By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/19/19
Archmere Academy (DE) 2020 goalie Vaughn DiBattista has made a commitment to play Division III lacrosse at Ursinus College.
Vaughn DiBattista profile:
Vaughn DiBattista
High school: Archmere Academy (Claymont, DE)
Grad year: 2020
Position: Goalie
College committed to: Ursinus College
Club team: Duke’s Lacrosse Club
Lacrosse honors: Mid-Atlantic Showcase All Star, All-Diamond State Athletic Conference
Expected major: Communication & Journalism
Why did you choose Ursinus? “I chose Ursinus for the outstanding education they have to offer and for the family that Coach Merc built.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “I would like to thank all of my coaches that have helped me throughout my career and helped me make this decision. I want to thank my brothers for pushing me to Be my best. I want to thank my teammates for always having my back and standing with me practice by practice. And especially I want to my parents for taking me to numerous club tournaments/practices and always being there for me. “
What other colleges did you consider? Tampa, Washington College, Widener
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Vaughn DiBattista. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/20/19
Owen J. Roberts 2020 goalie Cayden Jarvis has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Penn State.
Cayden Jarvis profile:
Cayden Jarvis
High school: Owen J. Roberts (Pottstown, PA)
Grad year: 2020
Position: Goalie
College committed to: Penn State
Club team: Ultimate Lacrosse 2020 Chester County
Lacrosse honors: 2018 NXT Philly Showcase All-Star, 2018 NXT Philly Summer Showcase All-Star, 2019 NXT Philly Showcase All-Star and Queen of the Crease, and 2020 Under-Armour Uncommitted team
Academic honors: National Latin Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Volunteer lacrosse coach, and GETT Student Ambassador
Expected major: Engineering
Why did you choose Penn State? “The academics and environment at Penn State felt like a great fit to what I have been looking for in a college with a great engineering program and a great student-alumni network!”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “Thank you to all of the coaches I have worked with who have helped push me into the athlete I am today and helped me through this process, especially my high school coach David Schlesinger who has always been there to help me in any way possible. Thanks to my parents for driving me to all of my practices, games, and tournaments and thank you to my siblings for always cheering me on. Finally, thank you to my teammates for always having my back and always taking those extra shots on me after practice.”
What other college did you consider? Temple
Longstreth Women’s Sports, the official sponsor for phillylacrosse.com girls’ recruits, congratulates Cayden Jarvis on her commitment to Penn State. Longstreth specializes in equipment, uniforms and apparel for women’s sports. Longstreth carries a huge selection of all the best women’s heads, handles, goalie gear and player accessories – including shoes and apparel. Visit longstreth.com for directions and information.</em
Radnor seeks a head varsity coach. Apply online or contact Athletic Director, Michael Friel at michael.friel@rtsd.org or 610-476-2497.
Interboro head coach
Interboro, which has qualified for the District 1 Class AA playoffs each of the past two seasons, seeks a head girls’ varsity coach. Click here to apply.
Shipley School head coach
The Shipley School, the 2019 Friends Schools League Girls’ Lacrosse Champion, is looking for a talented and experienced coach for its varsity girls’ lacrosse team. Shipley is a member of the Friends Schools League and is located in Bryn Mawr, PA . Shipley Mission: The Shipley School, a Pre-Kindergarten through 12 coeducational day school, is committed to educational excellence and dedicated to developing in each student a love of learning and a compassionate participation in the world.
Qualified applicants please send resumes to Athletic Director Mark Duncan at Mduncan@shipleyschool.org
Wissahickon head coach
Wissahickon High School in Ambler, PA is looking for a Head Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach. Interested applicants should contact athletic director James Cairnes at jcairnes@wsdweb.org.
Saucon Valley Head Coach
Saucon Valley in Hellertown, PA (Lehigh Valley) is looking for a Head Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach. Those interested should contact Athletic Director Bob Frey at robert.frey@svpanthers.org. Saucon Valley is the three-time AA District XI champion and has qualified for the state playoffs three consecutive years. The community has an established and successful youth organization supporting the high school program. Our former head coach was a co-founder of our youth program and had served as the high school head coach for 8 years, but has since moved out of our area.
Holy Spirit-NJ head coach
Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, NJ has an opening for a Girls Head Lacrosse Coach! This is a great opportunity to take over and build upon a young and talented group. If you share values of leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship through honesty and integrity, please send your resume to Mr. Steve Normane, HSHS Athletic Director at snormane@holyspirithighschool.com. Previous coaching experience required.
Lower Merion head coach
Lower Merion seeks a head girls’ lacrosse coach. Interested candidates should contact AD Jason Stroup at StroupJ@lmsd.org.
Unionville head coach
Unionville has an opening for a head lacrosse coach. Interested candidates can reach AD Patrick Crater at pcrater@ucfsd.net.
NOTE – These scoring leaders for the 2019 boys’ lacrosse season are based on statistics reported to Phillylacrosse.com or through several other sources. Coaches and players (must verify through your coach) from Southeastern PA, Central PA, the Lehigh Valley/Northeast PA, Delaware and South Jersey can e-mail us at golax@phillylacrosse.com with additions.
