If we look at where the Nittany Lions were 5 years ago, it definitely did not look like they would be as successful as they are today.
They finished out the 2009 season with coach Glenn Thiel, and a 9-5 overall record. The downfall of that season was that the Blue and White did not utilize their full potential until the end of the season, when they caught fire and successfully crushed 6 opponents in a row.
In 2010, the Lions had a tough time competing with their tough schedule, ending the season 2-11. This was one of the roughest seasons for the Nittany Lions, as they lost a lot of key players were dominated significantly by all of their challengers. This was the point at which Penn State Lacrosse decided they needed a transformation.
The next season, current Head Coach Jeff Tambroni was hired, and the Blue and White have been improving drastically each season since his arrival. He was promptly declared a Nittany Lion in June of 2010, and wasted no time making changes to the program.
The 2011 season was incredibly successful for the Lions, as some of the leading players today, were just starting to make their mark that season. Austin Kaut and Shane Sturgis both were new to collegiate lacrosse, and they started what would be two of the most talented careers Penn State has ever seen.
2012 was a successful season, ending 9-5 and with a first round playoff appearance. 2013 was definitely a breakout year for Penn State, as the team went 11-3 in the regular season, and appeared in two rounds of playoff matches. In 2013, the Lions acquired TJ Sanders, who added to the sturdiness already secured by Kaut and Sturgis. With those three dominating the field, there was no stopping the Blue and White.
The team is having a successful 2014 season, and they have their sights set on the post season. This will be the last season for Kaut, and he will be continuing his lacrosse career in the MLL with the Boston Cannons.
