Feb. 22, 2008

LANCASTER, Pa. - The Franklin & Marshall men's lacrosse team will add two new components to its rich tradition as it embarks on a promising 2008 season. The Diplomats will call the North Campus Athletic Field home, the new lighted, all-weather turf pitch. In addition to the new field is a new face, that of Todd Cavallaro, who was named head coach back in August.

Cavallaro brings 14 years of coaching experience to F&M, recently spending five seasons as the head assistant coach and offensive coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania. The former Hopkins captain is familiar with the nature of Centennial Conference as well, having coached a stint in Chestertown at Washington.

"I am very fortunate to take over a first class program with such a strong lacrosse tradition," said Cavallaro. "Franklin and Marshall offers every student-athlete a world renowned education and an opportunity to compete at the highest level in Division III."

The Diplomats finished 7-6 last year, facing three nationally-ranked opponents. The young Diplomats dropped four games by one goal last year. With a new look on offense and a solid returning core on defense, F&M will work to swing the tight games in its favor, and to restore the proud lacrosse tradition to its rightful place.

"Our players understand the level commitment and the work ethic desired of them to become a nationally ranked program," said Cavallaro. "Our team must do the little things well and get better everyday in order to be successful in the Centennial Conference."

The Diplomats deepest position is the last man on defense. Returning starter, sophomore Dan Coffman, returns to the roster. He brings excellent hand speed and quickness, and thrives in pressure situations. Also competing for playing time will be Chris Marcozzi and Matt Duca. Marcozzi was very consistent throughout the fall and proves to be a great leader at the defensive end. Duca, an experienced senior, has been through the trenches and will be in the fight for playing time.

The Diplomats will not only rely on the strength in the goal. Senior captain Michael Ohrnberger will anchor an experienced defense. Ohrnberger will have the difficult task of shutting down the opponent's best offensive player each week. He will be supported by sophomores Brian Williamson and Andrew Sullivan. Both Williamson and Sullivan have an excellent sense of the game and solidify the defense. Chip O'Neil, Zach Pollack, and freshman Jake Litke are looking to break into the line up. All three are capable of playing major roles on the defensive end of the field.

At the long pole position, F&M returns sophomores Ian Lowe and Rob Magrane. Lowe makes a lot of little things happen to contribute to the midfield transition, resulting in extra goals at the offensive end. Magrane is both a smart and tough player in one-on-one situations, and he has the ability to progress into a top defenseman.

Jamie Ozzano and Justin Rayman hold the most unrecognized and hardest working positions on the field as the short stick defenders. Both are returning starters that bring toughness and speed to the defense. The pair will have major roles in F&M's success this season. Pushing for time are Hunter Rock and Ron Bogdasarian. They add a great deal of depth and experience to this position.

Captain Brendan Kearney will provide leadership in the midfield for the Diplomats. Kearney started in six games and scored seven goals last season. Senior Peter Moon, and juniors Brett Leppert and David Steiner will contribute at both ends of the field. Moon registered 11 goals and three assists last season.

"With the size of Kearney and Moon, along with the quickness of Leppert and Steiner, these young men should pose match-up problems throughout the year," said Cavallaro.

Juniors Shane Brennan and Alex Wright bring some crafty play in the midfield, while freshmen Jeff Ritter and Phil Dimin showed some ability in the fall to garner playing time this spring. Others looking to break into the line up and help out between the lines are upperclassmen Dale Lambert and Jake Gladstone. Freshman Scot Hahn, Ryan Hutchins, Rob Ritter and Andrew Steiner will push for playing time in their first year.

Sean Murphy, who played in 11 out of 12 games last year, returns as the face-off specialist. He won 88-of-179 face offs, while collecting 55 ground balls and recording three points (1g, 2a).

On attack, F&M gets the most experienced player back in junior Mark Hild. He returns as the Diplomats leading scorer with 24 goals and 16 points for 40 points. He scored three man-up goals and picked up 13 ground balls. Hild has been named the offensive MVP the past two years and will be relied upon heavily to lead the offense. Senior Noah Wilkinsky will join Hild on the attack. He is a great athlete and a versatile player. Competing for a starting position will be seniors Bobby Atkins, John Short, and sophomore Sean Oliver.

"The great thing about our offense is that we will not rely on one or two individuals," said Cavallaro. "We will play disciplined unselfish lacrosse for 60 minutes every game."

F&M kicks off the season tomorrow at home against Elmiria. The Diplomats will play four more non-conference games before finishing out the schedule with eight Centennial Conference opponents.