McCallion (@Ford_Lacrosse), McMahon of @PennMensLax selected in @MLL_Lacrosse draft

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/27/15
From Press Release

The University of Pennsylvania men’s lacrosse team had a pair of seniors drafted by Major League Lacrosse over the weekend. Senior defenseman Matt McMahon was drafted in the fifth round (35th overall) by the Ohio Machine, while senior midfielder Joe McCallion (Haverford School) was drafted in the seventh round (52nd overall) by the Denver Outlaws.

Per MLL Draft rules, both McMahon and McCallion retain their collegiate eligibility through the 2015 season; they will be allowed to play for the teams that drafted them only after their season has concluded.

“We are excited for Matt and Joe, and proud of this recognition of their talents and efforts,” said Penn’s James H. Greene, Jr. Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse, Mike Murphy. “To have two seniors drafted by the MLL is another step forward for the Penn Lacrosse program.

“They both know that they will have to continue to work hard to secure roles on their respective teams and then play at a high level in the MLL. I have confidence that they will put in the work; they have both worked extremely hard to get to this point, which is part of why they are our co-captains this year. Hopefully our younger players see this as an example of what can happen if you work hard to improve each day.”

McMahon has started every game the last two years on defense, and was an honorable mention All-Ivy pick a year ago as a junior. He finished the 2014 season second on the team with 20 caused turnovers, and he also added 26 ground balls. Last month, McMahon received honorable mention Preseason All-America recognition from Inside Lacrosse.

McCallion – a 2011 All-Phillylacrosse.com First team pick – was a regular in the midfield units last year, and he tied for fourth on the team in assists (9) and sixth in points (17). He enters this season with 11 career goals and 14 assists for 25 points. In addition to his midfield play, McCallion entered college as a face-off specialist.

McMahon and McCallion were two of eight Ivy League players drafted over the weekend. Another Penn player, Zack Losco, was drafted last year by Major League Lacrosse.

Penn opens its season on Saturday, Feb. 14 when the Quakers host UMBC at 1 p.m.; Penn has received a preseason national ranking from Lacrosse Magazine (11), Inside Lacrosse (12), and the USILA coaches committee (13).