NASSAU CC LACROSSE

2009 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Lions completed the ‘09 season with a 14-5 record as they lost in the finals (9-8) to Onondaga CC. It marked the 27^th appearance for the Lions in the NJCAA finals and only the 6^th time they were defeated in the championship game.

While the season had some highs and lows, the Lions peaked late by winning their last five in a row. The run started with a 23 – 11 (9-1 2^nd quarter advantage) victory over Herkimer on alumni day, followed by a 17-13 win over a tough Army Prep squad., a 17-10 regional championship win over Suffolk, a 20-4 shellacking of Delaware Tech in the district playoffs and a convincing 13-7 triumph over Essex who had beat us 14-12 early in April. Consequently, we went into the finals with confidence even though we had no preparation time. In the finals vs Onondaga CC our defense surfaced by holding the opposition under 10 goals (25 goals/game avg.) for the first time all year. The one goal loss matched the deficit we experienced late in March when we were defeated 10-9 in Syracuse.

Individual highlights of the season included the recognition of three special players. First, Pete Boucher (Oceanside) was selected to the first team All American attack. Pete tallied 65 points for the season. Ron Irving was the other first team selection at the midfield position. A North Shore HS product, Ron scooped up 111 ground balls while winning over 60% of his face-offs. Ron also served as one of the squad’s captains. The third All American selection was Joseph Herman (Seaford) who was selected to the second team All American Team as a midfielder. Joe is a freshman who will be counted on heavily in 2010. All Tournament recognition was granted to defenseman Dan Gill (Massapequa), attackman Wes Hubschmitt (Seaford) and midfielders Joseph Herman and James Kiernan (Greenwich, Conn.)

JASON CRAMNER SELECTED AS 2010 CAPTAIN: The ’09 squad, at a post season meeting, selected Jason Cramner (Hicksville HS) as Nassau’s lacrosse captain for its 2010 season. Jason played on the first midfield unit early in the season while also playing on the man down and face off units. An emphasis on defense,, in the middle of the season, resulted in the formation of a much needed defensive midfield which was formulated around Jason. While playing that role Jason ended up second on the team with 61 ground balls and was still able to record 11 goals and 7 assists. In selecting Jason as our 2010 captain, “it is obvious what the team thought of Jason’s contribution,” remarked Coach Speckmann.

2010 ALUMNI DAY (APRIL 24, 2010): Last years lacrosse alumni day was such a success, a demand was made to plan one for this year. Consequently, we have picked the same corresponding date. Also this year (2010) ends with a “0”. We would like to honor all those teams that won the NJCAA title in the years ending with a “0”. We would be honoring the 1970, 1980, 1990 & 2000 teams as all won the NJCAA Championship. Let us try to make that a truly special day!

HISTORY: Nassau’s lacrosse program was introduced in 1966 by its first coach, Michael Candel. Before long, Mike and his assistant, Jim Kaspar, had a first rate program. Mike Candel and SUNY Farmingdale’s coach, Fred Acee, organized the present NJCAA Tournament format in 1970. Nassau won that first tournament and then assistant Rich Speckmann took over the reigns in 1971.

In the team’s 43 years of competition, it has compiled a record of 508-156-1. The program has never had a losing season, while winning 21 NJCAA Titles and has participated in 38 of the 39 NJCAA Tournaments.

COACHING STAFF:

RICH SPECKMANN – begins his 39^th year at the helm. A record of 449-150-1 and 20 National Titles have transpired during his tenure. He has been honored by induction into Hall of Fames at Oceanside HS, Cortland State and The Long Island Metropolitan Hall Lacrosse Association. Rich is a professor in the department of physical education at Nassau Community College.

ADAM CRYSTAL – will volunteer his services while he pursues his law degree at Hofstra. Adam was an outstanding defenseman for Drexel and last summer played with the Long Island Lizzards. Adam will work with the Lion goaltenders and assist with the defense.

SCOTT GRAHAM – begins his 5^th season with the Lions. Scott will again coordinate the Lion offense. Scott was the head coach at Division High School for eight seasons before joining Nassau’s staff. Scott also was the head coach of Long Island’s Empire Team in 2004 and again in the gold medal team of 2005. Scott earned his degree at Dowling College and teaches math at Levittown Division HS.

PAT NOLAN – will again coordinate the Lion defense as he begins his 15^th season with the Lions. Pat teaches physical education in the Levittown Public Schools and serves as the football coach at Massapequa High School. Pat played lacrosse at Nassau before transferring and receiving his degree from Adelphi.

GEORGE POWERS – returns to the Lions staff for his 21^st year after serving as an assistant at Massapequa HS for the past five years. George was a Lion defenseman in ’79 and ’80 before transferring to Roanoke College where he earned All American recognition and he played in the 1982 North-South Classic. He is an assistant professor in Nassau’s Department of Physical Education and is the college’s head football coach.

NJCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS (21)