2017 Coast Guard Men's Lacrosse Guide by Coast Guard Bears

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 2017 Roster 2 Season Preview 3 The Coast Guard Academy 4-5 Coast Guard Superintendent 6 Director of Athletics 7 Athletics Facilities 8-9 Strength & Conditioning 10 Staff Directory 11 Coast Guard Men’s Lacrosse Coaching Staff Player Bios Review & History 2016 Results 2017 Schedule

12-14 15-22 23 23 Back Cover

The 2017 Men’s Lacrosse Media Guide is a publication of the Coast Guard Academy’s Athletic Media Relations Office.

MEN’S LACROSSE

www.CGASports.com

INTRODUCTION

CREDITS

/CoastGuard AcademyAthletics

@CoastGuardBears

2017 NUMERICAL ROSTER

NO.

NAME

POS.

CGA_Bears

CL. HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL

2 Ben Rosenberg M Fr. Rockville, Md./Richard Montgomery 4 Connor Gallagher M Fr. Pembroke, Mass./Pembroke H.S. 6 Jacob Groff M Fr. Lancaster, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg 7 TJ Varley M Jr. Cookeville, Tenn./Cookeville 8 Connor Hoehle G So. Yarmouth, Maine/Yarmouth 9 Ryan Gochar A Fr. Clarksville, Md./Loyola Blakefield 11 Trey Johnson G So. Millersville, Md./ Severn School 12 Riley McNulty M Fr. Arnold, Md./Broadneck 13 Tyler Grills A Fr. Pawcatuck, Conn./Stonington 15 Jon Yake M So. Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene, Idaho/Gonzaga Prep School 16 Huston Helwig D So. Goldsboro, Maryland/Goldsboro 17 Blaise Curtis M Sr. Riverside, Md./Aberdeen 18 Justin Edwards D Fr. West Newbury, Mass./Pentucket 19 Matt Carmine A So. Port Haywood, Va./Fork Union Mil. Acad 20 Tom Bleifuss D So. Naperville, Ill./Naperville North 21 Colin Cashin M So. Bedford, N.H./Bedford 22 Alec Groff M Jr.. Willow Street, Pa./Lampeter-Strasburg 23 Matt Huemme M Jr. Sherborn, Mass./ Dover Sherborn 24 Dan Fiorvanti M Sr. Commack, N.Y./Commack 25 Logan Morin A Fr. Norwich, Conn./Norwich Free Academy 27 Matt Nagel M So. Berwynn, Penn./Conestoga 29 Charles McAllister G Fr. Pleasantville, N.Y./Iona Prep 32 Jeff Porter M So. West Newbury, Mass./Pentucket 33 Connor Ellis D So. Arnold, Md./Broadneck 34 Anthony Wyler M So. Fulton, Md./Boys Latin 35 John Behnke D Jr. Carlisle, Pa./Trinity 36 Liam Middleton M Fr. Dover N.H./St. Thomas Aquinas 37 Nicholas Wittrock M So. Hampstead, Md./Summit H.S. 40 Ryland Champan D So. Hampstead, Md./North Carroll 42 Benner Guertsen A So. Rodman,N.Y./South Jefferson Central 43 Jack Pope A So. San Diego, Cal./Westview 44 Mike McCaslin D So. Stevensville, Md./Kent Island 45 Cole Hudson A So. Sparks, Md./Friends School 47 Brendan Powell D So. Damascus, Ore./Clackamas 49 Owen Kratowicz D Fr. Stafford, Va./Colonial Forge 50 Ian Logan M So. Virginia Beach, Va./Ocean Lakes

ROSTER

HEAD COACH: Ray LaForte ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH: Mike Higbie DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Pat Powers OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dave Fraboni OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT: Brennan Dougherty GOALIE COACH: Nate Ryan

2017 ONLINE GUIDE

2017 SEASON PREVIEW The Coast Guard men’s lacrosse team saw a major jump last season as they more than doubled their win total and moved into the top four of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). The Bears return 24 players to a team that went 10-6 last season and 3-4 in the NEWMAC tying them for fourth. The majority of the team’s roster in built on underclassmen that saw a wealth of time last year but has a small but strong nucleus of upperclassmen to orchestrate the team’s potential for the upcoming season. Tasked with leading this group is senior captain Blaise Curtis who was a unanimous pick by his teammates to be the solo team captain this season. “His teammates gravitate to him, they just trust him to make good decisions for them and be a good leader,” said third year head coach Ray LaForte. “He is excellent in every way.” The Bears defense is one of their returning strengths anchored by sophomore goalie Trey Johnson who started 13 games last season sporting a 9-5 record. He led the conference with an 8.10 goals against average and allowed a NEWMAC low 108 goals. His goals against average was also 32nd in the country. In front of Johnson sits an aggressive, hungry defense led by second team All-NEWMAC returners sophomores Tom Bleifuss and Connor Ellis who led a defense that was ninth in the country in caused turnovers per game (12.44). The two players combined for 72 caused turnovers with Ellis leading the conference with 42 and Bleifuss sixth with 26. Ellis was also 15th in the country with a 2.28 caused turnovers per game average. Also featured in the defense this season will be junior John Behnke, sophomores Ryland Chapman and Mike McCaslin and freshman Justin Edwards.

