Lacrosse has always been known as an east coast game, popular in hotbeds like Baltimore, Long Island and Central New York but not something that will draw attention beyond its niche markets. But that prospect has changed in the past decade as the sport continues to grow to the west and south, and it's players like Peter Baum that have helped develop the sport to a national audience.
 
Baum was raised in Portland, so he certainly did not grow up as someone you would expect to be a lacrosse star. But the former Colgate standout had eastern roots that helped him develop his passion for the sport as his dad, Richard, was a letterman for the Raiders who graduated in the class of 1978.
 
"My dad was from Long Island and played at Colgate, but I could not play until sixth or seventh grade in Portland," Peter said. "I played other sports, and I had friends that knew about it as well."
 
Baum made an impact in the lacrosse world in high school. He concluded his career at Lincoln High with 180 goals and 70 assists, and was named a two-time All-American while also playing in the 2009 Under-Armour All-America game as the second-ranked player in the Western United States.
 
Baum was a sought-after recruit, ranking No. 37 nationally in 2009 on a list produced by Inside Lacrosse. He had plenty of options for a collegiate choice, but family ties helped him land at Colgate as both his father and mother, Jill, were graduates of the school.
 
"My parents both went to Colgate and I had a cousin who was one year older there, so I knew a lot about the school already," Baum said. "I originally wanted to go for hockey, but I was fortunate enough to get recruited for lacrosse. It's a beautiful campus and a great mix of academics and athletics."

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