Smithtown West Grad Wins Lax's Tewaaraton Trophy

A Smithtown High School West graduate ended his college career on a high note by winning the 2013 Tewaaraton Trophy, the premiere award in collegiate lacrosse. 

Rob Pannell accepted the award Thursday night  at a ceremony held at the Smithstonian Institute's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.  Pannell plays mens' lacrosse at Cornell University. 

"It's a tremendous honor to win such a prestigious award and to be the second Cornellian to win along with my best friend Max Seibald,” said Pannell in a written statement. “This award really belongs to my team, especially the senior class. It speaks volumes about the great team we had this year and to the success that we had. Without them I would not have received this award tonight."

Pannell is the all-time NCAA Division I points leader by scoring 354 goals. He has scored at least 1 point in all 72 games of his Cornell career and ranks third in the nation with 5.67 points per game. Pannell scored 102 goals in the 2013 season for Cornell. 

The Smithtown graduates has won many awards this year including the USILA Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award, for the Outstanding Division I Player of the Year, as well as the Ivy League Player of the Year. 

Pannell will begin his professional career with the New York Lizards on May 31.