WARRIOR LACROSSE CONTINUES
TO BUILD TRADITION

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – The Lycoming College men’s lacrosse program has been in existence for only four seasons, yet has already made great strides toward becoming one of the best programs in the country. Back-to-back winning seasons and national recognition have raised the bar of expectations. The 2001 version of Warrior lacrosse will look to build on the successes of the past and continue to reach higher levels of accomplishment.

“We’ve been fortunate to build a winning tradition in such a short period of time,” said Head Coach Gene Peluso. “This year we want to carry over the end of last season when we won 10 of our last 11 games. But every season, our primary goal is to continue to build the program and improve the level of play throughout the year. Beyond that, we want to contend for the conference championship and represent the Middle Atlantic Conference in the NCAA playoffs,”

Leading the effort this season will be a trio of first-team all-conference players returning from last season’s 10-5 squad. Mark Barnes (Elmira, NY; Corning-Painted Post East) returns for his senior year at long-stick middie. The two-time All-American led the team with 168 groundballs in 2000, while also scoring 12 goals and recording seven assists. Barnes has been dubbed a pre-season All-American and a player to watch in the MAC by Face Off 2001 Yearbook.

“We expect Mark to continue to play a major role in our success,” said Peluso. “The thing about Mark is that he not only defends the opponent’s top midfielder, but he also creates a lot of offense in transition for us.”

Mike Bonnes (Ridley Park; Ridley Senior) returns for his final campaign to lead the Warrior attack. Bonnes led the team in goals last season with 57 and was second on the team with 77 points. He was also picked as a player to watch in the MAC. Todd Riescher (Delray Beach, FL; West Morris Mendham), also a senior, will be the defensive leader for the team. Riescher has been the top ranked defenseman in the MAC each of his first three seasons. His physical style of play will set the tone for Lycoming’s defense.

“We play an aggressive defense; our guys really get after it,” said Peluso.

Joining Riescher on defense will be all-conference second-team member Chris Mosher (Corning, NY; Corning-Painted Post East). Mosher, a junior, was named the team’s defensive most valuable player in 2000. His work ethic, both on and off the field, provides great leadership for his teammates. Justin Gilroy (Sr./Ridley Park; Ridley Senior) also returns on defense. Gilroy recorded 21 groundballs last season and as a senior, brings valuable experience to the mix.

Looking to challenge the incumbents on the backline will be junior John Wanner (Willow Grove; Abington) and freshman Brian Leland (Timonium, MD; Dulaney).

The defense will be playing in front of veteran goalie Jared Jankowski (Sr./Boonton, NJ; Boonton). Jankowski has been the Warriors’ starter for the past two seasons and has written Lycoming’s record book. The talented keeper holds the school records for saves in a game (26), saves in a season (200), and goals-against-average for a season (8.88), as well as all the career marks. Jankowski was an all-conference selection in 1999 and is determined to return to that level of play after being left of the team last season.

Pressing Jankowski will be freshmen Sean Powers (Drexel Hill; Monsignor Bonner) and Christian Willaum (New Milford, CT; New Milford).

At midfield, Coach Peluso welcomes back an experienced line featuring junior Buddy Temple (Webster, NY; Webster Senior) and seniors Todd Brysiak (Aston; Ridley Senior) and Chris Rausch (Wilington, DE; Salesianum). Temple, a pre-season player to watch in the MAC, was fourth on the team last season with 27 points. Brysiak is a great two-way player and Rausch provides an additional scoring threat.

The Warriors will rely on some younger players to add depth to the midfield. Junior Eric Holzhauer (Willow Grove; Abington) brings size and speed to the midfield and is a great defender. Sophomore Mickie Llano (Victor, NY; Victor Central) is an offensive weapon. Last season, in eight games he scored five goals and tallied two assists. Freshman Dave Dormond (Bryn Mawr; Haverford Township) will have the opportunity to contribute immediately. He is the top athlete in the midfield and is one of the team’s best shooters. Rob VanderWiele (Hardwick, NJ; Blair Academy), also a freshman, figures to play a key role on face-offs for the Warriors.

Lycoming’s attack has a bit of rebuilding to do, with the graduation of Shawn Rosa and Todd Lightner. The Warriors lost close to 600 career points and two of their three top scorers from a year ago, but Coach Peluso remains optimistic about this year’s unit.

Mike Bonnes will lead the unit, but will be joined by a talented group of newcomers. Sang Duong (Havertown; Haverford Township) joins the team as a freshman. He sees the field extremely well and will act as the team’s “point guard”, leading the offense. Fellow freshman Dan Wilcox (Corning, NY; Corning-Painted Post East) is a tremendous finisher when in close to the goal. Sophomore Ryan Bergstrom (Hagerstown, MD; Smithsburg) will contribute through his balance of vision and finishing ability. Also looking to add power to attack will be junior Bryan Laplante (Niskayuna, NY; Guilderland Central) and sophomore Ryan Bonnes (Ridley Park; Ridley Senior).

“I’m very excited about our team this season. We have a lot of talented players,” said Peluso. “With some hard work, I don’t think there is any question we can reach the goals we have set.”