Juniors Alec Groff and TJ Varley and sophomores Matt Nagle and Jeff Porter will highlight the defensive midfielders for Coast Guard this season. The emphasis on the offensive side of the field is facilitation. LaForte believe the team will see an uptick in scoring because of the better passing team he has on the field this season.

One player making the switch to attack to help facilitate this needed surge in assists is sophomore Benner Geurtsen who had nine goals, six assists and 15 points last season. LaForte believe his addition to the attack will make more players viable scoring options. Sophomore second team All-NEWMAC returner Jack Pope (22 goals, 28 points) and classmate Anthony Wyler (18 goals, nine assists and 27 points) are the Bears top returning scoring options from last season and will continue to be dangerous around the goals. Sophomore Ian Logan (17 goals, 10 assists and 27 points) also is a threat to score in bunches as he tallied three hat tricks last season and also racked up four points against New England College. Junior Matt Huemme will also be healthy this season as he tallied eight goals before injuring his wrist against Regis early in the season. Newcomers Riley McNulty and Ryan Gochar will also be an added scoring punch for Coast Guard as they both have showed well during preseason and will look to make an immediate impact on the teams scoring. Sophomore Colin Cashin returns as one of the top FOGO’s in the league as he earned second team AllNEWMAC honors at the position. Cashin was second in the conference with 158 won faceoffs and a .635 faceoff winning percentage. He was also third in the conference with 85 ground balls. Coast Guard has also improved their schedule this season adding nonconference games against Lasell, Eastern Connecticut, Catholic, Washington College and Misericordia. The out of conference schedule will be highlighted by the rivalry matchup against Merchant Marine which will be played at the Naval Academy following the Army Navy game on April 15th. “We have upped the difficulty of the schedule this season,” said LaForte. “We have brought in some more high end teams to our schedule. The whole schedule is enhanced.

SEASON PREVIEW

“I think we need to create offense via the defense,” added LaForte. “We will be a little bit of a proactive defense. Those athletes, Ellis and Bleifuss, are good players and we don’t have them on a short leash.”

diverse in how we score with more people involved. Our six guys on attack all need to be a threat to go to goal and I think we have a better passing team to make that happen.”

The Bears will also play their always tough conference schedule with games against Springfield, Babson, MIT, Wheaton and Clark who were all in the mix until the final day of the season for a playoff berth. Coast Guard opens the season on Saturday, February 25th, with a home game against Lasell College. Opening faceoff is 3:00.

“A real goal this year for us is to raise our assists totals,” commented LaForte. “The top level teams in the league have more assists so us being able to be more

MEN’S LACROSSE

COAST GUARD ACADEMY One of the smallest of the five U.S. Military Academies Four-Year Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Science degree program Founded in 1876 aboard the schooner Dobbin Highly selective admissions standards No tuition, traditional application process No congressional nomination necessary Education includes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership development 85 percent of graduates choose to serve beyond their five-year commitment Two graduates have been NASA Astronauts 80 percent of graduates go to graduate school (most paid for by Coast Guard

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COAST GUARD QUICK FACTS The Coast Guard Academy has 25 Intercollegiate sports (13 men’s, 11 women’s, 3 co-ed) The Bears have been members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in 15 sports since 1999 Coast Guard has won NEWMAC championships in Volleyball, Men’s Swimming, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Crew and Softball Teams have competed in the ECAC Championship tournament in men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball in the past five years The Bears have advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite 8 in both Volleyball (2006) and Men’s Basketball (2007-08) COAST GUARD ACADEMY CORPS OF CADETS DEMOGRAPHICS - about 1,000 cadets enrolled - 48 states and 11 foreign nations represented - 100% of students housed on campus - 20 NCAA Division III athletic teams - 35% of cadets are women - 22% of cadets are minorities - 1 faculty member for every 8 students - 19 Cadets in an average class

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REAR ADMIRAL JAMES E. RENDON ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT SECOND YEAR Rear Admiral Rendon assumed the duties of the 41st Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, June 1, 2015. He reported to the Academy after serving as Director, Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF West), the U.S. Pacific Command’s executive agent for planning and conducting counter-drug strategy in an area of operations covering more than 105 million square miles. Prior to this assignment, Rear Admiral Rendon served as Assistant Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, the Superintendent’s direct representative to oversee day-to-day operations. Prior to his first Academy assignment, he served as Director of Staff to the Vice Commandant. Rear Admiral Rendon is a surface operations specialist with a diverse list of assignments over his 28 year Coast Guard officer

