THROGS NECK, NY – SUNY Maritime senior captain Donald J. Toby (Oceanside, NY/Oceanside) has done what only one other Privateer lacrosse player in Maritime history has accomplished. Toby was named an All-American this past week, the most honorable award that an athlete can earn in their playing career. Kevin Mannix was the only other Privateer to be an All-American when he was named to the honorable mention team in 1986.
“Being named an All-American is an accomplishment that feels awesome. Over the years, I have put in a lot of hard work, and it feels great that it has been recognized. It was a goal that I had as a freshman, and to attain it as a senior to end my career is a great feeling.", said Toby.
This weekend will be a busy one for the Skyline Conference Player of the Year, as he will participate in the USILA North-South All-Star Game on Friday, May 23rd. A member of the North squad, Toby will play with and against some of the best Division III lacrosse players to step on a field. The game will be held at Harvard University, Boston, MA. at 2:00PM.
On playing in the USILA North-South Game, Toby said, “I never thought I would be here, playing in a game with this much talent on each side of the field. These are the best players in Division III and it will be great to meet them and get to know them”.
Following Friday's All-Star game, Toby will be able to watch the Division I Championship on Saturday and the Division II and III Championships on Sunday, before accepting his All-American Certificate at the Reception on Sunday at 5:00PM.
Donald Toby (Oceanside, NY/Oceanside) has had an impressive career at Maritime, beginning his freshman season when he was named the Conference Rookie of the Year. That season, Toby had 33 points (19G, 14A) with 69 ground balls and a .557 faceoff win percentage. The following season, he recorded 24 goals and 24 assists, with 78 ground balls and a .551 faceoff win percentage. In 2007, Toby had 31 goals and 23 assists, to go along with 135 ground balls and a .678 win percentage. Those stats ranked him nationally 18th in points per game, 35th in assists per game, 7th in faceoff win percentage, and 2nd in ground balls per game. This season, he scored 30 times and assisted 25 times, with 94 ground balls and a .585 win percentage, ranking him 30th nationally in faceoff win percentage and 26th in ground balls per game. He was named to the First Team All-Conference in every year, and finished this season as the Player of the Year.
When asked about his career and his accomplishments, he replied, “Over my four year college career, I have had lots of fun, but also put in lots of work. The coaching staff here has been awesome, and the players have been equally great. It's too bad we couldn't win the Skyline Championship, but I was still part of a team that won the most games in a season of any Maritime lacrosse team. I take a lot of pride in that, and it's something that I will never forget”.
Donald graduated with a degree in Marine Transportation and a 3rd mate unlimited tonnage license. He has accepted a position as a second officer on Celebrity Cruise Lines starting in June. “Ultimately, my goal is to sail enough to get my captains license. What happens next, I don't know, but something will come up”.
Head Coach Russ Ketcham is extremely proud of his captains' accomplishment. “It has been my pleasure and honor to be DJ's head lacrosse coach for the past 4 years. He truly has been the heart and soul of Maritime lacrosse throughout that period. The USILA, in honoring him as an All-American and a member of the North Team in the annual North-South game, recognizes his hard work and dedication to SUNY Maritime and the 'Creator's Game'”.
