After four years at the College on the Hill, Tom Scott '96 is going down under.
The men's lacrosse attackman had an extremely successful season this year, amassing statistics (30 goals and 27 assists) proportional to his imposing frame. Scott was so successful, in fact, that he has decided to take his show on the road, all the way to Australia.
Australia has no collegiate lacrosse. Instead, a burgeoning club league has developed. This league attracts many former college players from the United States.
The league has several levels spanning from a children's league up to the A-Division. Scott will be playing in the A-Division. This division is at a similar level to college lacrosse in the United States.
The lacrosse season has already begun in Australia and continues through September. Scott, who has always placed a strong emphasis on the importance of a strong education, will finish up his senior spring and then fly to Australia the week after graduation.
Scott will be playing for one of the premiere clubs in the land down under, the Adelaide Glen Elgs. Although few people actually know what a "Glen Elg" is, most Australian lacrosse aficionados know that they mean business.
The Glen Elgs have made the lacrosse playoffs for 23 consecutive seasons, and for two out of the past four season they have made it to the championships.
The Glen Elgs have a strong team this year that features a defense that is as imposing as a stroll through the outback late at night. Two of the team's defensemen, Charles Tatum and Kevin Dolan, are members of Australia's national team.
However, with his experience at top level college lacrosse, Scott could be one of the biggest hits in Australia since the musical group Men at Work delighted thousands of fans with hit tunes like "Who Could That Be Now?"
Glen Elgs Coach Alan White, wanting to bolster his team's offense, thought to Scott to fulfill his goal.
Many Australian teams look for talented American college players to go to Australia. Dartmouth assistant coach Nate Finch spoke with the coaches in Australia and put them in contact with Scott.
Besides the thrill of playing lacrosse Scott hopes to enjoy the Australian culture. Although he expects to experience some culture shock, Scott hopes to avoid being looked upon as a novice by learning about Australian life from the Australian family that he will live with.
Scott hopes that after his tenure in the southern hemisphere, he'll be able to throw some shrimp on the barbie as well as the next bloke.
He plans on keeping himself busy by coaching younger players and traveling through Australia.
"I'm not sure exactly what to expect, but I'm pretty excited about the opportunities that wait me on and off the field," Scott said.
For his long term plans Scott plans to return to the United States following the season in October, and he intends to find his way back to Hanover for Homecoming.