Goals (30 or more) Anthony Caporuscio, Crestwood 115 goals Chandler Hake, York Catholic, 105 goals Kohl Wesner, Hempfield, 84 goals Wyatt Malia, Crestwood, 81 goals Bryson Rhee, Ephrata, 81 goals Danny Scott, Trinity, 80 goals Drew Godfrey, Trinity, 78 goals Gavin Held, Susquehannock, 76 goals Will Schnorr, Conestoga, 77 goals Jackson Birtwistle, Radnor, 73 goals Ethan Belville, Strath Haven, 73 goals Dominic Corto, York Suburban, 72 goals Grant Haus, Palmyra, 72 goals Ken Wolfe, Southern Lehigh, 72 goals Fynn McNulty, Archbishop Carroll, 71 goals Ben Morschauser, Holy Ghost Prep, 71 goals Mitch Lachman, Garnet Valley, 71 goals Kyle Gucwa, Bishop Shanahan, 69 goals Chris Lyons, Shawnee-NJ, 68 goals Sean Quinn, South Western, 66 goals Nick Solinsky, Dallas, 66 goals Mitch Moyer, Archmere Academy-DE, 65 goals Gabe Best, Cape Henlopen-DE, 65 goals Evan LeCates, York Suburban, 64 goals Bryan Rafferty, Bishop Shanahan, 63 goals Peter Lehman, Council Rock North, 63 goals Nicky Palermo, Strath Haven, 63 goals Noah Wolfe, Lanc. Country Day/Lanc Catholic, 63 goals Gaurav Dravida, Cherokee-NJ, 62 goals Cole Bauer, Archmere Academy-DE, 62 goals Zach Augustine, Avon Grove, 62 goals JP Jones, Lanc. Country Day/Lanc Catholic, 61 goals Andy Borkowski, Archbishop Carroll, 60 goals Jeb Brenfleck, Academy of the New Church, 60 goals Josh Balcarcel, Delaware Valley, 60 goals Cole Witman, York Catholic, 60 goals Cole Witoslawski, Souderton, 59 goals Jason Metz, Exeter, 59 goals Shane Roche, Delaware Valley, 58 goals Eric Hoover, Carlisle, 58 goals Jonathan Gaglione, Milford-DE, 57 goals Bobby Griffith, Hempfield, 57 goals Ryan Anderson, Wyoming Seminary, 57 goals Brennan Witman, York Catholic, 57 goals Luke Grayum, Shipley School, 56 goals Nicholas Fanelli, Pennridge, 56 goals Aiden Blake, Haddonfield-NJ, 56 goals Peter Garno, Haverford School, 56 goals Elijah Workinger, Red Lion, 55 goals Jaden Bookser, Berks Catholic, 55 goals James Cipolla, Parkland, 54 goals Jared Plessinger, Cumberland Valley, 54 goals Ryan Stout, Central Bucks East, 54 goals Justin Pasquale, Allentown Central Catholic, 54 goals Jacob Greiner, West Chester East, 53 goals Paul Richardson, Springfield-Montco, 53 goals Gabe Goforth, Bishop Shanahan, 53 goals Benton Moyer, Garden Spot, 53 goals Jake Herman, Palmyra, 53 goals Luke Walstrum, Council Rock North, 52 goals Chris Wong, Salesianum School-DE, 52 goals Tommy Bloom, Sanford School-DE, 52 goals Jeff Benson, Henderson, 52 goals Jack Spence, Springfield-Delco, 52 goals Nick Mormando, Interboro 52 goals Bryce Reece, Lenape-NJ, 52 goals John Austen, Radnor, 52 goals Sean Murphy, Crestwood, 51 goals Kyle Wasilewski, Palmyra 51 goals Sean Curcio, Manheim Township, 51 goals Thomas Freeman, Manheim Township, 50 goals Tyler Kurtz, Manheim Township, 50 goals Peyton Gensler, Spring-Ford, 50 goals Tom Raupp, New Hope-Solebury, 50 goals Sam Forte, Kennett, 50 goals Brendan Murphy, Conestoga, 50 goals Jake Morin, Garnet Valley, 50 goals Jackson Melnick, Delaware Valley, 50 goals Trey Zabroski, Crestwood, 50 goals Conor Christie, Milford-DE, 50 goals Cam Magalotti, Wilson, 49 goals Logan Lazasz, Pennridge 49 goals Noam Levy-Smith, Ocean City-NJ, 49 goals Alex Herka, Milford-DE, 49 goals Caden Keefer, Ephrata, 49 goals Adam Salvaggio, Haverford School 49 goals Kyle Raudenbush, Ephrata, 48 goals Josh Heckman, Penn Manor, 48 goals Alex Petrignani, Easton, 48 goals Kellen Hurst, Gloucester Catholic-NJ, 48 goals Liam DiFonzo, Springfield-Delco, 47 goals Andrew Arth, George School, 47 goals Bryce Henise, Eastern York, 47 goals Michael Leschinsky, Emmaus, 47 goals Mason Bregman, Lenape-NJ, 47 goals David Shew, St. Joseph’s Prep, 47 goals Joey Paterno, Academy of the New Church, 47 goals TJ Herron, Dallas, 47 goals Greg Boyce, Cape Henlopen-DE, 46 goals Allen Clapp, Susquehannock, 46 goals Connor Garrison, Appoquinimink-DE, 46 goals Sean Beers, Gloucester Catholic-NJ, 46 goals Christian Kuhn, Ocean City-NJ, 46 goals Coulson Bittner, Red Lion, 46 goals Zach Ihnat, Mechanicsburg, 46 goals Kyle Hoff, Southern Lehigh, 46 goals Gavyn Wilson, Shawnee-NJ, 45 goals Jack Dennis, Cape Henlopen-DE, 45 goals Justin Kinter, Bethlehem Freedom, 45 goals James Kutufaris, Cardinal O’Hara, 45 goals Troy Percival, Cardinal O’Hara, 45 goals Jimmy Kohr, Central York, 44 goals Trent Laveson, Ocean City-NJ, 44 goals Nick Teets, Spring-Ford, 44 goals David Burr, St. Augustine Prep-NJ, 44 goals Tyler Siglin, Schuylkill Valley, 44 goals Jack Clark, Springfield-Delco, 44 goals Zach Coar, La Salle, 44 goals Connor Mann, Lansdale Catholic, 43 goals Danny Meuser, Dallas, 43 goals Joe Carozza, West Chester East, 43 goals Croix Teter, Trinity, 43 goals GianLuca Lockhart, Washington Township-NJ, 43 goals Dante DeRiggi, Abington Heights, 42 goals Matt Bown, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 42 goals Sean Kearney, Archbishop Carroll, 42 goals Dillon Ziemba, Newark Charter-DE, 42 goals Brady McGovern, Salesianum School-DE, 42 goals Greg Santa Anna, Parkland, 42 goals Jon Oberholtzer, Exeter, 42 goals Cole Mcculley, Lower Dauphin, 42 goals Luke Jelus, Marple Newtown, 42 goals Jimmy Yocum, Cardinal O’Hara, 41 goals Seth Robertson, Palmyra, 41 goals Justin Sanelli, Methacton 41 goals Will Sweeney, Delone Catholic, 41 goals Dan Kovacevich, Holy Ghost Prep, 41 goals Landan Hajek, Milford-DE, 41 goals TJ Caton, Palmyra 40 goals Dillon Kadis, Delone Catholic, 40 goals Nick Madonna, West Chester Rustin, 40 goals Alex Hutsell, West Chester Rustin, 40 goals Josh Reinhardt, Upper Merion, 40 goals Josh Sebastian, Dallastown, 40 goals David Lipinski, Dallas, 40 goals Ethan Gyllenhaal, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 40 goals Coleton Mahorney, Dallastown, 39 goals Griffin Ganster, Gov. Mifflin, 39 goals Nick Steele, Perkiomen Valley 39 goals Ibo Pio, Strath Haven, 39 goals Alec Morano, Bishop