Captains 2001 (l-r): Desmond Megna, Larry Falkman and Mike Daquino.
LACROSSE TEAM RELOADS FOR A RUN AT A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
With a solid core of returning players and seven true freshmen, the men's lacrosse team is ready to improve on last year's record and poised to make a run at a National Championship.
Last year the team finished with a disappointing 6-5 record. Several of those losses were by three or fewer goals, and to some of the top-ranked teams in the nation. Most losses were attributed to lack of depth at the midfield position. However, this should not be a problem for the 2001 squad. Through heavy recruiting, the Colonials have added five midfielders to join pre-season All-American senior Desmond Megna. Alongside Megna on the first line will be two freshmen from Longwood High School: D.J. Ortiz is a big, left-handed midfielder who will be looked upon to help Megna replace the scoring void left by All-American Rich Stoia, who graduated. Jamie Fabian is a quick midfielder who showed Coach Ralph Pepe in fall scrimmages that he could provide solid play on both sides of the field.
The difference between this year's and last year's team are the next three players: Phil Bonelli, Keith Flood and Brent Quinn provide a second line that should produce both goals and quality defense. All three are fast, can face-off, dodge and shoot well. Pat Powell and Pete Greco played well in the fall and will spell players at both midfield and attack.
This year's attack could end up being one of the best ever at Southampton. Spearheading the attack is pre-season All-American Mike Daquino, who led the team last year with 48 points in 11 games. Joining Daquino on the left side is Chris Schiefer, who in a fall tournament scored 12 goals in just three games and is looking to reap the benefits of Daquino's field vision. The third attackman may prove to be the best in the school's history: Sophomore, Will Campbell will be looked upon to carry the team offensively. The team's best scorer, Campbell has strong moves to the cage, and a deadly accurate, cannon of a shot, that can be fired on the run.
However, the team's strongest facet will be its defense. Led by three-time All-American, and arguably the best goalie in the country, Larry Falkman, this year's defense is big, fast and has depth like never before. With all three starting defensemen standing no smaller than 6-foot-2, and all possessing good speed, this year's corps could end up All-Americans, too, at season's end. Mark Carlson, Stanley Przedwiecki and Tim Harder play an attacking style of defense, looking to strip their opponents and lead fast breaks. Two new additions, freshmen Joe Vertullo and Joe Cea, are both quick, and have good size. They will split time at the long-stick midfield position.
Another improvement the team feels it has is better teamwork. "That is something we feel we have lacked in the past, but this year no one cares about stats -- everyone has the same goal, to win a national championship," says Megna. With captains Falkman, Megna and Daquino providing leadership on the field, Coach Pepe believes this team could be one of the best in the college's recent history, and has a strong foundation for the future.
Scenes from the April 25, 2001 Game.
Staff(l-r): Lacrosse Staff: Student Assistant Coach Jim Laura, student manager Colin Huck, Assistant Coach Blayney McEneaney, student managers Katie Tulip and Paula Muellner and Head Coach Ralph Pepe.
SOUTHAMPTON COACHES
Ralph Pepe inherited Southampton Graduate Campus' lacrosse team in 1993 and has been involved in the sport for over 30 years. Entering his ninth year as a head coach, he has led his team to five winning seasons, three playoff appearances, two ECAC titles and a winning reputation despite being in a league with several of the country's best teams.
"We've gained a lot of respect in the lacrosse community," said Pepe, whose record is 56-43. "Our players and coaches take a lot of pride in that.? He has been an assistant coach at SUNY-Stony Brook and Sachem High School and a head coach at Smithtown West High School. Pepe, a 1978 graduate of Dowling College, teaches at Sachem High School North. He lives in East Quogue with his wife, Mary, and four children, Kate, Ralph, Emily and Megan.
Blayney McEneany brings his defensive expertise to the Colonials for a seventh season as assistant coach. "When a player gets individual instruction from Blayney, it really improves his skill on defense," Pepe said. "He also has an exceptional knowlege of game strategy."
The 1968 Yankton College graduate coached at Sachem High School for 10 years and in 1979 led them to a state title. He lives in Miller Place with his wife Janet and three children, Moira, Kara and Blayney.
