VANCOUVER, B.C. --- Tusculum University's Nate Wade and Dallas Wade were both selected by the Vancouver Warriors in the 2018 National Lacrosse League entry player draft Tuesday night.
Nate Wade, a 6-2, 220-pounder from Victoria, British Columbia, was the 29th overall selection in the draft, while his cousin, Dallas Wade, a 5-11, 180-pound product from Victoria, was the 42nd overall pick in the NLL Draft.
The Wades become the first two student-athletes in Tusculum history to be selected in the NLL Draft.
"It just seems like yesterday when I was recruiting two talented cousins from Victoria to come all the way to Tennessee and help us build a lacrosse program. Landing Nate and Dallas Wade was a real coup for Tusculum," said TU head coach Richard Carrington. "After receiving their commitments, I was the recipient of several congratulatory phone calls from rival coaches. During their four years, the Wades didn't disappoint and their records here at Tusculum are evidence of that.
During his 55-game career at Tusculum, Nate Wade was a two-time All-South Atlantic Conference selection (2016 & 2017) where he recorded 97 goals and 45 assists for his school-record 142 assists. His assist-tally is tied for the most in program history while his 97 goals are the third-most by a Pioneer. From 2015-2018 his 17 man-up goals were also a Tusculum career record. In 2017, he led Tusculum to an 11-4 record and ended the year as a SAC Tournament semifinalist. He also earned a spot on the SAC All-Tournament Team during his sophomore campaign as the Pioneers made their first SAC Tournament semifinal appearance.
Dallas Wade also played in 55 games where he totaled 74 goals, 40 assists and 114 points in his Tusculum career. He finished his career fourth all-time in goal-production while also finishing third in assists and fourth in points. His 16 career man-up goals are second only to his cousin in Tusculum history. He also finished his career eighth in school history with 89 ground balls. In 2017, he earned All-SAC recognition while establishing a school single-season record with 18 assists.
"What they did for our program reached far beyond their athletic ability. Both men were shining examples of scholar athletes with grade point averages above 3.0. Both men are also strong of character. We'll miss them and their wonderful families, but we are so very proud that they'll have the opportunity to continue playing," Carrington added. "Thank you Dallas and Nate for all that you've done for Tusculum Lacrosse. Let's hope these two men start a legacy of Tusculum University producing talent for the National Lacrosse League. Go Vancouver Warriors!"
Both are scheduled to graduate from Tusculum University in December, both are majoring in business and both are members of the TU Athletic Director's Honor Roll.
Vancouver opens its inaugural season on December 8 as they host the Toronto Rock.
