By Devon Mongeluzzi
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/22/09
Tim Golder, an Avon Grove rising senior attackman, has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Penn State University.
Golder, a first-team All-Ches-Mont League pick this year, was drawn to Penn State’s combination of academics and lacrosse. He hopes to major in either Biology or Engineering, fields in which Penn State is particularly strong.
“I picked Penn State because I’m interested in the sciences and it has great programs,” Golder said. “I really liked the idea of a rural campus, so the location is great.”
When Golder visited the campus, he found that the team was welcoming. “I met the coach (Glenn Thiel) and he’s a really good guy who is easy to talk to,” he said. “It’s also good to know that a lot of kids are former Duke’s players and they’re from the same area as me.”
Golder will have many familiar faces at Penn State. Other Philly rising seniors that have committed to University Park include Springfield-Delco goalie Austin Kaut, Downingtown East attackman Shane Sturgis, Springfield-Delco defenseman Brandan Nave and Haverford School attackman Stephen Aitken. All but Aitken play for the Duke’s.
Golder said Avon Grove showed much improvement in 2009, when it reached the District 1 playoffs and gave eventual state qualifier West Chester East a battle before losing, 14-12, in the first round.
Golder suffered injuries early in the season, but overcame this setback to score 30 goals and dish off 12 assists.
Golder, a captain on the Duke’s Lacrosse Club this summer, relishes his experience on the squad. “Without the Duke’s, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.