COAST GUARD ACADEMY SUPERINTENDENT

career. He served as Commander, Sector Northern New England in Portland Maine, as well as, Chief Response, Fifth Coast Guard District in Portsmouth, Virginia. Rear Admiral Rendon is a cutterman with afloat tours as Deck Watch Officer aboard Durable, a 210-foot cutter home-ported in Brownsville, Texas; Executive Officer aboard the Patrol Boat Ocracoke in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and Commanding Officer of the Surface Effect Ship Petrel in Key West, Florida. Other operational ashore assignments consist of staff advisor, Seventh Coast Guard District Intelligence and Law Enforcement Branch in Miami, Florida, Operations Officer for Group Key West, Florida, as well as Commander, Coast Guard Group Mayport in Northeast Florida. Rear Admiral Rendon served as Aide de Camp to the 20th Commandant of the Coast Guard. He also completed a Congressional Fellowship in our nation’s Capital, where he worked for the House of Representatives, Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources, followed by a two-year assignment as Drug Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the House. Rear Admiral Rendon’s personal awards include a Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (6), Coast Guard Commendation Medal (3), Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and a variety of other unit awards and service ribbons. He is authorized to wear the Cutterman’s Insignia and the Boat Forces Operations Insignia. A 1983 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Rear Admiral Rendon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois. He also completed study at the National War College, Class of 2005, where he earned a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy.

2017 ONLINE GUIDE

TIM FITZPATRICK DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS SIXTH YEAR Tim Fitzpatrick is in his sixth year as Director of Athletics at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and on his watch the USCGA’s athletic program has seen growth in several key areas. In addition to securing a comprehensive, five-year shoe and apparel agreement with adidas America for the academy’s 23 NCAA sports, has overseen a rebranding initiative that has resulted in new logos and marks and created an athletic booster organization (the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Bear Club). Under Fitzpatrick’s guidance, the department produced its first-ever women’s professional development seminar (the Women’s LeadHERship Symposium) for female USCGA athletic staff members as well as attendees from colleges and universities throughout New England, and has launched an external program for sale of corporate sponsorships and partnerships. Fitzpatrick was the Director of Athletics at Texas A&MCorpus Christi for two years prior to his arrival at USCGA, after spending the previous four years as the Deputy Athletic Director at Indiana University. At Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, Fitzpatrick secured major gifts for construction of a new outdoor tennis center, as well as renovation of the university’s baseball and softball stadiums. He additionally served on the NCAA’s Division I Women’s Basketball Issues Committee while in south Texas, and executed a strategic plan which increased the department’s corporate sponsorship revenue by nearly 40%.

Additionally, he negotiated a 6-year, $21,000,000 shoe and apparel agreement with adidas America and administered the Hoosiers’ multi-media partnerships with Learfield Sports and the Big Ten Network. During his tenure, Indiana realized a ticket sales revenue increase of 15-percent over annual budgeted projections. Fitzpatrick came to IU after spending the previous five years as COO and associate athletics director for external operations at the U.S. Military Academy. Fitzpatrick directed

MEN’S LACROSSE

He arrived at West Point from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, where he served as the associate athletics director for external affairs and executive director of the athletic foundation. Fitzpatrick’s work at Charlotte resulted in a 26-percent increase in annual gifts and a 39-percent increase in planned gifts. Prior to Army and Charlotte, Fitzpatrick served in a similar role at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to serving as the men’s basketball sport administrator, he directed a staff that generated a school record $1.4 million in sponsorship revenue and a $125,000 increase in annual giving. Fitzpatrick was a senior associate athletics director at the University of North Texas from May 1994 to June 1996. He was instrumental in UNT’s transition from NCAA Division I-AA football to the Big West Conference, and during the 1994 football season, North Texas was one of three programs nationally to have every football game televised in its home market. This local television package generated more than $700,000 in corporate sponsorship revenue. He gained considerable experience as Assistant Commissioner of the Southwest Conference from 199294. Fitzpatrick negotiated a $2.25 million, three-year men’s basketball tournament title sponsorship with the Dr. Pepper Company, and he also oversaw the league’s national and local television syndication efforts. Fitzpatrick began his athletic administration career as the assistant marketing director at Army before moving on to Virginia Commonwealth as the director of marketing and Ticket Sales (1984-87) and Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Public Relations from 1987-92. A 1981 graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a bachelor’s degree in English, Fitzpatrick earned his master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University in 1982.

