Outlaws Go on the Attack in 2011 MLL Collegiate Draft
January 21, 2011 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Denver Outlaws News Release
Baltimore, Md. - The Denver Outlaws walked away from the 2011 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Collegiate Draft with an arsenal of players tonight, first selecting senior attackman Billy Bitter (North Carolina) with the third overall pick. Bitter has scored a total of 74 goals and 64 assists during his first three seasons at UNC and was named a First Team All-American his sophomore and junior seasons. Denver's other Top-10 pick was midfielder Steve Serling from Hofstra University who was selected ninth overall pick in the draft (Second Round). Serling is a fifth year senior transfer student from Lafayette College who led the Leopards in scoring last season with 37G and 12A. For his work he was named the 2010 Patriot League Player of the Year.
"I think Billy Bitter is one of the best attackmen to come out of college the past few years," said General Manager Brian Reese. "He is really exciting to watch. He is a fearless dodger and rides as well as anyone I have seen. He could also play midfield and be a matchup problem for other teams. As for Serling, I think Steve is a good offensive midfielder. He can score in a variety of ways and is a very good passer from up top. I think he is poised for a great senior season"
Next up in the third round the Outlaws selected senior defenseman Brett Schmidt from Maryland with the 15th overall pick. Schmidt, a 2011 Preseason 2nd Team All-American, is a versatile defender that can play either long stick midfielder or low defenseman. He was named a USILA Third Team All-American and awarded a spot on the 2010 All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Team. Schmidt also received the Decker-Sibler Award as Maryland's best overall defenseman with 36 ground balls and 28 caused turnovers in the 2010 season.
"Brett Schmidt is a tough, athletic defender," added Reese. "He can play down low and up top and can cover any type of player. He brings a lot of toughness and a great work ethic"
Senior attackman Grant Catalino was Denver's 21st overall pick in the fourth round and has been a starter since his freshman year at Maryland. He is a big (6'5" 225 lbs.) right-handed shooter capable of stretching the defense with his outside shot or driving to take an inside shot. In 2010 Catalino was a nominee for the Tewaaraton Trophy and earned a spot on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Team as well. He currently carries 143 career points (88G, 55A).
"I was really surprised Grant was available in the 4th round," mentioned Reese. "He is a great shooter and goal scorer. He can shoot from outside, and has great hands inside as well. He can play midfield or attack and can really help the extra man."
In the fifth round (27th overall) the Outlaws selected senior attackman Jack McBride out of Princeton. McBride is a well rounded attackman and is known for his ability to feed from behind the net and drive to the crease for goals. He led his team with 51 points and 35 goals last season (First Tiger with back-to-back 30 goal seasons since 2003-04) and was a First Team All-Ivy League selection as well as an Honorable Mention All-American. McBride holds 89 career goals and 25 assists for 114 pts.
"I thought Jack could have been taken in the 2nd or third round," said Reese. "He is a tough dodger that can get to the front of the net. He is another guy that can play attack or midfield and can contribute on the offensive end."
With Denver's remaining three picks, the Outlaws selected senior midfielder Andrew Irving (Notre Dame) in the sixth round (33rd overall), local standout Andrew Lay who is entering his senior year as a stand-out midfielder at the University of Denver (seventh round, 39th overall) and senior goalie Adam Ghitelman from Virginia (eight round, 45 overall).
2011 MLL Collegiate Draft Results - Denver Outlaws
Rd. Pick Name Pos Ht. Wt. College Hometown
1 3 Billy Bitter Att 6' 0" 170 lbs North Carolina Manahasset, N.Y.
2 9 Steve Serling Mid 6' 0" 180 lbs. Hofstra Rockville Centre, N.Y.
3 15 Brett Schmidt Def 6' 0" 175 lbs. Maryland Maple Glen, Pa.
4 21 Grant Catalino Att 6'5" 225 lbs. Maryland Webster, N.Y.
5 27 Jack McBride Att 5'10" 195 lbs. Princeton Madison, N.J.
6 33 Andrew Irving Mid 5'9" 185 lbs. Notre Dame McLean, Va.
7 39 Andrew Lay Mid 6'3" 200 lbs. Denver Denver, Co.
8 45 Adam Ghitelman Goal 5'9" 186 lbs. Virginia Syosset, N.Y.
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