Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced Wednesday the Charlotte Hounds have acquired attackman Billy Bitter and defenseman Brett Schmidt from the Denver Outlaws in an effort to continue building the team’s first-ever roster. In exchange, the Outlaws will receive the Hounds’ 3rd and 6th round selections in the 2012 MLL Expansion Draft and their 5th round selection in the 2012 MLL Collegiate Draft.
“We are very excited to add Billy and Brett to our roster,” said Jim McPhilliamy, President and Managing Partner, Charlotte Hounds. “Not only are they great lacrosse players, both have ties to the local area and want to help grow lacrosse in the Carolinas. They are exactly the types of players we are looking for on and off the field.”
“Brett Schmidt and Billy Bitter are two outstanding MLL players and we can only wish them the best of luck,” said Tony Seaman, Head Coach, Denver Outlaws. “Many things have to be considered when you make these kinds of decisions and hopefully the outcome is positive for both players and both organizations.”
Billy Bitter was the Outlaws’ 1stround draft pick and the 3rdoverall selection in the 2011 MLL Collegiate Draft. The University of North Carolina alum was a two-time first team All-American during his first three seasons at UNC. Bitter totaled 99 goals and 76 assists (175 pts.) with 172 ground balls in 63 career games (49 starts). In his rookie MLL season, Bitter played in nine games recording 12 goals, four assists and 18 groundballs. He played in one postseason game, leading the team with three goals against the Hamilton Nationals in the second semifinal game in Annapolis, Md.
Brett Schmidt was the 3rd round draft pick by the Outlaws (15th overall) in the 2011 MLL Collegiate Draft. Named second team All-American and Atlantic Coast Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year as a senior, Schmidt played in 61 games (45 starts) during his career at the University of Maryland and picked up 126 ground balls to go with 79 forced turnovers. In his 2011 rookie MLL season, Schmidt played in 7 games, recording 14 ground balls.
For more information on the upcoming Major League Lacrosse draft season, please visit the Draft Center on the MLL website.
About Charlotte Hounds
In January 2011, Major League Lacrosse announced a league expansion for the 2012 season that included Columbus, OH and Charlotte, NC. The Hounds will play all home games at historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. For more information, please visit http://www.charlottehounds.com