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

While at Indiana, he was responsible for internal administration of the department, oversaw capital construction and facilities management, and had oversight of the football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball programs. Additionally, Fitzpatrick managed IU’s external units, including marketing, ticket operations, licensing, merchandising, website, and publications.

a fundraising effort that saw Army’s “A Club” donor base grow from 750 to 6,700 and annual giving grow from $500,000 to $1.8 million. He also cultivated the Army Sports Network from two radio stations to 18, including 50,000-watt ESPN 1050 in New York City. During his tenure at West Point, corporate sponsorship revenue jumped from $250,000 to $920,000 annually.

COAST GUARD ACADEMY NITCHMAN TRACK & FIELD COMPLEX The Track & Field Complex was constructed in the summer of 2007 first used for the men’s and women’s soccer games that Fall. The FieldTurf surface lies on the banks of the beautiful Thames River and is also home to the men’s and women’s track & field program.

COMMANDER JOHN MERRIMAN GYM Merriman Gymnasium is home to the women’s volleyball program and the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The gym holds three basketball courts used for varsity practices and games, as well as intramural competition. The 1200-seat facility has been home to numerous league and regional championships. ROLAND POOL Roland Pool is home to our men’s and women’s swimming and diving program. The eight-lane, 50-yard pool is also used daily for athletic training programs for our cadet-athletes, physical education courses, as well as military training programs necessary to carry out the missions of the Coast Guard for all cadets.

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NITCHMAN BASEBALL FIELD Nelson Nitchman Field is home of the Coast Guard Academy baseball team. The picturesque view from the field overlooks the Thames River.

NITCHMAN SOFTBALL FIELD Nelson Nitchman Field is home of the softball team. The Bears have enjoyed tremendous success winning three of the last four NEWMAC tournament championships and going to the NCAA tournament four straight seasons (20092012).

CADET MEMORIAL FIELD Cadet Memorial Field was made into a FieldTurf surface in 2004 as a gift from the Class of 1952. The facility features a twostory press box that includes two coaches rooms, a room for radio broadcasting and video recording, space for media personnel, and two lounge lounge areas for additional seating. The 1500seat stadium overlooks the Thames River and the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LACROSSE

Coast Guard Athletics has two weight rooms, each featuring state-of-theart equipment for our cadets and cadet-athletes to use to improve their overall health and fitness. The facility in Roland Hall is dedicated to freeweight exercising while our Billard Hall facility holds our nautilus, cardio, and other guided machine equipment.

Shaakira Hassell

Strength and Conditioning Coach Shaakira Hassell is in her second season as strength and conditioning coach at the Coast Guard Academy. Hassell was most recently the fitness manager at XSport Fitness in Chicago. She has a degree in SelfDesigned Sports Science from Beloit College in Wisconsin where she was the class president as well as masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in Health and Physical Education from Valdosta State and Sports and Fitness Management from Troy University.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

She was the tactical strength and conditioning coach at Fort Bragg from 2013-2014 and prior to that the strength and conditioning coach at IMG Academy in Florida from 2011-2013. Hassell began her career as the strength and conditioning graduate assistant at Georgia Southern during the 2004-2005 academic year before moving onto Valdosta State as graduate assistant for two years. She then served as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at Troy University from 2007-2011 before taking the position at IMG Academy.

2017 ONLINE GUIDE

ADMINISTRATION

Name Tim Fitzpatrick Dan Rose Chris Parsons Art Lamoureux Jason Southard Casey McGarvey Andrea Stewart Donna Koczajowski Katherine Bossardet Jen Meuse Vi Oliver Bruce Cobb Dave Fraboni

ATHLETIC TRAINING Name Ken Niedzwiecki Maura Gillon Jake Ibey Justin Bolton Shaakira Hassell

BASEBALL

Name C.C. Grant Mike Turgeon

FOOTBALL

Name Bill George Dana Fleischmann C.C. Grant Ray LaForte Jay Driscoll Chris Strand Dave Ratner Don Miller

MEN’S BASKETBALL Name Kevin Jaskiewicz Bob Bono Grant Johnson Joe Cyr

MEN’S CREW Name Bill Randall

Name Ethan Brown Greg Ahnrud Mariette Ogg

Title Head Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Strength & Conditioning Coach

Phone 860-444-8619 860-701-6415 860-701-6416 860-701-6617 860-701-6623

Title Head Coach Assistant Coach

Phone 860-444-8581

Phone 860-701-6132 860-444-8588

Title Director of Rowing/Head Coach

Phone 860-444-8679

MEN’S LACROSSE

MEN’S TENNIS

Name Matt Nakagawa

Title Head Coach

PISTOL & RIFLE

Phone 808-382-9762

Name Title Richard Hawkins Shooting Sports Coach

Phone 860-701-6886

Name Doug Clark Jack Neades Brian Swingly

Phone 860-444-8577 860-701-6291 860-444-8325

SAILING

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Name Alex Ivansheck Jessica Farley Scott Hawk Catherine Lewis

WOMEN’S CREW

Title Director of Sailing Head Offshore Coach Head Intercollegiate Coach

Title Phone Head Coach 860-701-6594 Assistant Coach 860-701-6960 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

