With names like Billy Fort ’02, Galen Beers ’02 and Justin Cynar ’02 missing from this year’s roster, fans have more than a few questions when it comes to the 2003 men’s lacrosse team. However, for every question, head coach Jeff Tambroni seems to have found an answer. Still, not everything is carved in stone.
“It’s going to be a little different this year,” he said. “Who you see start doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to stay there. They may switch between the attack and midfield.”
Attack
Returning to lead the offense in his sophomore year is preseason All-American Sean Greenhalgh. The attackman set the freshman scoring record in his rookie season and led the team with 39 goals. Last season, Greenhalgh’s offensive onslaught included a six-goal performance against then-No. 1 Syracuse.
Attacking the net with Greenhalgh will be a trio of fresh faces in junior Dave Pittard, sophomore Kevin Nee and freshman Joe Boulokus. All three have already made an immediate impact on the Red offense, combining for eight goals during the season’s first three games. Pittard, a transfer from the Naval Academy, has also stepped up to create offensive opportunities for his teammates. The 2001 ECAC Rookie of the Year currently is second on the team in assists.
“He’s been a wonderful addition to our team,” said Tambroni. “Once he’s gotten comfortable with our offense, and the guys around him he’s really contributed a great deal.”
Midfield
Featuring three veterans from last year’s campaign, the midfield should prove to be the Red’s most solid area of the field. Returning are senior tri-captain J.P. Schalk, junior Andrew Collins, and sophomore Justin Redd. All three should also provide further offensive options for Tambroni. Schalk currently has four points on the season, while Redd currently has three in three games. Redd also was a big contributor during his rookie season, notching 20 goals and 11 assists.
Collins, in addition to being part of Cornell’s midfield, will also be thrown into the mix as an attackman. He currently leads the team in points with eight on the season. The utility man also has 30 career goals and 28 assists over three seasons with the Red.
Defense
Defensively, Cornell appears to be as strong as ever, with a pair of seasoned upperclassmen at the short stick midfield and defensive positions.
“We’ve got a veteran group back there with Frank Sands and George Boiardi with the short sticks,” said Tambroni. Sophomore Kyle Georgalas will round out the defensive midfield this season, due in part to his experience at the position and long stick abilities.
Cornell’s core defensive unit will be composed of All-Americans senior Ryan McClay and junior Tim DeBlois. Senior Chris Viola will also add his experience, playing as Cornell’s third defender. Backing up the veteran trio are freshman Mike Pisco and sophomore Casey Stevenson.
Goal
Brandon Ross will start between the pipes for Cornell this season. Ross, a transfer student from Washington and Lee, earned his first collegiate start earlier in the month and since then has made several key saves for the Red.
“We feel very fortunate that he decided to transfer and be a member of our team,” said Tambroni.
Faceoffs
The only question mark left for the Red is who will be the starting faceoff specialist. Currently as many as three players have shared time in the faceoff circle. Freshman Joe D’Arrigo has had the most success so far earning over half of his faceoffs this season. His best performance to date was against Colgate, when the rookie won all but two of the game’s faceoffs. Junior Scott Raasch is close behind, however, with a .467 win percentage.
Archived article by Matt Janiga