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MLL Florida Launch

Launch Make MLL History with Draft Pick

February 4, 2016 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Florida Launch News Release


With it's selection of Marquette University long-stick midfielder Liam Byrnes, the Florida Launch made MLL history.

In being drafted by the Launch with the 21st overall pick in the third round of the 2016 MLL Collegiate Draft, Byrnes became the first-ever player drafted from Marquette by an MLL team.

Byrnes' selection, as well as that of his Marquette teammates BJ Grill and Jacob Richard (drafted by Denver and New York respectively) has shined a light on an up and coming lacrosse program at Marquette that has many people around the country taking notice.

Marquette's men's lacrosse program is now entering its fifth season, and with very little in the way of facilities, a recruiting presence, or even a lacrosse-friendly climate, the Golden Eagles have managed to rise quickly through the ranks of college lacrosse, and enter the 2016 season with a national preseason ranking of 18th.

"Liam Byrnes really impressed us, especially when you look at what he's accomplished at Marquette at a brand new program that has developed very quickly, Launch Head Coach Stan Ross stated. I think it's a real testament to both Liam's skill and what Coach Joe Amplo and company have been able to do up there."

Byrnes, who was recently named a preseason All-Big East Conference First-Team Selection as well as a Third-Team All-American along with teammate B.J. Grill, has been a standout for Marquette on defense as a long-stick midfielder, setting a school record for ground balls during his tenure.

Playing in his final year of eligibility in 2016, Byrnes will look to cement his mark on the young Golden Eagles' program, having become not only the first Marquette player ever drafted into the MLL, but one of the centerpieces, along with Grill and Richard that has played in every game in Marquette lacrosse history, and has helped take Marquette from a fledging startup program to one with legitimate national championship aspirations in just four years.

Byrnes and the Golden Eagles open play of the 2016 season at home against Bellarmine on February 20th with later road matchups in the season against perennial lacrosse powerhouses such as Duke, Denver, and Notre Dame that will serve as a measuring stick for the program as it continues its rapid ascent.



Major League Lacrosse Stories from February 4, 2016


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