SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Attackman Nicky Galasso (West Islip, N.Y.) and midfielder Brendan Conroy (Oyster Bay, N.Y.) have joined the Orange men’s lacrosse team for the 2013 season, SU head coach John Desko announced Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Galasso, a junior, transferred to Syracuse from North Carolina and has two years of eligibility remaining. Conroy played scholastically at St. Anthony’s High School on Long Island. He is a freshman with four years of eligibility left.
The 2011 ACC Freshman of the Year, Galasso set North Carolina rookie records for points (56) and assists (32) on his way to USILA Third Team All-America honors two years ago. Last season, Galasso battled back from a foot injury to play in 13 games. He had six goals and three assists.
As a senior at West Islip High School, Galasso was the No. 1-ranked recruit in the Class of 2010, according to Inside Lacrosse. He set the Long Island scoring record with 500 points and led the Lions to four state titles. Galasso was named state championship game MVP twice and earned Under Armour All-America honors in 2010.
“We hope Nicky’s success in high school and college will transfer over to his time here at Syracuse,” Desko said. “Hopefully, he can pick up right where he left off. We’re excited to see what he can do.”
Conroy is a faceoff specialist and helped St. Anthony’s to a pair of Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) titles. As a senior, he won 83.3 percent (314-377) of his draws and picked up 160 ground balls. He also contributed five goals and 15 assists.
“Brendan was a very good high school player,” Desko said. “One of our biggest needs is at the faceoff. He’s a talented guy at that position. We’re looking forward to seeing how he does in practice against our other faceoff guys and hopefully he can help us out at that spot.”
Spring practice for the 2013 campaign is underway. The Orange opens the regular season on Sunday, Feb. 17 at home against Albany.