Three Virginia Freshmen Named to 2012 U.S. Men's U19 Team

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Three Virginia men’s lacrosse freshmen were selected to the U.S. men’s national under-19 team that will train to compete in the 2012 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) U19 Men’s World Championships in Turku, Finland next summer. Defensemen Greg Danseglio and Tanner Ottenbreit, and midfielder Ryan Tucker were selected to the roster of 23 from 123 candidates that endured a four-day tryout at UMBC.

The U.S. team will defend its title from 2008 when it won gold at the quadrennial event, beating Canada, 19-12, in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

“This promises to be a truly memorable experience for Greg, Tanner and Ryan,” said UVa head coach Dom Starsia. “There is nothing quite as stirring as playing for your country. The international competition in our sport has improved dramatically in recent years. We are very proud of these young men and they will serve as excellent ambassadors and representatives of the University and our lacrosse program, Go USA!”

Former UVa All-American Tom Duquette is one of three assistant coaches on the squad. Tucker’s father, John, was a three-time world champion (1986, 1990, 1994) on the U.S. men’s senior team and also served as an assistant coach for the 2003 U.S. U19 team that won a gold medal.

“I think that the competitiveness and level of talent at the tryouts was a gauntlet that the players who made the team had to survive and show their absolute best,” Tim Flynn, head coach of the U.S. men’s U19 team said. “Because of that, the team assembled is one that is tough, diverse and talented.”

Tucker is ranked by Inside Lacrosse as the No. 10 incoming freshman in the nation, while Danseglio registers at No. 25.

Harvard and Virginia lead all universities with three representatives each on the roster of 23.