Crystal, Filippone selected in Major League Lacrosse draft
By: Brett Fischer
Issue date: 6/8/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 6/8/07 at 3:00 AM EST
Last update: 6/8/07 at 3:00 AM EST
Originally published: 6/8/07 at 3:00 AM EST
Last update: 6/8/07 at 3:00 AM EST
Chris Bates, the head coach of the men's lacrosse team, said that Crystal and Filippone are great examples of what Drexel lacrosse players should be.
"Adam and Michael represent what the program is all about," Coach Bates said. "This is an indication of the level of lacrosse we're playing. Recruits can look at Drexel and hopefully see the type of caliber we have. It's good for our own team to see guys they play with day in and day out get drafted."
Now that Crystal and Filippone are drafted, they have new focuses and challenges awaiting them in the MLL.
Crystal said he will do anything he can to help the Lizards. He understands that the lineup is difficult to crack, but he hopes to climb the depth chart and play. Regardless of what happens in the MLL, though, Crystal will always have a special memory of his draft.
"When I heard my name called, it seemed like everything was in slow motion," Crystal said. "It was a mix of happiness, shock, surprise and just elation. I walked up, shook hands with the team president and the MLL commissioner, took a picture and then I was back in my seat. It's something I'll never forget."
Meanwhile, Filippone has a job in New York working in the field of engineering, but he will commute every weekend for Friday night practices and games on Saturdays.
But to him, the commute is worth it, as long as he gets to play in Philadelphia.
"It's really exciting, considering I've been here for five years and knowing I'm still in the area," Filippone said.
One way or another, both players are prepared for the next level of lacrosse.
Bates said that Drexel was lucky to have Filippone and Crystal on its team and thinks that trend will continue throughout the MLL.
"Long Island and Philadelphia are lucky to have them."
"Adam and Michael represent what the program is all about," Coach Bates said. "This is an indication of the level of lacrosse we're playing. Recruits can look at Drexel and hopefully see the type of caliber we have. It's good for our own team to see guys they play with day in and day out get drafted."
Now that Crystal and Filippone are drafted, they have new focuses and challenges awaiting them in the MLL.
Crystal said he will do anything he can to help the Lizards. He understands that the lineup is difficult to crack, but he hopes to climb the depth chart and play. Regardless of what happens in the MLL, though, Crystal will always have a special memory of his draft.
"When I heard my name called, it seemed like everything was in slow motion," Crystal said. "It was a mix of happiness, shock, surprise and just elation. I walked up, shook hands with the team president and the MLL commissioner, took a picture and then I was back in my seat. It's something I'll never forget."
Meanwhile, Filippone has a job in New York working in the field of engineering, but he will commute every weekend for Friday night practices and games on Saturdays.
But to him, the commute is worth it, as long as he gets to play in Philadelphia.
"It's really exciting, considering I've been here for five years and knowing I'm still in the area," Filippone said.
One way or another, both players are prepared for the next level of lacrosse.
Bates said that Drexel was lucky to have Filippone and Crystal on its team and thinks that trend will continue throughout the MLL.
"Long Island and Philadelphia are lucky to have them."