Name Bill Randall Jodi Hope

Title Director of Rowing Head Coach

Phone 860-444-8679 860-803-4435

Name Mary Heneberry

Title Head Coach

Phone 860-701-6744

WOMEN’S LACROSSE WOMEN’S SOCCER

Name Susan Grant Beth Nakagawa Andrea Giuliano Katie Shveda Anthony Occhialini

Title Phone Head Coach 860-444-8582 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Goalkeeper Coach

WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING Name John Westkott Mary Westkott Ken Pancoast

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Name Mike Bynon

Title Head Coach Assistant Coach Diving Coach

Phone 860-444-8586 860-701-6374

Title Head Coach

Phone 860-444-8589

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Name Name Title Phone Ethan Brown Ray LaForte Head Coach 860-701-6805 Greg Ahnrud Dave Fraboni Assistant Coach Mariette Ogg Mike Higbie Assistant Coach Pat Powers Assistant Coach WRESTLING Name MEN’S SOCCER Kevin Bratland Name Title Phone Chris Parsons Head Coach 860-701-6197 Patrick McCarney Assistant Coach Anthony Occhialini Goalkeeper Coach

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Title Phone Head Coach 860-444-8586 Assistant Coach 860-701-6374 Diving Coach

Name Title Phone Donna Koczajowski Head Coach 860-444-8604 Dana Fleischmann Assistant Coach Erin Miller Pitching Coach

Title Phone Head Coach 860-444-8590 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

Name John Westkott Mary Westkott Ken Pancoast

SOFTBALL

Title Phone Head Coach 860-444-8584 Co-Defensive Coordinator/ 860-444-8605 Recruiting Coordinator Co-Defensive Coordinator 860-444-8581 Offensive Coordinator 860-701-6805 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Title Head Coach Associate Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING

Title Phone Head Coach 860-444-8590 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Title Head Coach

Phone 860-701-6595

STAFF DIRECTORY

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY

Title Phone Director of Athletics 860-444-8600 Associate AD/Director of 860-701-6798 Physical Education Associate AD for Compliance 860-701-6197 and Admissions Support Assistant AD for Operations 860-444-8601 Director of Media Relations 860-701-6800 Media Relations Assistant SWA/Travel Coordinator 860-701-6799 SWA/Director of Club Sports 860-444-8604 Associate Office Manager 860-444-8600 Director of Special Projects 860-444-8344 Administrative Assistant 860-444-8580 Equipment Manager 860-444-8606 Equipment Manager 860-444-8663

RAY LAFORTE HEAD COACH THIRD SEASON Ray LaForte is entering his third season as men’s lacrosse coach at the Coast Guard Academy. The Bears men’s lacrosse program was elevated from club status for the 2014 season and compete at the Division III level in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). This past season, the Bears posted their first ever winning season in just their second year, going 10-6 and ending the season tied for fourth place in the NEWMAC. LaForte spent the 2013 season as associate head coach of the Coast Guard club lacrosse. The team went 11-5 last season, won the Pioneer Club Lacrosse League Championship for the first time in school history, and qualified for the MCLA lacrosse championships for the second year in a row. Before coming to the Coast Guard LaForte worked as an assistant lacrosse coach at Ithaca College. While at Ithaca he worked under hall of fame head coach Jeff Long and alongside current University of Maryland head coach John Tillman and 2006 National Coach of the Year Rich Barnes who led Cortland State do a national championship in 2006. LaForte served as the head JV coach for the 1995 season and then moved up to assistant varsity lacrosse coach from 19961999. While serving as assistant coach he was in charge of riding game and man down defense. The Bombers qualified for the 1998 NCCA Tournament. Ray has also been on the Football coaching staff as offensive coordinator the last ten years and defensive coordinator six years before that. He has also served as assistant track and field coach where he mentored Adam Scalese to six All-American finishes in the hurdles.

DAVE FRABONI OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR THIRD SEASON Dave Fraboni is in his third season as a member of the Bears coaching staff.

STAFF

During the spring of 2014 Fraboni was an assistant coach at Saint Michael’s where the team was one year removed from an appearance in the NE-10 semi-final. A 2013 graduate of New England Division III power Springfield College, Fraboni gained coaching experience there between 2011 and 2013 with Springfield’s Peak Lacrosse Camp, where he coached players of all skill levels, ranging from youth to rising high school seniors. A four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team at Springfield, Fraboni appeared in 21 games for the Pride, recording three goals and an assist from the midfield. During his career, Springfield won the Pilgrim League Tournament each year to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Fraboni earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies with a sports studies concentration and also a minor in coaching.