Eustace-NJ, 39 goals Clayton Hollinger, Penn Manor, 39 goals Ben Hornberger, Red Lion, 39 goals Travis Hershey, Lower Dauphin, 38 goals Drew Brown, Radnor, 38 goals Easton Lanclos, Cumberland Valley, 38 goals Jack Grayson, Wilson, 38 goals Ethan Stitzel, Wilson, 38 goals Connor McVey, Neshaminy, 38 goals Casey Ahern, Lower Dauphin, 38 goals Mac Costin, Haverford School, 38 goals Danny Bradley, Garnet Valley, 38 goals Ben Cantwell, Moorestown-NJ, 37 goals Shane Knobloch, Moorestown-NJ, 37 goals Jordan Billet, West York, 37 goals Finn Morgan, Haddonfield-NJ, 37 goals Michael Burke, West Chester Rustin, 37 goals Ben Tomasic, Susquehannock, 37 goals Cooper Nelson, Southern Lehigh, 37 goals Brayden Johnson Cocalico, 37 goals Carter Besz, Upper Merion, 37 goals Michael Smith, Southern Lehigh, 37 goals Hunter Mcguire, Smyrna-DE, 37 goals Matt Heuston, Hempfield, 37 goals Ryan Mcguinness, York Catholic, 37 goals Rowan Brumbaugh, Episcopal Academy, 37 goals AJ Pasquarello, Cherokee-NJ, 36 goals Kyle McLaughlin, New Hope-Solebury, 36 goals AJ Pasquarello, Cherokee-NJ, 36 goals Ryan Culp, Cardinal O’Hara, 36 goals Brian Miller, Downingtown East, 36 goals Hunter Wolhar, Appoquinimink-DE, 36 goals Nick Sutton, Pennsbury, 36 goals Aidan Gahagan, Cardinal O’Hara, 35 goals Zach Aben, Lake-Lehman, 35 goals Cadyn Michael, Eastern York, 35 goals Zach Poremba, Parkland, 35 goals Caleb Hawkins, Palmyra, 35 goals Colin McGill, Malvern Prep, 35 goals Mason Lenart, Wilson, 35 goals Charles Braught, Conestoga Valley, 35 goals Cameron Aksu, Hempfield, 35 goals Conor Adams, Warwick, 35 goals Wes Gilbert, Lanc. Country Day/Lanc Catholic, 35 goals Noah Patterson, Lampeter-Strasburg, 34 goals Brady McFalls, Boyertown, 34 goals TJ Kulak, Crestwood, 34 goals Drew Ragone, Haddonfield-NJ, 34 goals Collin Pettine, Spring-Ford, 34 goals Michael Wilburn, Red Lion, 34 goals Bailey O’Connor, Emmaus, 34 goals Ashton Pelton, Smyrna-DE, 34 goals Noah Theis, Devon Prep, 34 goals John Mercanti, Bonner/Prendergast, 33 goals Brock Boyer, Ephrata, 33 goals Ryan Querry, Conestoga Valley, 33 goals Connor Nolt, Lampeter-Strasburg, 33 goals Logan Hone, St. Augustine Prep-NJ, 33 goals Mike Vanaman, St. Augustine Prep-NJ, 33 goals Brady Halloran, West York, 33 goals Matthew Hawksworth, Central York, 33 goals Nick Higgins, Downingtown West, 33 goals Max Anderson, Central Dauphin, 33 goals Zane Walsh, Archbishop Carroll, 33 goals Sean Hinchey, Ridley, 33 goals Nick Bates, Episcopal Academy, 32 goals Charlie Cunniffe, Episcopal Academy, 32 goals Mitchell Zehring, Red Land, 32 goals Tim Lucky, Sanford School-DE, 32 goals David Giordano, Shawnee-NJ, 32 goals Mike Federico, Boyertown, 32 goals Danny Mallee, La Salle, 32 goals Gunnar Bogorowski, Germantown Academy, 32 goals Jason Zeitler, Smyrna-DE, 32 goals Nate Jones, Newark Charter-DE, 32 goals Shay Davidson, South Western, 32 goals Jake Bollinger, South Western, 32 goals Jake Crumling, Eastern York, 32 goals Jake Schneider, Ocean City-NJ, 32 goals Ryan Fahs, Central York, 31 goals Shane Osborne, La Salle, 31 goals Kyle Boughner, New Hope-Solebury, 31 goals Luke Cole, Lenape-NJ, 31 goals Will Pileggi, West Chester Rustin, 31 goals Jameson Smyth, Downingtown West, 31 goals James Strausbaugh, South Western, 30 goals Luke Venzie, Downingtown West, 30 goals Hunter Landon, Dallas, 30 goals Jake Freebery, Kennett, 30 goals Joey Jordan, Lampeter-Strasburg, 30 goals Ryan Carroll, Central Bucks East, 30 goals Matt Civitella, Malvern Prep, 30 goals Hunter Jaronski, Academy of the New Church, 30 goals
Assists (30 or more) Wyatt Malia, Crestwood, 90 assists Jake Herman, Palmyra, 65 assists Dominic Corto, York Suburban, 60 assists Luke D’Ambrogi, Cape Henlopen-DE, 59 assists TJ Herron, Dallas, 55 assists Kyle Gucwa, Bishop Shanahan, 55 assists Mitch Moyer, Archmere Academy-DE, 55 assists Luke Grayum, Shipley School, 52 assists Luke Walstrum, Council Rock North, 52 assists Ben Morschauser, Holy Ghost Prep, 49 assists Zane Walsh, Archbishop Carroll, 47 assists Cole Witman, York Catholic, 48 assists Anthony Inserra, Ocean City-NJ, 48 assists Trey Zabroski, Crestwood, 47 assists Tim Lucky, Sanford School-DE, 47 assists Jeb Brenfleck, Academy of the New Church, 46 assists Jake Morin, Garnet Valley, 46 assists Sean Curcio, Manheim Township, 44 assists Josh Balcarcel, Delaware Valley, 43 assists Grant Haus, Palmyra, 43 assists Jackson Birtwistle, Radnor, 42 assists Casey Slater, South Western, 42 assists Ryan Mcguinness, York Catholic, 41 assists Sean Beers, Gloucester Catholic-NJ, 41 assists Wil Vandegrift, La Salle, 41 assists Blaise Botley, Exeter, 41 assists Peter Lehman, Council Rock North, 41 assists Mike Vanaman, St. Augustine Prep-NJ, 41 assists Chandler Hake, York Catholic, 40 assists Kellen Hurst, Gloucester Catholic-NJ, 40 assists Brennan McBride, Haverford School, 40 assists Zach Mentzer, Red Lion, 39 assists Connor Roope, Perkiomen Valley, 39 assists Anthony Caporuscio, Crestwood, 39 assists Corey Powers, Wilson, 39 assists Elijah Workinger, Red Lion, 38 assists Jake Bollinger, South Western, 38 assists Zach Augustine, Avon Grove, 38 assists Jake Schneider, Ocean City-NJ, 38 assists Jackson Melnick, Delaware Valley, 38 assists Carter Besz, Upper Merion, 38 assists Sean Murphy, Crestwood, 37 assists Mikey Brown, Interboro, 37 assists Kyle McLaughlin, New Hope-Solebury, 37 assists Max Anderson, Central Dauphin, 36 assists Mason Bregman, Lenape-NJ, 36 assists Jacob Greiner, West Chester East, 36 assists Ryan Anderson, Wyoming Seminary, 35 assists Cooper Nelson, Southern Lehigh, 35 assists Conor Christie, Milford-DE, 34 assists Bryson Rhee, Ephrata, 34 assists Chris Lyons, Shawnee-NJ, 34 assists Will Peden, Malvern Prep, 34 assists Charlie Cunniffe, Episcopal Academy, 34 assists Brennan McBride, Haverford School, 34 assists Mason Scott, Lanc. Country Day/Lanc. Catholic, 34 assists Ibo Pio, Strath Haven, 33 assists Jason Metz, Exeter, 33 assists Kyle Hoff, Southern Lehigh, 32 assists Danny Bradley, Garnet Valley, 32 assists Ryan Culp, Cardinal O’Hara, 32 assists Beckett Thompson, Council Rock North, 32 assists Brendan Murphy, Conestoga, 32 assists Cam Magalotti, Wilson, 32 assists James Cipolla, Parkland, 32 assists Andy Borkowski, Archbishop Carroll, 31 assists Gaurav Dravida, Cherokee-NJ, 31 assists Gavin Held, Susquehannock, 31 assists Will Pileggi, West Chester Rustin, 31 assists Casey Ahern, Lower Dauphin, 31 assists Drew Brown, Radnor, 31 assists Ryan Culp, Cardinal O’Hara, 31 assists Jack Dennis, Cape Henlopen-DE, 31 assists Jack Clark, Springfield-Delco, 30 assists Ryan Kilgour, Central York, 30 assists Sean Kennedy, Lenape-NJ, 30 assists Landan Hajek, Milford-DE, 30 assists Max Busenkell, Garnet Valley, 30 assists
