HOBOKEN, N.J. - Former Rutgers defensemen Chris O'Dougherty (Kinnelon, N.J.) was selected in the fourth round (31st overall) of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Draft, held at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.
O'Dougherty was chosen by the Denver Outlaws as the first of the squad's three fourth-round selections.
"I'm really proud of Chris and happy that he has earned himself this opportunity," said Rutgers men's lacrosse head coach Jim Stagnitta. "He has a great passion for the game and I'm happy he that he has the opportunity to continuing playing lacrosse at the highest level.
"I'm extremely confident that he can contribute and make a difference for the Outlaws. Athletically he can play both close defense and long pole. He should be a great fit for the MLL. Chris had a great career at Rutgers and some of his best years are still ahead of him."
O'Dougherty, an All-ECAC selection in each of the last three years, ended his RU career starting all but one game. After the 2008 season, he was awarded the William Miller Trophy as the team's MVP. The Kinnelon native scooped 43 groundballs during his senior season, second-best on the team. While anchoring the RU defense, O'Dougherty caused 13 turnovers, also second on the squad.
The MLL, which begain in 2001, is the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league in North America. The league is comprised of six teams located in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Long Island, Toronto and Washington. The ninth season of MLL action is slated to begin May 15, 2009. The 2009 MLL All-Star Game will take place on Thursday, July 16 in Denver, Colorado at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The season will culminate with the New Balance MLL Championship Weekend, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
For more information, please visit the official league website at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.
