Robarge Becomes First VMI Lacrosse Player Drafted to MLL, Selected 44th by Denver Outlaws
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PHILADELPHIA - History was made Friday night as VMI lacrosse standout Stephen Robarge was selected as the No. 44 pick in the 2012 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft, announced by the league's commissioner David Gross.
The Keydet senior was selected by the Denver Outlaws in the sixth round as the 44th overall pick. The Outlaws came into existence in the league for the 2006 season. Robarge becomes the first VMI lacrosse player selected in the MLL draft. The 2011 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Face-off Specialist of the Year was the only player from the MAAC to be drafted from the conference.
"It's a huge honor to be drafted into the MLL. I can honestly say that when I first started playing lacrosse I never would have thought I would have this opportunity. But by the grace of God, support from my family and friends, great coaches and teammates, I've continued to work at it and thrive in order to get this chance of a lifetime," said Robarge of his recent selection to the Outlaws. "I'm very thankful to the Denver Outlaws for choosing me and I know wherever I end up that I will continue to represent my family and VMI well and continue to work in order to be the best that I can."
A Preseason All-America Honorable Mention Selection, Robarge will take face-offs for head coach Jim Stagnitta, former Rutgers University head coach. The Outlaws begin their 2012 quest for their first league title, heading on the road to league newcomer Charlotte Hounds.
When Robarge reports to the Outlaws following the 2012 VMI season, he will compete at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, home of the NFL's Denver Broncos.
We are all very proud and excited for the opportunity the Denver Outlaws have provided Stephen Robarge. He is one of the hardest working and motivated players I have ever had the privilege of coaching," said VMI head coach Brian Anken, who saw the first player under his tutelage drafted to the MLL. "Stephen is a true leader both on and off the field and will continue to positively represent the Virginia Military Institute. Stephen will once again play a major role in our programs objective of winning a MAAC Championship this season. I expect him to exceed the same expectations for the Denver organization."
Robarge, who will serve as a team captain during the upcoming season, finished the 2011 season as the best faceoff specialists in the country. Over the course of the Keydets' 13 games, Robarge went 205-of-306 in face-offs, winning at a blistering 67.0 percent pace.
Robarge scooped up 132 balls last season and was the nation's leader in groundballs per game. The Lorton, Va. native hoovered 10.15 groundballs per game, nearly a full groundball more than the second place finisher.
Behind Robarge, the Keydets finished first in the country in team groundballs per game, averaging 39.62 an outing, besting 2011 National Champion, the University of Virginia, which finished third at 36.83 per game.
Overcoming a relatively slow start, Robarge finished the season with double-digit groundballs in six of the final eight games of the season, including a 17-groundball effort versus Manhattan in late March, setting the program record for single-game groundballs.
During the Keydets' 13 games last season, Robarge won double-digit face-offs in every game, surpassing the 20-win mark four times, including the final two games of the season.
For his efforts in 2011, Robarge was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Face-Off Specialist of the Year and was selected by the league's coaches All-MAAC Second Team. This past December, Robarge was named Inside Lacrosse's Preseason All-America list as an honorable mention, one of only three MAAC players to land on the list.
In just three seasons with the Keydets, Robarge has already landed in the VMI lacrosse record book several times, including the program's all-time groundball getter, grabbing up 288 in just three years. He holds the top two single-season groundball records, setting the mark at 124 in 2010 before eclipsing his own mark the next season with 132.
On two occasions, Robarge has finished in the top five national in both groundballs per game and face-off percentage, coming in second in 2010 in groundballs per game with an 8.27 per outing average. That season he won his face-offs at a 61.5 percent pace, less than one percent behind the country's top specialist and good enough for fourth place.
The 5-10 Robarge is an offense threat as well, logging six goals in three seasons, including four last seasons. He has tallied four assists since 2009, bringing his career point total to 10 (6g, 4a).
"Stephen has an unequaled drive and intensity in practice as well as games," said VMI assistant coach Tony Mackin, who works closely with the team's face-off unit. "I have no doubt that his ability, focus and work ethic will translate to the next level."
The MLL was founded in 1998 by Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld, for whom the league's trophy, the Steinfeld Cup, is named. The eight team league recently expanded and, in addition to the Denver Outlaws, the league is comprised of the Boston Cannons, Charlotte Hounds, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Hamilton (Ontario) Nationals, Long Island Lizards, Ohio Machine and Rochester Rattlers.
Robarge and the Keydets open the 2012 season on Feb. 11 as they head to Annapolis, Md. to face the Midshipmen of the US Naval Academy. Game time is set for noon at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.