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/20/19
Gloucester Catholic (NJ) 2020 defenseman/LSM Brandon-Ashby Madalion has made a verbal commitment to play Division II lacrosse at Chestnut Hill College.
Brandon-Ashby Madalion profile:
High school: Gloucester Catholic High School (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Grad year: 2020
Positions: Defense, LSM
College committed to: Chestnut Hill College
Club team: NJ Shamrocks
Lacrosse honors: 3 Year Starter, 2017 GCHS “Rookie of the Year” Award, 2018 GCHS Most Improved Player, 2019 GCHS Team Toughest Defender, 2019 1st Team All Olympic Conference
Academic honors: Honor Roll student. Over 100 hours volunteered each Summer, 2018 and 2019, for the Kroc Center in Camden, New Jersey.
Expected major: Business
Why did you choose Chestnut Hill? “I chose Chestnut Hill because I loved the family atmosphere there. The first time I went there for a visit, I felt right at home. Coach T invited me to their senior day game and the barbecue afterwards. The players and their parents welcomed my family and I like they knew us. From the students I toured with, to the professors that told us what class would be like, I just felt welcomed.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “I would like to thank Coach Bill Keane and all the Shamrocks coaches for coaching me because I could not have gotten here without all of your help. I would also like to thank my parents and brother for always being there and for supporting me through 11 years of lacrosse. But most of all I would like to thank GOD for giving me the ability to play lacrosse.”
What other colleges did you consider? Molloy College, Georgian Court University, Dominican College, and Felician University
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Brandon-Ashby Madalion. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/21/19
St. Anne’s-Belfield (VA) 2020 defenseman/LSM Mason Meulenberg of Duke’s Lacrosse Club has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Mason Meulenberg profile:
Mason Meulenberg right)
High school: St. Anne’s-Belfield (Charlottesville, VA)
Grad year: 2020
Positions: Defense, LSM
College committed to: Mount St. Mary’s University
Club team: Duke’s Lacrosse Club
Lacrosse honors: Southern Select All-Star; Liberty National Elite Classic All-Star
Academic honors: High Honor Roll Freshman Year; Honor Roll Sophomore and Junior Year
Expected major: Business
Why did you choose Mount St. Mary’s? “The Mount offered the best of both worlds – a small college with great academics but also D1 athletics.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “I want to thank Bob Hauser, my youth coach, for introducing me and my family to the game of lacrosse at an early age. I also need to thank Steve Mason of Duke’s Virginia for his enthusiasm and interest in me as a person and lacrosse player and Coach Ebe and Coach Christmas from the Duke’s National program. The coaching and talent on the Duke’s teams has made me a better player and teammate. A special thanks to St. Anne’s-Belfield, my high school team, and all my coaches there. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Last, thanks to my parents for all of the time and money they spent to get me to this point. I am looking forward to working hard in the classroom and on the field at The Mount!”
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Mason Meulenberg. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/21/19
La Salle College grad Rob Forster has been named head boys’ lacrosse coach at his alma mater, the school announced this afternoon.
Forster, a 2005 La Salle alum, replaces Bill Leahy, who retired 2 months ago. Leahy started the program 28 years ago and won 512 games, including five state titles.
Rob Forster
“This is a dream come true to coach at my alma mater,” said Forster, who built Academy of the New Church into a prep power after spending four years as a La Salle assistant. “I look forward to continuing the legacy that Coach Leahy and Coach (Tony) Resch and all the former players at La Salle built..”
Forster, who posted a 76-20 record at ANC from 2014-18, spent last season on Coach Mike Murphy’s staff as an Assistant/Video Coordinator at Penn, which won the Ivy League title and reached the NCAA quarterfinals.
At ANC, Forster took a struggling program and won five straight Friends Schools League crowns.
Forster served as the offensive coordinator for La Salle in 2012-13, helping the Explorers win the 2013 PIAA championship. He was JV coach from 2010-11. He was a two-time high school All-American at La Salle and in 2004 he led the Explorers to their first state title.
Forster is a graduate of Penn State University, where he was a four-year starter on the Lacrosse team and the team’s leading scorer in 2007, 2008, and 2009. He has served as the Program Director for the Duke’s Young Guns Lacrosse Club and was a Philadelphia Under Armor Coach from 2016-2018. He also has coached with the HEADstrong Quakers.
