by Ben Jones

It took almost an entire century but the wait is finally over as the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) named Penn State junior goalie Austin Kaut to its All-America First Team on Thursday. The announcement gives the Penn State program its first, First Team All-American honor in 73 years.

Kaut also earned the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top goalie in college lacrosse.

Graduating senior Jack Forster and junior midfielder Tom LaCrosse picked up honors as USILA Honorable Mention All-Americans. The three combined national honors are the most since 2003 when Rob Bateman (second team) was joined by Chris Garrity and Matt Zappia as honorable mention.

“Our staff is very proud of our All-America honorees,” Penn State Head Coach Jeff Tambroni said. “These awards are symbolic of their tireless work ethic and the contributions of their teammates.”

Kaut posted a standout season with a 7.37 goals-against average (third in the nation) while making a career-high 194 saves this season. Kaut also stopped 61 percent of shots on goal (second in the nation) and registered a 12-5 record for the Nittany Lions. Kaut saved 10 or more shots in 12 of 17 games including three 16-save performances.

Only a junior, a strong goaltending performance in 2013-14 could see Kaut become the first repeat winner since 1999-2000 when Navy’s Mickey Jarboe took home the honors.

Penn State won a school record 12 games in a season and reached the NCAA Tournament for the third time in program history and the first time since 2005. The Nittany Lions fell at home in a 10-7 heartbreaker to Yale in the first round of the NCAA tournament.