Six Hamilton Players Receive 'National' Honors
Published on May 23, 2013 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
The Hamilton Nationals and Head Coach Dave Huntley learned today that six of their collegiate draft picks have earned Division I All-American honors. Jason Noble and Tucker Durkin were the top recipients as First Team selections. Mike Poppleton garnered Second Team honors, while James "Garrett" Thul, Reid Acton and Josh Hawkins received Honorable Mention accolades.
"It's always a challenge trying to predict how guys are going to perform their senior years," said Nationals General Manager Stu Brown. "(Drafting so many All-Americans) is really a testament to our scouting staff, led by Brian Hobart, and the homework our staff does, which includes Jody (Gage) and Coach Huntley."
The Nationals, who are off to franchise best 3-0 start, will have two of the All-Americans in the lineup tonight. Hawkins and Acton, who were teammates at Loyola University, will play at 7:30 p.m. as the Nationals battle the Ohio Machine on the CBS Sports Network.
"I am just happy to be playing and getting the opportunity," said Hawkins. "I am excited to show what I can do."
Hawkins finished his collegiate career as a two-time All-American, having also received Honorable Mention All-American honors in 2012. Last year, he helped lead the Greyhounds to their first NCAA Lacrosse National Championship. During his four-year career, he amassed 26 goals, nine assists, 172 ground balls and 34 caused turnovers in 49 games.
"It's an honor, especially at Loyola. In our locker room, we have a list of All-Americans," he said. "There are a lot of great names on it. It's just special to be added to that list."
Acton also finished his Loyola career as a two-time All-American, earning back-to-back Honorable Mention All-American nods. In 2013, he was also named to the All-ECAC Second Team. The highlight of his career was winning the 2012 national championship. At Loyola, he played in 53 games, scooping up 85 ground balls and causing 53 turnovers.
Acton made his Major League Lacrosse debut on May 17th against Charlotte. He had some tips for Hawkins as they finished up the team's morning practice.
"Last week was my first game. The speed of the game is a lot faster and everything happens a lot quicker," said Acton.
Durkin also made his MLL debut in the 16-15 victory over the Charlotte Hounds. He earned his third straight All-American selection, receiving Second Team honors as a sophomore and First Team honors last season. In 2012, he was also named the recipient of the William C. Schmeisser Award, given to the nation's top defensive player.
Poppleton joined Durkin as two of the five Blue Jays named All-Americans. The first time selection won 161-of-235 (.685) faceoffs this season and grabbed a team-high 89 ground balls. Poppleton ranked second in the nation in faceoff winning percentage (.685), which was a single-season team record. He ended his career at Johns Hopkins as the school record-holder in career faceoff winning percentage (.644).
Thul, like Durkin, was named an All-American for the third straight season, having been named a Third Team honoree in 2012 and an Honorable Mention All-American in 2011. This season, he became Army's career leader in goals (163) and finished second on the Patriot League's all-time goals list. The three-time Patriot League First Teamer achieved a first at West Point, becoming the only player in team history to record three 40-goal seasons (2010, 2011 and 2013).
Noble is the only 2013 Nationals draft pick still playing for an NCAA title. Noble and Cornell will take on Duke University on Saturday, May 25th at 2:30 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field in the Division I Final Four. Noble earned his third All-American selection today, after being named to the Second Team in 2012 and an Honorable Mention choice in 2011.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 23, 2013
- Crowley Nets Five as Streak Reaches Four - Hamilton Nationals
- Six Hamilton Players Receive 'National' Honors - Hamilton Nationals
- American Forces Network to Broadcast Marquee Major League Lacrosse Games - MLL
- MLL to Have Presence at NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship - MLL
- Outlaws Announce Summer Lacrosse Camp - Denver Outlaws
- Hounds Activate Four Collegiate Draftees - Charlotte Hounds
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