Forster takes over a lacrosse program that has reached the finals of the Pennsylvania State Championship nine times, winning five titles (2004, 2008, 2009, 2013, and 2019) and captured 23 Philadelphia Catholic League Championships (1993, 1995-2002, 2004-2010, 2012-2014, and 2016-2019).
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/20/19
The Shipley School 2020 midfield/faceoff specialist Henry Reed has made a commitment to play Division III lacrosse at Washington and Lee University.
Henry Reed profile:
Henry Reed (Photo by Mark Tassoni)
High school: The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Grad year: 2020
Positions: Midfield, Faceoff
College committed to: Washington and Lee University
Club team: PA Roughriders Lacrosse
Lacrosse honors: All Friends League Team – sophomore and junior year; Second Team All Mainline – sophomore and junior year
Why did you choose Washington and Lee? “I chose W&L because the school is a great fit for me in every aspect and the lacrosse program really fits what I’m looking for. I have always been excited about the school and I am thrilled for the opportunity to go.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “Special thanks to family, friends, and coaches for helping me grow as a player and person.”
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Henry Reed. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/22/19 From US Lacrosse
Tickets are now on sale for the 2019 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, hosted by US Lacrosse on Saturday, October 19 at The Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Tickets can be purchased online at uslacrosse.org/HOF.
This year’s Hall of Fame Ceremony, presented by RPS Bollinger and the Markel Insurance Company, features nine inductees as the Class of 2019. The inductees are: former Marple Newtown great Rachael Becker DeCecco and former Princeton All-Americans Ryan Boyle and Matt Striebel, Charlie Coker, Kara Ariza Cooke, Sarah Forbes, Cathy Nelson Reese, Paul Schimoler, and Richard Speckmann.
Induction ceremony tickets are offered at two pricing levels. General admission tickets are $150. Tickets for current National Lacrosse Hall of Fame members are $50.
All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold at the door. All tickets include open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner stations and dessert buffet. The event begins at 6 p.m.
The annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a black-tie-optional gathering of the game’s “greatest” and considered to be the premier US Lacrosse event of the year. It is designed to serve as a celebration to honor the men and women, past and present, whose contribution to the game of lacrosse has been deemed worthy of their induction into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Philly inductee bios
Rachael Becker DeCecco DeCecco will be inducted as a truly great player. She was a three-time, first team All-American defender at Princeton University (2001, 2002, 2003) and named as the recipient of the Tewaawaton Trophy in 2003 as the nation’s most outstanding player. DeCecco helped Princeton win the NCAA championship in 2002 & 2003, and was named MVP of the NCAA Tournament in 2003. She was also the national defender of the year in both 2002 and 2003, and the Ivy League’s player of the year as well as the NCAA’s Honda Award winner for lacrosse in 2003. She was named to the NCAA’s 25th Anniversary Team in 2006. DeCecco was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team Program from 2003-2008, and played on the U.S. World Cup Team in 2005. She has been previously inducted into the Marple Newtown (Pa.) High School Athletic Hall of Fame (2004) and the US lacrosse Philadelphia/Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Hall of Fame (2014).
Ryan Boyle Boyle will be inducted as a truly great player. He enjoyed an All-American career at Princeton University, earning first team honors as an attackman in 2003 and 2004, second team accolades in 2002, and third team status in 2001. Boyle earned All-Ivy honors three times (2002, 2003, 2004) and was named the Ivy League’s Player of the Year in 2002 and 2004. Princeton captured the Ivy title in each of his four seasons, and won the national championship in 2001. Boyle concluded his career with 70 goals, 162 assists, and 232 career points. He ranks second in Princeton history in assists and third in points. Boyle was a member of the 2002, 2006 and 2010 U.S. Men’s National Teams, winning the gold medal twice. He enjoyed an 11-year professional career in Major League Lacrosse, playing for the Philadelphia Barrage and Boston Cannons. Boyle was selected as the MLL’s Rookie of the Year in 2004, and as All-Pro in 2006. He finished his MLL career as the all-time leader in assists (254) and ranked sixth in points (423). A native of Cockeysville, Md., Boyle was inducted into the US Lacrosse Greater Baltimore Chapter’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Matt Striebel Striebel will be inducted as a truly great player. He was a two-time All-American at Princeton University, splitting time during his career between attack and midfield. Striebel helped the Tigers capture two NCAA championships during his career, winning the title in 1998 and 2001. He was also a part of four Ivy League championships, and earned all-Ivy honors three times (1999, 2000, 2001). Striebel played on three U.S. National Teams, helping to claim world championships in 2002 and 2010, and a runner-up finish in 2006. He also enjoyed a 13-year professional career in Major League Lacrosse, earning all-star honors nine times and All-Pro status in 2007 & 2008. He was a part of three MLL championships, and selected as the Championship Game MVP in 2007. He finished his MLL career with 225 goals, 120 assists, and 355 points, ranking among the top 10 all-time in each category. A product of Gill, Mass., Striebel was inducted into the US Lacrosse Western Massachusetts Chapter Hall of Fame in 2014.
By Chris Goldberg TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 8/26/19
Delaware Valley High School (PA) 2020 midfielder/attackman Jackson Melnick has made a verbal commitment to play Division II lacrosse at Chestnut Hill College.
Jackson Melnick profile:
Jackson Melnick
High school: Delaware Valley High School (Milford, PA)
Grad year: 2020
Positions: Midfield, Attack
College committed to: Chestnut Hill College
Club team: Headstrong Lehigh Valley
Why did you choose Chestnut Hill? “I chose Chestnut Hill College because the academics are great and the campus is beautiful with a great coaching staff.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “Thank you to my family, coaches, and friends for helping me along the way.”
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Jackson Melnick. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
Why did you choose Arcadia? “I chose Arcadia University because it was everything I could have asked for in a school. Between the atmosphere, coaches, location, size, and programs, I knew it was a right fit for me. I love how the team acts as a family and makes everyone not only a better athlete, but a better student.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “I would like to thank my family. My parents have supported me the entire way driving me to practices, tournaments, and showcases. I have learned that if it wasn’t for their kindness and support, none of this would be possible. My sisters have been the best sitting at tournaments and long car rides to watch me play. I would also like to thank my coaches throughout my lacrosse career. Between my High School and Fusion coaches, I have learned a lot about not only being a good lacrosse player, but also being a good person. They have taught me a lot of life lessons that I will never forget. Finally, I’d like to thank my teammates who have always been a big part of my life!”
What other colleges did you consider? Ohio Wesleyan University, Alvernia University
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Thomas Kelly. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
By Chris Goldberg TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 8/22/19
Academy of the New Church 2020 goalie Griff McGinley has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Mount St. Mary’s University.