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MIKE HIGBIE ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH THIRD SEASON Lieutenant Michael Higbie graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2009 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Mike joined the men’s lacrosse coaching staff as a defensive assistant in 2013. He now coaches the midfielders and shares defensive coordination with his college teammate and fellow Lieutenant Pat Powers and has taken on role of Associate Head Coach for the 2017 season. As a player for the Academy, Mike was a four year starter at Long Stick Midfield (LSM). He served as captain during his senior season and also earned first team All-Conference honors. Before returning to the Academy as a teacher, Mike served onboard Coast Guard cutters in Charleston, S.C. and Woods Hole, Mass. He performed Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue missions from the Southwestern Caribbean to the North Atlantic and sailed twice through the Panama Canal. At the Academy, Mike is an instructor in the Professional Maritime Studies Branch where he teaches navigation and shiphandling to first class cadets. Mike, who is from Centereville, VA, and his wife Keely live in Quaker Hill with their daughter Skylar.

PAT POWERS ASSISTANT COACH THIRD SEASON Lieutenant Michael Higbie graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 2009 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Mike joined the men’s lacrosse coaching staff as a defensive assistant in 2013. He now coaches the midfielders and shares defensive coordination with his college teammate and fellow Lieutenant Pat Powers. As a player for the Academy, Mike was a four year starter at Long Stick Midfield (LSM). He served as captain during his senior season and also earned first team All-Conference honors. Before returning to the Academy as a teacher, Mike served onboard Coast Guard cutters in Charleston, S.C. and Woods Hole, Mass. He performed Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue missions from the Southwestern Caribbean to the North Atlantic and sailed twice through the Panama Canal. At the Academy, Mike is an instructor in the Professional Maritime Studies Branch where he teaches navigation and shiphandling to first class cadets. Mike, who is from Centereville, VA, and his wife Keely live in Quaker Hill with their daughter Skylar (1).

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BRENNAN DOUGHERTY OFFENSIVE ASSISTANT FIRST SEASON Brennan Dougherty is entering his first year as a memer of the Bears coaching staff as an Offensive Assistant.

NATE RYAN GOALIE COACH FIRST SEASON Nate Ryan is entering his first year as a member of the Bears coaching staff as the teams goalie coach.

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BLAISE CURTIS

#17

SENIOR - MIDIFIELDER RIVERSIDE, MARYLAND Curtis is the lone captain on this years team. He is third on the team in career points (37), and career goals (23) and has the most career assists (14). Last season he also increased his goals total (6-17) and his assist total (6-8) from the innaugural season. The son of Paul and Mary Curtis is a Mechanical Engineering major. BEFORE CGA Curits was a four sport athlete at Aberdeen High School ... he was a member of the Soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and volleyball team ... captiain of the lacrosse team his junior and senior year and captain of the volleyball team his senior year ... honorable mention all conference his senior year and offensive MVP for the team his junior and senior year ... also an honor roll student. GETTING TO KNOW BLAISE Blaise’s favorite food is grilled cheese and his favorite TV show is Game of Thrones. If he could meet anyone, living or deceased it would be the Wright Brothers. The most used app on his phone is Instagram adnd his biggest pet peeve is chapped lips.

DAN FIORVANTI

#27 #24

SENIOR - MIDFIELDER COMMACK, NEW YORK Fiorvanti currently ranks fourth all time in faceoff WL percentage (.474). Dan has 24 career groundballs and 37 won faceoffs. Fiorvanti also is a member of the Coast Guard wrestling team. He is a civil engineering major and is the son of Ed and Janice Fiorvanti. BEFORE CGA Dan was a member of both the wrestling team and lacrosse team at Commack High ... Team captain his senior year for the wrestling team ... Grandfather served in the Navy ... Two older brothers, Tim and Greg and an older sister Michelle GETTING TO KNOW DAN His favorite food is chicken parmesan with spaghetti and his favorite snack food is oreos. Dan’s favorite TV show is Jeopardy and his favorite movie is Goodfellas. His favorite actor is Steve Carell and his favorite band is the Foo Fighters. A New York Jets fan, he lists the greatest coach to ever live as Dan Gable. If he could meet anyone living or deceased it would be George Washington.

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JOHN BEHNKE

#35

JUNIOR - DEFENSEMEN CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA Behnke was third on the team in both caused turnovers (19) and caused turnovers per game (1.36) last season. He is fourth all time with 23 caused turnovers and fourth with .96 caused turnovers per game. The Carlisle, Pennsylvania native is an electrical engineering major.

#13 #23

MATT HUEMME JUNIOR - MIDIFIELDER SHERBORN, MASSACHUSETTS

#13

Huemme hopes to build on an injury hampered 2016 season to becoming a scoring threat for the Bears once again. Huemme scored eight goals last season and has 21 for his career. He tied for fifth all time in goals (21), points (27) and points per game (1.00). The Operation Research and Computer Analysis major is the son of Janelle Overson and Chad Huemme.

