June 02, 2002|By Dan Hickling | Dan Hickling,SPECIAL TO THE SUN
LOWELL, Mass. -- The Bayhawks added a little scoring punch to their lineup yesterday when they made Hofstra attackman Tom Kessler their first-round pick in the Major League Lacrosse college draft.
"We're excited that Tom was still available," said Bayhawks co-coach Craig Campbell, whose team will begin its second season Thursday.
Kessler, who was the No. 6 choice in the draft, headed a list of five selections by the Bayhawks in the draft, which was held on the Cawley Stadium turf as part of the MLL's annual Warrior Challenge fan event.
FOR THE RECORD - The spelling of Brenndan Mohler has been corrected for the archive database. See microfilm for original story.
The Hicksville, N.Y., native brings some impressive scoring credentials to the Bayhawks.
He wound up this season as Hofstra's career goal-scoring leader (140), and second all-time in points (207). He was the Pride's top scorer this season with 28 goals and 21 assists.
"It's great that Baltimore picked me," said Kessler, who is 5 feet 9, 165 pounds. "I love Maryland. I've had good times down there. I'm very excited about going there. It's going to be great to be part of that."
Campbell said he had his eye on Kessler all along.
"We were definitely very interested in him," Campbell said. "At pick No. 6, we're not sure who's going to be there and who's not. But we're very excited that he was available."
Campbell's four other picks were designed to add depth to each area of an already deep club.
The team took Cornell goalie Justin Cynar in round two, followed by Syracuse defender Billy St. George. The Bayhawks went for some hometown help in the fourth round by choosing Towson attack Brad Reppert.
In round five, with the final choice of the draft, they chose Virginia and former Catonsville attackman Brenndan Mohler.
"We've got a real good squad right now," said Campbell. "[But] hopefully we got some guys who can help us out."
Several other players with area ties were taken, beginning with Virginia attackman Conor Gill. The Lutherville native was taken third overall by the Boston Cannons.
"I was actually pretty surprised that I was picked so high," Gill said. "I'm playing with the best players in the world now. It's going to take me a little while to get adjusted, but I think I'll pick it up."
Other locals selected included Galen Beers (Darlington/Cornell, 16th overall by Boston), Nick Murtha (Johns Hopkins, 17th, New Jersey), Devin Ryan (Kensington/Notre Dame, 19th, Bridgeport), Josh Tankersley (Towson, 21st, Bridgeport), and P.J. DiConza (Johns Hopkins, 27th, New Jersey).
