Putzier, Romero Become First Two All-Americans in Program History
Oskaloosa–Breck Putzier (So., Minneapolis, Minn., Kinesiology) and Boston Romero (Jr., Las Vegas, Nev., Business Management) were chosen as two of the best players in the country as the NAIA announced its men’s lacrosse All-America teams Tuesday.
Putzier was one of 13 players on the First Team, while Romero garnered one of the 13 Second-Team laurels.
The duo are the first All-Americans in William Penn men’s lacrosse history. They helped lead the Statesmen to 13-6 record, including a perfect 5-0 mark in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. WPU, which was ranked as high as #9 in the nation, was the Heart’s regular season champion and advanced to the tournament finals.
Putzier, the Heart’s Player of the Year, led the entire NAIA in the three most important offensive categories, including scoring 68 goals with 60 assists for 128 points. He also tallied 50 ground balls and caused 15 turnovers.
Romero tied for 17th in the nation with 41 goals. He also tallied 14 assists and tied for 26th nationally with 55 points. The junior managed 17 ground balls and four caused turnovers as well.
Both players collected a Heart Offensive Player of the Week award during the season.
Cameron Cochran of Reinhardt (Ga.) was named NAIA Player of the Year, while Patrick Johnston of national champion Keiser (Fla.) was tabbed as Coach of the Year.
