By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/21/15
David Closterman said competing at The Match Sunday was the perfect target for his intention to play Division III lacrosse.
“It was specifically a D3 event and that’s what I am looking for in college,” said the 2018 midfielder from the Academy of the New Church and the Duke’s LC. “The format intrigued me; it had a 7-on-7 aspect and that got me a lot of touches.”
2018 ATT David Closterman, Academy of the New Church/Duke’s LC, PA
The Match, held at The Hill School, is one of the only individual showcases that focuses on players intending to play Division III lacrosse. Run by Heritage Lacrosse, it featured 7v7 short-sided games, positional instruction and six 15-minute full-field games for each participant. See the All-Match team posted Monday.
“I did well as the day progressed,” said Closterman, an All-Match pick and a major contributor on ANC’s Friends School League title team in 2015. “I felt I started doing better and better. I liked that there were older kids here so I can see how I would do against juniors and seniors.”
What is Closterman looking for in a college?
“Something that challenges me academically,” he said. “I want a good school and also one that is a top D3 lacrosse program, somewhere on the East Coast.”
Why is he looking at the D3 level? “I feel like at D1, I could make the team, but I won’t see the field,” he said. “For D3, if I make the team I’ll be a contributor and I’ll always be playing.”
Other that shined:
2018 G Daniel Silbergeld, Lower Merion, MSI Baggataway, PA
Daniel Silbergeld, 2018 Goalie, Lower Merion/MSI Baggataway, All-Match pick
Why did you choose this showcase?
Silbergeld: “I feel I don’t want to go to a school where lacrosse is going to be the only thing in my life. I want to have a social life, but also the opportunity to play other (varsity) sports or club sports. I want to experience other options. I play trumpet in our school orchestra and maybe I would do that. I also swim for my school and I would love to do that at a D3 school, whether it’s club or actual Division III. No way can I do that at a Division I school.”
How did you feel you performed?
Silbergeld: “I did pretty well. I was excited; I had a goal in the 7-on-7’s, everything was so fast-paced.”
How did you enjoy the showcase format?
Silbergeld: “It’s different, but better. It’s not every other showcase with 25 goalies trying for a spot or two.’
What are you looking to study?
Silbergeld: “I would like to be a teacher, so academics and education are my main concern, and then comes lacrosse and then music. I am looking to teach middle school science or music and maybe on the side be a lacrosse coach.”
2017 ATT Peter Moeller, Shipley School, Phillie Elite
Peter Moeller, 2017 attackman, Shipley School, Phillie Elite, All-Match
Why did you choose this showcase?
Moeler: “I have always been intrigued by D3 lacrosse, ever since middle school. I like the intensity and I was researching the best D3 showcases and this one popped up in almost every article. D1 is like a job almost and I don’t really want that. I want to play real competitive lacrosse, but not have it take up my whole life.”
How did you feel you performed?
Moeller: “I felt I dd really well, putting the ball in the net a lot. I wanted to get noticed.”
What did you learn about your game?
Moeller: “I was trying to dodge up and I turned the ball over. I am trying to get rid of that style of play. I want to perfect moving the ball after I dodge.”
Joe Meyers, 2017 attackman, Carmel (N.Y.), Team 91 TriState, NY, All-Match
2017 ATT Joe Meyers, Carmel, Team 91 TriState, NY
Why did you choose this showcase?
Meyers: “I was just looking to get exposure at the D3 level. Like some of the others said, I don’t like the idea of lacrosse in college being a full-time job. I don’t want it to be 24/7. D3 is getting more competitive every year. It’s competitive lacrosse at a little smaller school and that is something I like a lot.”
How did you feel you performed?
Meyers: “It was the first time playing competitive lacrosse since July, and I had stitches in my hand. Considering that, I did well. I have to be able to use both hands. Sometimes when I put it into my left and wasn’t able to perform as I wanted to. It’s something I have to work on.”
Mike McGreeney, 2017 goalie, Archbishop Spalding/Snappers Elite, MD
Why did you choose this showcase?
McGreeney: “I heard it was a pretty good showcase. I wanted to get as much exposure as possible and some of the D3 teams I was interested in were here. It was a very fast-paced showcase, which I liked.”
2017 goalie Mike McGreeney, Aopriochbishop Spalding/ Snappers Elite, MD
How did you feel you performed?
McGreeney: “I feel I did pretty well. I hope I got the approval of some of the coaches here today.”
What did you work on at the event?
McGreeney: “I am trying to get more muscle reflex. I have got to stick to walking on my arc correctly. Sometimes I get out of position.”
What are you looking for in a college?
McGreeney: “Like most of the others I want a balance and I want to go to a good school for a good education. Lacrosse is a means to that.”