PLAYER BIOS

BEFORE CGA Matt was a two time state champion in lacrosse at Dover-Sherborn High School playing for Coach Brian McLaughlin ... served as team captain his senior year ... mom also attended the Coast Guard Academy and was a member of the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pistol team. GETTING TO KNOW MATT If Matt could visit any stadium in the world he would go to Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His favorite tv show is house of cards and he believes the greatest coach to ever live was Chuck Knoll. The most used app on his phone is music and he believes the best pizza is found in Medfield, Mass. at Royal Pizza.

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#13 #20

TOM BLEIFUSS SOPHOMORE - DEFENSEMEN NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS

#13

Bleifuss is an All-NEWMAC returner for a Bears defense that was ninth in the nation in caused turnovers per game (12.44) and 15th in groundballs per game (39.06). Bleifuss is second all time in caused turnovers (26), caused turnovers per game (1.62) seventh in ground balls (54) and fourth in ground balls per game (3.38). Tom is a Civil Engineering Major.

#20 #13 #21

COLIN CASHIN SOPHOMORE - MIDIFIELDER BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE

#13

Cashin was one of the top face-off men in the league last season and was named second team AllNEWMAC. Cashin had a successful year from the faceoff x earning him second team honors. He was second in the conference winning 158 faceoffs and in the top five with a .635 winning percentage. He us second all time at the Coast Guard in groundballs (85) and ground balls per game (5.31). Cashin is a Civil Engineering major.

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RYLAND CHAPMAN

#40 #15

SOPHOMORE - DEFENSEMEN HAMPSTEAD, MARYLAND

#13

In his first season with the Bears Chapman collected 18 grounballs and caused seven turnovers. He returns to a defense that was ninth in the nation in caused turnovers per game (12.44) and 15th in groundballs per game (39.06). Chapman is a Mechanical Engineering major.

CONNOR ELLIS

#33 #15

SOPHOMORE - DEFENSEMEN HAMPSTEAD, MARYLAND

#13

Ellis is one of five returning athletes that were named to the All-NEWMAC second team. He led the Bears in caused turnovers (47) and caused turnovers per game (2.88). His caused turnover per game percentage was 15th in the country last season. He has the most caused turnovers in school history. Connor is a Mechanical Engineering major. BEFORE CGA Ellis played lacrosse at Broadneck for Clay White ... Also a member of the football team ... Captain of both teams senior year ... National Honor Society member ... Stepfather is a member of the special forces ... Coaches for a local lacrosse team on Friday nights. GETTING TO KNOW CONNOR Connorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite professional sports team is the Baltimore Ravens and his favorite athlete is Jamal Lewis. The most used app on his phone is Instagram and his favorite college team other than Coast Guard is the Maryland Terps. His biggest pet peeve is when someone does not wave after you let them cross in the crosswalk.

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BENNER GEURTSEN

#42 #25

SOPHOMORE - ATTACK RODMAN, NEW YORK

Guertsen was seventh on the team last year with 15 points. He scored nine goals and tallied six assists. While also picking up 20 groundballs. He had a career best two goals and an assits in a 12-6 win over nonconference foe Michell last season. Geurtsen is a Civil Engineering major. BEFORE CGA Benner was a three sport athlete at South Jefferson playing soccer, basketball and lacrosse ... Led the lacrosse team in scoring in both his junior and senior year ... Finished his high school career with 56 goals 28 assists ... graduated with High Honors ... Grandfather Archie Thames served in Korea (Infantry), his grandfather Desmond Parker served in Vietnam (Infantry) and his cousin Zach Geurtsen is retired from the Coast Guard (AST). GETTING TO KNOW BENNER Geurtsen is an avid hunter who enjoys eating anything he has caught or harvested. His favorite TV show is Family Guy and the most used app on his phone is Hill Climb Racing. Benner’s favorite snack food is Haribo Gummy Bears and if he could meet anyone dead or alive it would be the famous electric guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.

COLE HUDSON SOPHOMORE - ATTACK SPARKS, MARYLAND

#45 #13

Hudson racked up 11 points with seven goals and four assists last season. Cole had a career best five points in a 20-3 win over Emerson durring his freshman year with three goals and two assists. Hudson, son of Wayne and Amanda Hudson, will be studying Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. BEFORE CGA Cole played attack at Friends School of Baltimore ... Played for the famous head coach Tom Marechek a member of NCAA, National Lacrosse League and US Lacrosse Hall of Fame ... His number 42 was retired by the professional lacrosse team the Philadelphia Wings and hangs from the rafters in the Wachovia Center. ... Graduated with High Honors ... Two brother, Pearch and Scott and his Grandather served in the Army

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GETTING TO KNOW COLE Hudson’s favorite college sports team besides the Coast Guard is Maryland and the greatest coach he believes to ever live is Vince Lombardi. His favorite book is A Walk in the Woods. his biggest pet peeve is complaining. The most used app on Cole’s phone is Swellinfo and he believes the best pizza is made by Finelli’s Pizza in Ellsworth, Maine.

