Jan. 30, 2013

Blue Jay Jersey Countdown - #9

As we countdown to '13, a season Blue Jay faithful hope will end with a 10 on the 27th, HopkinsSports.com offers its own countdown … by jersey number … to the season-opener against Siena on February 8.

Today - #9

Did You Know: The game-winning goal in the 1987 NCAA Championship game was scored by #9 Craig Bubier. Nearly 20 years later to the day, #9 Paul Rabil assisted on the game-winning goal in the 2007 NCAA Championship game.

Player Spotlight - Paul Rabil
In the debate of the greatest midfielders in school history, a number of names are certain to be included. One of those, without question, will be Paul Rabil. Rabil came to Johns Hopkins and rewrote the Blue Jay record book from 2005-08.

A three-time First Team All-American and the 2007 recipient of the McLaughlin Award as the nation's top midfielder, Rabil concluded his career as JHU's career leader in goals (111) and points (178) by a midfielder. He also ranks third in career assists (67) by a middie.

Rabil was especially effective during the NCAA Tournament as he holds JHU career records for goals (28), assists (23) and points (51) in the NCAAs. His versatility was never more evident than in the 2007 and 2008 national championship games. After leading JHU to the '07 title with a one-goal, five-assist masterpiece in 2007, he flipped his effort a year later with a six-goal, one-assist gem against Syracuse in the 2008 final.

Rabil led the Blue Jays to the 2005 and 2007 NCAA Championships and an appearance in the 2008 national championship game. In all, JHU was 12-2 in the NCAA Tournament during his career.

Other Notable "9s" in JHU Lacrosse History
Brian Piccola - Among all the great attackmen in school history, only one - Brian Piccola - scored more than 150 goals (154) and rang up more than 90 assists (91). Piccola earned All-America honors four times during his career, including first team honors as a sophomore and senior. He ranks second in school history in career goals and points (245).

Craig Bubier - A three-time All-American, including a first team selection as a junior, Craig Bubier scored 92 goals during his career from 1984-87. He capped his career with a four-goal effort against Cornell in the 1987 NCAA Championship game that gave the Blue Jays their third NCAA title during his career. The final goal of his career came with 1:51 remaining in the title game and proved to be the game-winner.

Bob DeSimone- DeSimone played two seasons for the Blue Jays (1977 & 1978) and earned All-America honors both years, including first team honors in 1978. He punched up 18 goals and 12 assists in first season at Homewood and polished off his career with 31 goals and 18 assists as a senior, when he helped the Blue Jays to the first of three straight NCAA titles.

Famous "9s" in Other Sports
Drew Brees (NFL)
Gordie Howe (NHL)
Mia Hamm (Soccer)
Roger Maris (MLB)
Ted Williams (MLB)

Note: Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse rosters are generally available back to 1950. In many years after 1950, only an alphabetical list is available. The Blue Jay Jersey Countdown is intended to be an enjoyable way to count down to the 2013 season. It is not intended to rank in any way the players who wore a particular number.