Griff McGinley profile:
High school: Academy of the New Church (Bryn Athyn, PA)
Grad year: 2020
Position: Goalie
College committed to: Mount St. Mary’s University
Club team: Big 4 HHH Boys
Lacrosse honors: All-EPLCA, All-Friends League, UA Philadelphia Highlight team.
Expected major: Computer & Information Sciences
Why did you choose Mount St. Mary’s? “It had a great fit academically and athletically. The coaches made it feel like home. They had everything I was looking for in a university.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. It wouldn’t have been possible without you guys!”
What other colleges did you consider? Bryant, Albany, High Point, Salisbury, Cabrini, Stevenson
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Griff McGinley. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
EVENT SCHEDULE: 7:30 AM Check-In 8:00 AM Stretch and Skill Work 9:00 AM Scrimmages Begin 11:45 AM Scrimmages End 12:00 PM Campus Tour 12:45 PM Clinic Concludes
Duck Lacrosse Fall Leagues, for High School and Middle School girls’ teams, with spots open for individuals. High School Fall League: Full Field, 50 Minute Games; Sunday Mornings [Before Eagles Games!]. Locations: WC Henderson High School, Cardinal O’Hara High School, Germantown Academy. Dates: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20. Individuals Registration Team Registration
Middle School Fall League: 7v7, 50 Minute Games , Sunday Mornings [Before Eagles Games!]. Location: Germantown Academy. Dates: 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13. Individuals Registration Team Registration
Youth
1st Start Lacrosse is coming to The Episcopal Academy, Swarthmore College, Cabrini University, The Phield House in Philadelphia, and the All Sports Center in Collegeville. 1st Start Lacrosse is a program where the basics to the game are broken down and taught in a fun and exciting environment. It’s for children, boys and girls, ages 3-7 and it will be coached by all former players now educators in the Philly area who have an extreme passion for the game. For dates and times as well as registration of these locations please click here.
West Chester Lacrosse Association Girls Fall Skills Clinic allows players to recharge their lacrosse skills and improve their lacrosse IQ. The foundation of the clinic is high-level instruction to hone core fundamental skills in a fun environment. The clinics are open to all (no West Chester residency requirement) girls and boys in 1st-through- 9th grade. Players are grouped by age and ability level to ensure productive and efficient sessions. DATES/LOCATION: Sundays September 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th; October 6th, & 13th at Bayard Rustin High School Turf Field. GIRLS AGE GROUPS/TIMES: GIRLS 1st & 2nd grades- 3 PM- 4 PM*; 3rd & 4th grades- 3 PM- 4:15 PM*; GIRLS 5th & 6th & 7th – 9th grades-4:15 PM- 5:30 PM. Click here to register for Girls Skills Clinics.
West Chester Lacrosse Association’s Fall Futures Co-Ed program is based on a developmental curriculum and focuses on age-appropriate lacrosse FUNdamentals including footwork, hand-eye coordination, and agility. Your young lacrosse players will have a blast during our weekly sessions that incorporate lacrosse skills with energizing games that teach athletic coordination. Futures serves boys and girls in preschool-kindergarten (2019/2020 school year, ages 3+). Fall Futures will be directed by former West Chester University standout player and captain, Madison Staska. Coach Staska has served as a youth lacrosse coach and referee for the past 7 years. Dates: Sundays, September 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th; October 6th, & 13th at Bayard Rustin High School field #316. TIME: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Click here to register for Fall Futures. Please contact Gina at admin@wclax.net with any questions.
Fall Training
Blue Ox Fall Trainings for high school and middle school girls at Main Line Sports Center in Berwyn. Sessions are from Sept. 18-Oct. 23. Girls Middle School Shooters & Dodgers Training – Blue Ox Lacrosse present girls training for all middle school and youth offensive players on Wednesdays. This elite training is offered to players seeking offensive skills training.
Session Dates: Wednesday’s – 5:30-6:30 pm {9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/19, 10/16, 10/23} Register – www.blueoxlacrosse.com. High School Shooters & Dodgers Training –For all middle school and youth offensive players on Thursday’s this fall. This elite training is offered to players seeking offensive skills training. Session Dates: Wednesdays – 6:30-7:30 pm {9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/19, 10/16, 10/23} Register – www.blueoxlacrosse.com
Fall Showcase
Showcase Camp by Victory Events, Sunday, October 27 at Tatnall School in Wilmington, DE. Camp Divisions: Grad Years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. Number of participants: 120 Athletes
Early Bird Discount until Labor Day Weekend
Registration Deadline: October 1. Event Format:
Morning – Clinic Sessions; Individual position training sessions run by D1 College coaches followed by team practices. Afternoon – Showcase Games & Championship; 6 teams of 20 players on each roster. Each showcase team will be coached by an elite D1 and D3 coach. Three (3) games per team
45 Minute game time frames, 20-minute running halves and 2 minute halftime. Click here to register.Click here to nominate. Click here for more info.
Fall Tournament
Victory Fall Classic, (Formerly the Girls Brandywine Classic), October 26, DE Turf Complex, Frederica, DE
GIRLS DIVISIONS
Youth | 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027/28
High School | 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
HS Includes HD Game Film for all teams/athletes courtesy of NextPro. Click here for more info and registration.
To submit a listing, e-mail us at golax@phillylacrosse.com
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/24/19
Washington Township High School (NJ) 2020 midfielder/attackman GianLuca Lockhart has made a commitment to play Division III lacrosse at Cabrini University.
GianLuca Lockhart profile:
GianLuca Lockhart
High school: Washington Township High School (Washington Township, NJ)
Grad year: 2020
Positions: Midfield, Attack
College committed to: Cabrini University
Club team: SouthShore
Lacrosse honors: 4 Year Varsity player, 2017 Impact Player of the year, 2019-20 captain, 2019 Second Team All-Conference, 2019 Offensive MVP, 2019 South Jersey Times Player of the Year
Academic honors: Honor/AP Student, 3.75 GPA
Why did you choose Cabrini? “After speaking with Coach Colfer about his program and values, I felt an instant connection. A top level program and top level university.”
Is there anything else you would like to share? “Thank you to both of my parents for pushing me to be the player and person I am today. I couldn’t have achieved my goal of playing college lacrosse without them.”
