York Suburban's Collin Mailman gives stamp of approval to Drexel lacrosse

Luke Beam wasn't officially the York Suburban boys' lacrosse coach for more than a week when he spotted someone at York College decked in orange Trojans gear firing practice shots.

Beam knew little about the team he inherited, except a few high school and college coaches told him Collin Mailman would be his top player. Maybe this teen practicing his craft on a freezing winter day could provide insight, Beam thought.

When he approached, the teen introduced himself as Mailman.

The coach quickly learned of his leading player's work ethic, which made little surprise Tuesday when he learned of Mailman's verbal commitment to Drexel University for lacrosse.

"They're getting a great athlete, lacrosse athlete and even better kid," Beam said. "He's definitely a talented player, but just his energy is contagious to the whole team."

Mailman, a 6-foot senior and multi-sport athlete at Suburban, received seven Division I college offers. He visited Army and Navy. A handful of smaller schools, including York College also were interested, but Drexel offered the most in terms of a scholarship.

"I really like the city atmosphere," he said of the Philadelphia school. "I got to spend time with the team. It was like a family, and I really like that."

Mailman first received interest last year after a successful summer showcase with his club team, Rock Lacrosse in Baltimore. His other Division I suitors included Richmond, Towson, Lehigh, Georgetown, Mount St. Mary's and Robert Morris.

On Monday, during YAIAA football media day, Mailman said he hoped to make a decision in the next week. Drexel gave him a quicker deadline that pushed that decision, but Mailman said Tuesday he didn't feel rushed. He was leaning toward the Dragons.