser Award as the Nation's Outstanding Defensemen of the Year by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA)

Howley, who was also named a USILA First Team All-American following the team's trip to the semifinals, becomes the eighth Terp defensmen to receive this honor, and the first since Dan Radebaugh in 1995.

The 2002 Tewaaraton trophy finalist dominated on close defense throughout his career at Maryland, starting his last 60 games as a Terp and finishing with 178 groundballs, four goals and five assists for nine points.

In the past four years, he has been a first or second team All-American selection for each of the past three seasons, making him the first Terp since Tom Worstell (1986-88) to be honored so highly. He was also a three-time All-ACC selection and earned NCAA All-Tournament honors for helping to hold Christmas pointless.

Howley was drafted by Major League Lacrosse's Rochester Rattlers in this year's college draft on May 30.