Main Line Sports Center, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates GianLuca Lockhart. Main Line SC, located at 1340 Swedesford Road, Berwyn, PA, 19312, offers elite training and clinics for boys and girls as well as club programs for boys. Featuring 5 large indoor fields, we cater to sports teams and organizations looking for a practice facility with ample space and state of the art equipment. Our sports arena is available for organized practices and training sessions for all levels and ages of athlete. Due to the scale and layout of our facility, Main Line Sports Center can handle large practices, as well as Tournaments, special events and private parties for your group or team. Please contact the office at 610-640-1420 for information or access the Main Line website at http://mainlinesportscenter.com/
Phillylacrosse.com is pleased to honor the standouts for the 2019 scholastic season with its annual All-Phillylacrosse.com Teams. The series will debut Aug. 25 with the Phillylacrosse Players and Coaches of the Year.
The All-Phillylacrosse 2019 schedule of stories: Sunday, Aug. 25 – Girls’ Co-Players of the Year Sunday, Aug. 25 – Boys’ Co-Players of the Year Sunday, Aug. 25 – Boys’ and Girls’ Honorable Mention Players of the Year Monday, Aug. 26 – Boys’ team Co-Coaches of the Year Monday, Aug. 26 – Girls’ team Co-Coaches of the Year Monday, Aug. 26 – Boys’ Team and Girls’ Team Honorable Mention Coaches of the Year Tuesday, Aug. 27 – All-Central/Northeast PA Boys’ Team Tuesday, Aug. 27– All-Central/Northeast PA Girls’ Team Tuesday, Aug. 27 – All-South Jersey Boys’ Team Tuesday, Aug. 27 – All-South Jersey Girls’ Team Tuesday, Aug. 27 – All-Delaware Boys’ Team Tuesday, Aug. 27 – All-Delaware Girls’ Team Wednesday, Aug. 28 – All-Phillylacrosse Boys’ Team, First Team Wednesday, Aug. 28 – All-Phillylacrosse Boys’ Team, Second, Third Teams Wednesday, Aug. 28 – All-Phillylacrosse Girls’ Team, First Team Wednesday, Aug. 28 – All-Phillylacrosse Girls’ Teams, Second, Third Teams
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/25/19
During Spring Break the Harriton girls’ lacrosse team went to Southern California to play two games – but more importantly, the result of the trip was extreme bonding.
“We only played two games out there but we had practices and we stayed in the rooms together and it just solidified what we had,” said Harriton senior attack Allie Schwab. “The fun we had – we had a ‘fake’ wedding and so many goofs and laughs. We made a 20-minute blog video. We had so much fun and it brought us even closer together than we were.”
That closeness and togetherness was a major factor for Harriton’s surprising success in 2019. The Rams – not a favorite in the preseason for any championship – shared the Central League title with Radnor, reached the District 1 Class AAA final and then won their first PIAA crown since 2013 by handling Manheim Township, 12-6, at West Chester East.
Schwab, a US Lacrosse All-American and All-Academic pick, was an anchor on the team, scoring a state and region high 178 points on 86 goals and 92 assists. For her efforts, she has been named the 2019 Phillylacrosse.com Girls’ Co-Player of the Year (with Episcopal Academy’s Olivia Dirks).
Co-Player of the Year Allie Schwab of Harriton with coach George Dick share a moment with the PIAA championship plaque
One reason Harriton (24-2 record) was not picked by many to be a state contender was because the Rams failed to make states the three previous seasons and entered the year with only one Division I commit and only two others – Schwab (Washington and Lee) being one – that had committed to any other level.
But the Rams, who finished 24-2, started strong, defeating Central League powers Conestoga and Garnet Valley in the first week of the league season. After a disappointing 23-11 loss to Radnor, the Rams regrouped and won 15 straight games before bowing to Conestoga, 11-10, in the district final.
In states, the Rams avenged the loss to Radnor, 13-7, and then defeated Downingtown West, 13-10, to reach the finals. Schwab had 15 points in the final three games; actually two below her average for the year!
Schwab said her success was a result of the team’s close camaraderie on and off the field.
“We’re just literally best friends and we’re so close that – honestly it sounds so corny – but I can see what we are doing,” said Schwab. “I can tell what Emily Stewart or Katelin (Williams) is going to do so I knew when to pass or where to go with each of them.
“It was an amazing feeling to know my teammates so well I was not playing for myself. I was playing for every single girl and we all were playing for each other. Playing on a team like this was special..”
Harriton coach George Dick said Schwab’s improvement over her senior year was remarkable.
“The reality is that she worked on her game at practice, outside of practice she worked on her shot,” he said. “But the biggest thing was that she was confident that she could do it.
“Last year she played a lot. She played a lot as a freshman, but all those years she didn’t have that same confidence. Part of it was support she got from her teammates. They didn’t care if she made a mistake.
“Her confidence in her game elevated the team. That’s the sign of a great player; you make everybody around you better. And any honor she’d get, she’d just shrug her shoulders and move forward. She has no ego.
“We had a lot of good players. But our offense didn’t run when she didn’t play. She was the straw that stirred the drink and the focal part of the offense.”
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/25/19
Whether it was scoring big goals, winning the key draw controls or simply being a leader, there was little doubt as to what Olivia Dirks could do on the lacrosse field.
But Episcopal Academy coach Josie Tomaino said there was even more that others didn’t see that has made Dirks such a special player.
“Clearly, Olivia’s lacrosse skills and physical skills are outstanding,” said Tomaino. “But it’s her field sense and ability to read the game that sets her apart from her peers.
Co-Player of the Year Olivia Dirks and EA coach Josie Tomaino
“Her teammates respect her knowledge of the game and her ability to work hard and effectively when the game is on the line.”
In 2019, Dirks was a dominant force for an EA team that won the Inter-Ac League outright championship and went 18-1, earning a national ranking most of the year. For her accomplishments, Dirks has been named the Girls’ Co-Player of the Year (shared with Harriton’s Allie Schwab) by Phillylacrosse.com.
Dirks, a Penn State signee, finished the year with 82 goals, 18 assists, an an amazing 186 draw controls. She was named the Inter-Ac MVP and a US Lacrosse All-American as well as an Under Armour All-American.
Led by Dirks, EA remained undefeated until the final game when it fell to Penn Charter. But its biggest accomplishment was sweeping both of its Inter-Ac rival powers, Academy of Notre Dame and Agnes Irwin.
“It (the title) had gone back and forth the last few years,” said Dirks. “The Inter-Ac has some great teams and we knew if we wanted to win the Inter-Ac we really had to push ourselves in practice and keep getting better every day.”
Dirks said the toughest challenge was beating Notre Dame and Agnes Irwin a second time. EA downed ND, 11-7, and Agnes Irwin, 13-10, in their first meetings and then edged ND, 11-9, and AI, 12-11, in tight rematches.
“We knew we had to change things up and be very versatile on attack,” Dirks said. “We had a ton of options and our defense was super solid. We had to be ready for anything because we knew we had targets on our backs and we had to work harder to do whatever it took to win.”
