State College boys lacrosse has built one of its strongest seasons through teamwork, leadership, and consistency. The Little Lions have found success by playing fast, trusting each other and stepping up in big moments. The team currently holds a 14-1 overall record.
Along with the team’s strong overall record, three players recently reached major career milestones that reflect the work they have put in over the years. Senior goalie Brody Downs recorded 150 career saves, junior attacker Trey Combs reached 200 career goals and junior faceoff specialist Grant Baron earned 250 career faceoff wins. Each milestone reflects not only individual talent, but also the success of the program this season.
The Little Lions have relied on strong leadership from upperclassmen and consistent effort across the field to make this one of their best seasons yet.
Downs has been a steady presence in the net for State College throughout the season. As the last line of defense, he has played an important role in keeping the team competitive in close games, using quick reactions and strong communication to anchor the defense.
“150 saves means the world to me because it’s a result of all the hard work I’ve put into lacrosse,” Downs said.
He also credited the people around him and reflected on his development in the program.
“Over the years, the coaching staff has been my main motivation, along with some previous teammates who have graduated. Coach Kaluza has created a culture that encourages hard work and extreme effort as well as working through adversity,” Downs said.
On the offensive side, Combs has been one of the team’s top scorers and a major part of the offense throughout his career, consistently creating opportunities and finishing under pressure.
“First, the achievement means a lot to me. Scoring that many goals is pretty difficult no matter what level, so I’m grateful in every sense,” Combs said.
He also added that outside doubt and criticism throughout his career have helped fuel his motivation.
“There’s not one single person that motivated me to get to the next level. It was more the lack of motivation that was given to me, the lack of faith, and the fact that nobody thought I could get there. That really motivated me to get to this level,” Combs said.
At the faceoff X, Baron has helped State College control possession and set the tempo throughout games this season.
“This achievement means so much to me because it shows how far I’ve come as an athlete and person,” Baron said.
He said his passion for the sport has driven his development: “My love for lacrosse just let me work every day to get better and try my best. I wouldn’t have gotten here if I didn’t love this sport.”
As the postseason approaches, these milestones highlight how much this group has meant to the program. With strong leadership from Downs, Combs and Baron, State College Boys Lacrosse continues to build on a successful season and push toward even bigger goals as they look to make a strong playoff run. The Little Lions will face Mechanicsburg away on May 7.