Student Assistant Coach Jim Laura will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education this May. He was a defenseman and midfielder for the Colonials.
Lacrosse Juniors 2001.
Spring 2001 Men's Lacrosse Roster
|
# |
Name |
POS |
HT |
WT |
CL |
Hometown |
H.S. |
|
1 |
*Desmond Megna |
M |
5-9 |
150 |
SR |
Mastic, NY |
William Floyd |
|
3 |
Jamie Fabian |
M |
5-9 |
150 |
FR |
Ridge, NY |
Longwood |
|
5 |
Joe Vertullo |
D/M |
5-9 |
155 |
FR |
W. Babylon, NY |
W. Babylon |
|
6 |
*Mike Daquino |
A |
5-9 |
160 |
SR |
Farmingville, NY |
Sachem |
|
7 |
Mark Carlson |
D |
6-1 |
215 |
JR |
Farmingville, NY |
Sachem |
|
8 |
Pat Powell |
A |
6-4 |
195 |
SO |
Carlisle, PA |
Carlisle |
|
9 |
Stan Przedwiecki |
D |
6-4 |
195 |
JR |
Farmingville, NY |
Sachem |
|
12 |
Phil Bonelli |
M |
5-8 |
165 |
FR |
Commack, NY |
Commack |
|
13 |
Will Campbell |
A |
5-11 |
170 |
SO |
Coram, NY |
Sachem |
|
15 |
Chris Schiefer |
A |
5-8 |
155 |
JR |
Holtsville, NY |
Sachem |
|
16 |
Joe Cea |
D |
5-11 |
190 |
FR |
Rocky Point, NY |
Rocky Point |
|
19 |
Dave Ortiz |
M |
6-0 |
185 |
FR |
Ridge, NY |
Longwood |
|
20 |
Pete Greco |
M |
5-8 |
150 |
SO |
Herricks, NY |
Herricks |
|
22 |
Keith Flood |
M |
5-9 |
170 |
FR |
Port Jefferson Sta., NY |
Consewogue |
|
29 |
Tim Harder |
D |
6-2 |
195 |
JR |
Saco, ME |
Thornton Academy |
|
31 |
Mike Williams |
D |
6-1 |
220 |
JR |
Queens, NY |
Queens Gateway |
|
33 |
Brent Quinn |
M |
5-9 |
155 |
FR |
Holbrook, NY |
Sachem |
|
44 |
*Larry Falkman |
G |
6-0 |
200 |
SR |
Lake Park, NY |
Sachem |
Schedule 2001
Lacrosse players and coaches from Sachem High School.
|
March |
|
Opponent |
Site |
Time |
|
WED |
14 |
FARMINGDALE |
HOME |
W22-10 |
|
Sat |
17 |
St. Andrews |
Neutral |
W19-11 |
|
SAT |
31 |
ST. VINCENT |
HOME |
W17-6 |
|
April |
|
|
|
|
|
Wed |
4 |
USMMA |
Away |
W15-9 |
|
SAT |
7 |
MERRIMACK |
HOME |
W15-6 |
|
SUN |
8 |
MERCYHURST |
HOME |
L9-10 |
|
WED |
11 |
*NYIT |
HOME |
W14-11 |
|
Sat. |
21 |
*Dowling |
Away |
W15-11 |
|
WED |
25 |
*ADELPHI |
HOME |
L5-11 |
|
Sat |
28 |
*West Chester |
Away |
L10-13 |
|
May |
|
|
|
|
|
WED |
2 |
*C.W. POST |
HOME |
L 6-9 |
|
Sat |
5 |
*Molloy |
Away |
W 14-8 |
|
Fri |
11 |
ECAC |
TBD |
TBA |
|
Sat |
12 |
ECAC |
TBD |
TBA |
Head Coach: Ralph Pepe
Assistant Coaches: Blayney McEneaney, Jim Laura
* New York Collegiate Athletic Conference
Archives
2000 Team Results
2000 Player Stats
2000 Lacrosse Team Page
