May 21, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland placed four players on the 2009 USILA Men's Lacrosse All-America teams, which were announced Thursday. Sophomores Ryan Young and Max Schmidt earned second and third team honors, respectively, while sophomore Grant Catalino and senior Dan Groot were honorable mention selections.

Young earns his first All-America honor and was the catalyst of the Maryland offense throughout the 2009 season. The attackman, who is a native of Massapequa, N.Y., finished the season second on the team in points with 40 on 19 goals and 21 assists. He led all Terp starters with a 38.8 shooting percentage and has put 73.5 percent of his shots on goal.

Schmidt, is also a first-time All-American, was the Terps' most consistent performer in 2009. He led the team with 24 caused turnovers and led all Maryland defenders with 38 groundballs. The Upper Arlington, Ohio, native led a Terrapin defense that finished the season ranked eighth in scoring defense in the NCAA, allowing just 7.71 goals per game.

Catalino earned his first All-America honor by leading the Terps in points (47), goals (25) and assists (22). The native of Webster, N.Y., unselfishly moved from his natural position on attack to play on the first midfield line in the Terps' final three games, helping lead Maryland to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.

Groot returns to the All-America list (he was a third team selection in 2007) after turning in a solid all-around senior season. He led all Maryland midfielders with 35 points on 21 goals and 14 assists. In addition to his offensive contributions, Groot was a terrific defender for the Terps, picking-up 23 groundballs and causing nine turnovers.