Lehigh University Athletics
Strong Lehigh presence in Champion Challenge this weekend
1/26/2013 12:43:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh head men's lacrosse coach Kevin Cassese will coach two of his former standouts this weekend in the eighth annual Champion Challenge held at ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Twin brothers, Roman and Cameron Lao-Gosney will head down south with Cassese to participate as members of the U.S. men's national team.
The United States will play in two games, first against 2012 NCAA semifinalist Notre Dame on Saturday and then against defending national champion Loyola on Sunday. Sunday's game is set for 1:30 p.m. and will air live on ESPN3 and re-aired on ESPNU at 10 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. Monday.
The Lao-Gosney brothers are two of an elite 38-player squad selected to represent Team USA for this event. This is the second time that the Lao-Gosneys will participate in a Team USA event, as they played in the Capital Lacrosse Classic back in October. The two recently wrapped up stellar careers in the Brown and White; both earned All-Patriot League honors in 2012, with Roman also garnering All-America recognition.
Casesse was a United States coach during last winter's Champion Challenge where the men's team earned a 16-15 overtime win over Denver. He's had extensive opportunities with the U.S. national team as both a player and coach. Recently, Cassese was named an assistant by Team USA head coach Richie Meade.
The star-studded roster includes many professional players. The Lao-Gosney's both play for the Hamilton Nationals of Major League Lacrosse.
In addition to the games, the U.S. men's team will also host instructional clinics for youth and high school players on Saturday.
Lehigh is nearly two weeks into preseason practice in preparation for the 2013 season as it looks to build off a 14-3 campaign which included its first Patriot League Tournament Title and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Mountain Hawks open the season on Saturday, Feb. 9 against Saint Joseph's, who's led by former Lehigh assistant Taylor Wray. Opening faceoff is set for 1 p.m. at the Ulrich Sports Complex.
2026 Men's Lacrosse Season Preview
Wednesday, February 04
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Lacrosse
Thursday, April 24
2025 Season Preview: Men's Lacrosse
Friday, January 31
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Lacrosse
Wednesday, April 10
