FALL LACROSSE NEWS

FALL SUMMARY: Some 80 candidates reported for our first meeting and early practice sessions. The Lions practiced three days a week for six weeks and participated in Molloy’s “Make a Wish” fall tournament. The event provided the Lions an opportunity to compete against the likes of Molloy, CW Post and Dowling. The fall concluded on the last Saturday in October with the annual Blue/White game which concluded with a score of (7-6). The squad size is down to 54 as they continue their weight room routines until the end of the semester.

Eighteen return from last year’s squad, which finished in the runner-up position behind Onondaga CC suffering two one goal loses to the eventual NJCAA Champions. Of the returnees, six were starters and should provide the nucleus in 2010. On attack, Owen Campbell (25goals, 33asst) returns and will be joined on the offensive end with veteran midfielders, captain, Jason Cranmer (11goals, 8asst), All American, Joey Herman (37goals, 10asst) and James Kiernan (32goals, 20asst). Sam Cutrone is the only starter returning on defense, but he is joined by last year’s starting goal tender, Andrew Zoly.

Freshmen (21) and transfers (15) will be counted on to fill the voids created by graduation. Coach Speckmann recently reported that the group is as good as its been for quite some time. The freshmen are led by defensemen Wayne Magee (William Floyd) and ex marine, James Maroney (Long Beach). Also impressive has been the performance of goaltenders Chris Insigne (Lindenhurst) and Tim Bradley (Macarthur) along with the midfield play of Tom Laviano (Locust Valley). Key transfers include attackman James McLaughlin (Long Beach), defenseman, Tom Narbutt (Bethpage) and midfielders Brett Tom (Macarthur) and Shane Wynn (Oceanside). The newcomers and returnees will have to jell if the Lions are to challenge in 2010.

2010 SCHEDULE: The Lions will travel more this spring as the predominant home schedule of 2009 gets reversed. Eight away contests includes key matchups with arch rivals Catonsville, Essex, Herkimer, Howard and Suffolk while the home turf will be enjoyed as they host Onondaga and Anne Arundel.