McKone Earns Cal Memorial Jersey
BERKELEY, Calif. -- University of California-Berkeley senior attackman Max McKone was chosen to wear the Doug Sciutto Memorial No. 4 jersey for the 2017 season in a ceremony held at halftime of the Golden Bears alumni game on Oct. 8.
The No. 4 tradition is in memory of former Cal lacrosse captain Doug Sciutto, who died tragically on Sept. 8, 1990 trying to save his fraternity brothers from a house fire. At the time of his death, Sciutto's number was retired, but with the blessing of his father, Bob, it was un-retired last year in an effort to better remember and celebrate Sciutto's legacy.
The No. 4 will now be worn each year by the senior who, over his three-plus year college career, has best demonstrated Sciutto's qualities of courage, commitment and selflessness, while dominating all aspects of the Cal lacrosse experience.
“What I did not foresee with the creation of this award -- which is the highest honor bestowed to a Cal lacrosse player -- was the challenge in presenting it to just one person,” said Cal coach Ned Webster. “All you have to do is look at this year's four senior captains elected by their teammates and coaches: Taylor Chadwick, McKone, Bert Schmickel and Nick Sheehan. All four embody Doug Sciutto's qualities. All four are successful students, accomplished athletes, excellent teammates and phenomenal people with a passion for this program. All four would be fantastic choices to wear No. 4 this year.”
After tabulating the votes for captain and in consultation with last season's inaugural No. 4 jersey-wearer, Connor McLeod, the Bears' staff came to a unanimous decision with McKone.
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As noted above, Webster and the Cal program announced their four captains for the '17 campaign.
McKone was the WCLL Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 (34g, 15a) after transitioning from a two-way midfielder to attack mid-year. He earned All-American and Scholar Athlete honors, as well.
Sheehan is a two-time All-American on attack for the Bears while also earning MCLA Scholar Athlete status.
Chadwick has been a three-year starter as a defensive middie for the Bears.
Schmickel was the second team all-WCLL goalie in 2016 (59.5 sv%) as well as a Scholar Athlete.
Cal finished the 2016 season with a record of 10-7 and earned a berth in the MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour.
(Top photo by Robert White / inside photo by Claude Lyneis)