Miyashita Selected First Overall In NLL Draft
Vancouver Ravens select Mark Miyashita '03 with first overall pick in 2003 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to play lacrosse professionally with a up-and-coming team such as Vancouver,” said Miyashita. “My four years at Canisius with coach (Randy) Mearns prepared me well for the jump to the pro ranks and the work ethic he instilled in me has made me a better lacrosse player over the four years I spent in a Golden Griffin uniform. I hope my success and the continued success of the Canisius program will put the school on the lacrosse map for future seasons.”
Miyashita, a native of Richmond, B.C and a four-year letterwinner with Canisius, led the Golden Griffins in points (49), ground balls (102) and assists (26) during his senior year. He was also the MAAC Lacrosse League leader in points-per-game (3.50/game) and assists-per-game (1.86/game), while finishing second in points. Earlier this season, Miyashita broke the Canisius career ground balls record, completing his four-year career with 329. Miyashita capped his collegiate career with three goals and three assists in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division I North-South Classic.
“This is a huge day for Canisius College lacrosse and for Mark Miyashita,” said Canisius College men’s lacrosse head coach Randy Mearns. “Mark was a tremendous student-athlete for us all four years he was here and his being selected #1 is a testament to his work ethic and indicative of the effort he gave Canisius every time he put on a uniform.”
The eight-round draft featured each of the league's 10 franchises selecting among North America's premier lacrosse talent pool. The talent pool includes players from the Ontario Lacrosse Association, Western Lacrosse Association, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). Vancouver finished the 2002-03 season with a 9-7-0 record and a 2-4-0 mark in the Western Conference. The Ravens open the 2003-04 slate on the road against Arizona, Friday, Dec. 26, at 7:30 p.m. PST.
#GoGriffs.com#
Date released: 10/25/2003