Dirks said she embraced taking on a key role in leadership, one she shared with Izzy Rohr and other seniors.
“I think we had a lot of leaders,” she said. “It was a strong senior class and the leaders were spread out throughout the year. That made the team come together as one.
“We all knew each other’s strengths and played for each other, which made our team very successful.”
Concluded Tomaino: “We could always count on Olivia to execute: whether it was winning the draw, coming up with the caused turnover on defense, transitioning through the 30s, or scoring on attack … she truly has done it all for our program.
“Olivia has set the bar incredibly high here at Episcopal Academy. She is by far one of the best players I have ever coached.”
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/25/19
Senior goalie Will Pettit said the Malvern Prep lacrosse team embraced the challenge of repeating as Inter-Ac League champion in 2019 – especially when many doubted the team could overcome the loss of a standout senior class.
“A lot of people questioned us and doubted us and then we had three key returning starters hurt in the beginning of the season,” Pettit said. “That set us back, but everyone put their head down and kept grinding.
“That led us to where we got. Taking advantage of what we did have and giving that full effort day in and day out is why we won a championship.”
With Pettit leading the way, Malvern Prep won the Inter-Ac League title in 2019, outlasting Haverford School, 9-8, at Cabrini, in a memorable double overtime thriller that will be talked about for years.
Pettit posted 12 saves in the game, capping a year in which he earned US Lacrosse All-America honors and was named the Most Important Player in the Inter-Ac for the No. 1 team in the final Phillylacrosse.com Rankings and a nationally-ranked squad. For his accomplishments, Pettit has been named the Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Co-Player of the Year (with Penn Charter’s Gavin Tygh and Academy of the New Church’s Hunter Jaronski).
Co-Player of the Year Will Pettit of Malvern Prep (Photo by Chris McMulty)
Malvern Prep won the title game on a goal by Matt Civitella after Pettit made several key saves in each overtime period. In Pettit’s post-game comments, he said he welcomed the atmosphere of a championship game.
“To be honest, I wasn’t nervous the whole game,” he said, then. “No matter what, I knew it was my last game at Malvern and I really wanted to go out on top. Right from the start I was seeing the ball and moving well to it.”
Several weeks after the championship, Pettit said he relished competing against a rival and power like Haverford School in that setting.
“For me, personally, it was probably the game I was least nervous for,” he said. “I figured it was my last Malvern game and we just wanted to leave everything out on the field. I knew it was the last time I would be playing against Haverford and in the setting like that (overflow crowd), I just wanted to soak it all in and enjoy the moment. I had fun!”
Pettit said the team, a mixture of upperclassmen and talented sophomores and juniors, melded together and continued to peak as the season progressed.
“We weren’t worried about rankings or anything like that,” he said. “Our goal was to win the Inter-Ac championship and we just worked constantly to that goal.”
Malvern Prep coach John McEvoy said Pettit was consistently strong the entire year.
“I think maybe he had one bad half the whole year,” said McEvoy. “He played strong the entire season. He’s really matured physically and mentally the past few years.
“It showed up in him being such a good teammate and a good leader. He was overwhelmingly voted by peers as a captain. Sometimes goalies are on an island on their own and not part of the team like field goal kickers. Not our goalies.”
By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/25/19
Academy of the New Church senior Hunter Jaronski could feel the opposing teams’ overconfidence when he and his 13 or 14-member squad would enter the stadium before games in 2019.
“We’d walk onto a field and I think everbody thought they’d beat once they looked over at us in warmups,” Jaronski said. “We just took pride in that.”
Actually, not many teams did beat ANC in 2019 despite the fact the team rarely suited up more than 14 healthy players and had many freshmen playing key roles. However, one man, Jarosnki, played four different positions, so somehow that small number of players was just enough for a remarkable season.
Hunter Jaronski
With Jaronski playing LSM and close defense, and also taking the team’s faceoffs and emerging as a key attackman with a short stick, the term “two-way” player became redefined.
For his efforts, Jaronski has been named a Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Co-Player of the Year (with Malvern Prep’s Will Pettit and Penn Charter’s Gavin Tygh).
Jaronski finsished the year with 176 groundballs on defense and 30 goals and 18 assists on offense. while holding his own at the faceoff X. He was chosen as a US Lacrosse All-American and led ANC to its sixth straight Friends Schools League championship and a berth in the National Prep Championship semifinals. This year, ANC had wins, among others, over PIAA Class AAA finalist Conestoga, defending state champion Manheim Township and prep powers Lawrenceville School and Hun School.
“It was the best season, I wouldn’t give it back for anything,” said Jaronski, who is headed to Johns Hopkins. “Early in the year, we had injuries and you had this thought, ‘Are we going to get through the year?’
“But we started winning and started believing in everything (head) coach Jack (Forster) and coaches Kevin (Forster) and Shane (Sturgis) said. Everyone bought in. It meant so much for the program to beat schools like Hun and Lawrenceville to show who we are.”
Jaronski’s defensive skills were immense; he was like a quarterback on the back end, calling signals and slides and covering the key opposing weapons. But he emerged as an offensive weapon early after an injury to John Veit and quickly became adept with the short stick.
A typical sequence would feature Jaronski using his long pole to tie up a faceoff specialist at the X, allowing ANC’s wings to either win the draw or give him enough time to get back into position on defense. Once ANC got the ball back – which happened often since junior Griff McGinley was an All-EPLCA pick – and cleared into the offensive zone, they slow up the game and have Jaronski run to the sideline to grab a short stick.
Did Jaronski get tired?
“Honestly, I just moved to the next play,” he said. “You couldn’t think too much about that. When I was on defense, I just wanted to get the ball back quickly so I could get on offense.
“We had been fighting low numbers so when John got hurt I kind of volunteered to play offense since I played it when I was younger. I asked coach, ‘Are you really going to let me pick up a short stick?’ But it’s funny how it worked.”
Jaronski had one thought when he played at the faceoff X: “The first rule was don’t let up a fast break. I tried to make it a 50-50 groundball because our wings were hungry.”
ANC first-year coach Jack Forster – who has been an assistant for five years under his older brother Rob – said Jaronski’s leadership skills were equally as valuable as his lacrosse IQ and versatility.
“Hunter bought in and was the leader and he got everyone on the same page dominant force as a leader and everyone followed him,” Forster said.
“He probably has the most stamina of any player I know. That allowed him to play offense and defense; as well as his knowledge of the game.
“He is a tough kid that doesn’t like to lose and that shows every single game. And he had to play that way since we had no cakewalks and we played three games a week. What he did every game is pretty crazy. That toughened up the rest of our team.”
