STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 19, 2005 - The collegiate lacrosse community is known for being a close-knit group, with the families and friends of the Penn State lacrosse programs recognized among the best in the loyalty and support of the Nittany Lion programs.

When tragedy recently struck the family of Michael Jacober, a senior captain on the Penn State men's lacrosse team, his teammates, coaches, former players and the families of current and former Nittany Lions were there to support him when he needed it most.

But, the members of the Penn State men's lacrosse family quickly decided to provide more than emotional support for Michael Jacober, his family and the program. With former Nittany Lion student-athlete Scott Radecic and his wife, Christy, taking the organizational lead, more than $50,000 has been pledged to establish the endowment of the "Jacober Family Memorial Scholarship." The Radecic's son, Matt, is a midfielder on the men's lacrosse team.

Michael Jacober's parents, Jeffrey and Karen, his younger brother, Eric, and three family friends from Jacober's hometown of Providence, R.I., died in a plane crash near State College on March 26. They were en route to watch the Nittany Lions play Fairfield.

"The response of the Penn State lacrosse family has been very moving and gratifying," commented Tim Curley, Director of Athletics. "Everyone has rallied around Michael and the creation of this scholarship will keep the Jacober family and their contributions to the program near."

"It's appropriate that 'family' is included in the name of the scholarship," said Glenn Thiel, Penn State's men's lacrosse coach of 28 years. "That personifies how involved all the families are and have been for many years. The Jacober family was very involved with our team. It's nice that we will be able to keep the memory of them and their involvement and Michael involved for many years to come.

"The scholarship is a great tribute and a way of thanking all the families for what they've meant to the program through the years. It was amazing how fast they were able to collect $50,000 to endow the scholarship. Scott Radecic and many others deserve the credit for that."

"The response and support of the parents, former players and friends of Penn State lacrosse was overwhelming when we introduced the idea of the Jacober Family Memorial Scholarship," stated Scott Radecic. "The support has been amazing."

After losing to Massachusetts on April 2, the Nittany Lions won their final seven contests, including a 13-12 overtime victory at No. 7 Georgetown, to secure Penn State's second NCAA Tournament berth in the past three years. The Nittany Lions led No. 3 seed Maryland at halftime, but lost, 14-10, in their NCAA first round game on May 14. Penn State finished with a 9-6 record, its most wins since 1996, and was ranked No. 11 in the final regular season polls.

For more information on the Jacober Family Memorial Scholarship or to contribute to the scholarship, please call the Nittany Lion Club at 814-865-9462. Checks made payable to Penn State University can be sent to 157 Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA 16802. Please write "Jacober Family Memorial Scholarship" in the memo section of the check.