New London, Conn. – Fresh off the announcement from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Division of Athletics that it will elevate the Men’s Lacrosse Program to varsity NCAA D3 status (effective with the 2014-15 academic year), Coast Guard Academy Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Gary Weller announced the arrival of a strong in-coming group that is part of the Class of 2017. The Bears were challenged to fill several positions vacated by graduating 1st Class cadets now serving in the fleet, but a successful recruiting season seems likely to fill the gaps. Eight new cadets round out the list from eight different states all across the country.
This year’s recruiting class has the ability to produce immediate impact players for this upcoming year. These eight talented incoming fourth-class cadets will join a Bears team that lost thirteen players to graduation from last year’s squad. Coast Guard (12-3, 4-0 PCLL) earned a trip to the 2013 MCLA Division 2 National Tournament in Greenville, SC and produced a 19-8 opening round victory over Sam Houston State University before losing to St. Thomas University (the eventual 2013 National Champion) 18-8 in the Elite Eight. The Bears finished the season ranked No. 7 nationally in the MCLA D2 Nike/Inside Lacrosse Coaches Poll and produced three All-Americans for the first time in the program’s 30-year history.
Head Coach Gary Weller notes, “We are very excited about our class of incoming cadets. We add talent and athleticism to a core of experienced players that led us to our most successful season ever. We will have a nice combination of senior leadership and talented underclassmen that can maintain our drive to the top of the MCLA.”
Here is a closer look at the incoming lacrosse players from the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2017:
Ryan Carpenter Goalie Evergreen, CO Conifer HS
Blaise Curtis Attack Riverside, MD Aberdeen HS
Dan Fiorvanti Midfield Commack, NY Commack HS
Cory Geyer Defense Los Alamos, NM Los Alamos HS
Ryan Guinee Midfield Fairfax Station, VA South County HS
Quinn Hathcock Midfield Yarmouth, ME Yarmouth HS
Matt McAllister Goalie Colchester, CT Bacon Academy
Nicholas Mombello Defense Newburyport, MA Newburyport HS
The Bear’s pre-season preparations have been underway since returning from Summer Training programs in mid-August. At the time of release of this article, the MCLA/PCLL schedule had not been completed. Fans can anticipate a schedule to be announced by mid-December 2013.
For additional information – check out: www.coastguardlax.vicid.net
As the smallest of the five U.S. service academies, the Coast Guard Academy offers the elite higher education, rigorous professional development, and honor and tradition of a military academy but with a more personalized approach.
The Coast Guard Academy offers an integrated life experience which emphasizes academics, physical fitness, character and leadership, in order to graduate officers of the highest caliber. Graduates go directly to positions of leadership in "The Shield of Freedom," one of the most admired organizations in the world. The Academy also features an impressive teacher-student ratio and picturesque waterfront campus that instills a traditional small college feel.
Cadets devote themselves to an honor concept and graduate to work at sea, on land, in the air, and even in space, in meaningful careers of selfless service to others.