TREY JOHNSON

#11

SOPHOMORE - GOALIE MILLERSVILLE, MARYLAND Johnson quickly became a big time goalie for the Bears last season finishing with a 8.10 goals against average which ranked him 32nd in the country. He allowed the fewest goals in the NEWMAC and his goals against average was tops in the conference. Johnson is a Civil Engineering major.

IAN LOGAN

#50

FRESHMAN - ATTACK VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA Logan was a solid offensive performer for the Bears last season leading the team in assists (10) and was fifth in points (27). His shooting percentage was also in the top five at juat over 30%. Logan is an Electrical Engineering major. BEFORE CGA Ian attended Ocean Lakes High School and played lacrosse for Chris Renshaw. He was first team all conference and a Brine National All American. Logan was captain of the team his senior year. Ian was an AP Scholar with Honors. His father Frank is a retired USN LCDR and a F-14 Pilot. GETTING TO KNOW IAN Loganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite TV show is the Office and his favorite food is beef quesarito with no sour cream from Taco Bell. If he could meet anyone, living or deceased, it would be Michael Murphy. The believes the greatest coach to ever live is Dom Starsia and the most used app on his cell phone is mail.

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MIKE MCCASLIN SOPHOMORE - MIDFIELD STEVENSVILLE, MARYLAND

#44 #13

McCaslin was a member of the vaunted Bears defense that was ninth in the nation in caused turnovers per game (12.44) and 15th in groundballs per game (39.06). He was fifth on the team in caused turnovers (18) and collected 21 grounballs. McCaslin is a Mechanical Engineering major.

JACK POPE FRESHMAN - MIDFIELD FULTON, MARYLAND

#43 #25 #13

Pope was a consistent option for the Bears on the offensive end of the field as he was third on the team in both points (28) and goals (22). His goals total put him in the top 20 in the conference. Pope is a Mechanical Engineering major.

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JEFF PORTER SOPHOMORE - MIDFIELD WEST NEWBURY, MASSACHUSETTS

#32 #13

Porter will continue to be a key contributor as an defensive midfielder for the Bears this season. He collected 12 groundballs and caused nine turnovers while also tallying a goal and an assists. Porter is a Government major.

ANTHONY WYLER FRESHMAN - MIDFIELD FULTON, MARYLAND

#34 #25 #13

Anthony returns as one of the most versatile players for the Bears this season. He was fourth on the team in goals (18) and points (27) and second in assists (9). He was also fifth on the team in groundballs collecting 37. Wyler is a Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. BEFORE CGA Wyler played for head coach Bob Shriver at the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland. In 2014 the Boy’s Latin School was national champsions. Anothony was captain of the lacrosse team in 2015 and was also captain of the wrestling team in 2013-2015. His sister, Esmerelda, is currently serving as First Lieutenant in the Air Force and is stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Boston. GETTING TO KNOW ANTHONY Anthony’s favorite food is chicken parmesan and his favorite TV show is the The Simpsons. If he could visit any stadium in the world it would be M&T Stadium in Baltimore and his favorite snack food is 100% whey protein. When Wyler was younger he was featured in an Old Bay Spice commercial.

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2016 RESULTS --- 10-6 (3-4 NEWMAC) Date

Opponent

Result

Feb. 24 Becker

Feb. 27 Merchant Marine Mar. 9 @ Randolph Macon

W, 16-6 L, 16-13 L, 10-9 OT

Mar 11 vs. New England College

W, 12-6

Mar. 19 @ Norwich

W, 11-4

Mar. 23 @ Maritime (N.Y.)

W, 10-7

Mar. 26 Regis

W, 15-5

Apr. 2

MIT

Apr. 6

Mitchell

L, 8-7 W, 12-6

Apr. 9 Clark Apr. 13 Plymouth St.

W, 8-7 OT

W, 7-5

Apr. 16 @ Wheaton

L, 10-8

Apr. 20 Springfield

L, 13-9

Apr. 23

@ Emerson

Apr. 25

Babson

Apr. 27

@ Mass. Maritime

W, 19-3 L, 13-7 W, 12-8

ALL-CONFERENCE Name Class Year Position Team Conference Nick Chicoine Senior 2015 FOGO Second NEWMAC Justin Huemme Junior 2015 M Second NEWMAC Kyle Carosotto Senior 2016 SSD Second NEWMAC Jack Pope Freshman 2016 M Second NEWMAC Tom Bleifuss Freshman 2016 D Second NEWMAC Connor Ellis Freshman 2016 LSM Second NEWMAC Colin Cashin Freshman 2016 FOGO Second NEWMAC

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