Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawk seniors reflect on careers
4/20/2013 12:25:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh men's lacrosse senior class is large in size and in impact as these 14 Mountain Hawks have certainly made their mark in the Brown and White. They've helped lead the squad to new heights, including their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2012, looking to make it two in a row this season. Lehighsports.com caught up with the 14 seniors to get thoughts on their careers.
#1 David DiMaria - Attackman - Dix Hills, N.Y. - Psychology
One of the top attackmen in school and Patriot League history, DiMaria has consistently produced from day one. He posted 33 points as a freshman, 52 as a sophomore, 47 as a junior and has 51 already this season to lead the team. DiMaria has improved his all-around game, leading the team in goals (23) and assists (28) as his goal total has increased every season. DiMaria was an Inside Lacrosse preseason All-American and is among the nation's top scorers this year. He has teamed with classmate Dante Fantoni to form one of the nation's top attack duos, as they've combined for more than 300 career points (and counting). DiMaria recently eclipsed 100 career assists and stands second nationally among active players in career helpers.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
DD: Up until this point, I would have to say my favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory would have to be winning the Patriot League Championship last year. I've had a ton of great experiences and memories while playing for the Brown and White, but winning the Patriot League Championship last year was just one that I will never forget. I think it meant so much to me because when I first arrived on campus as a freshman, our main goal and top priority as a squad, has always been bringing a Patriot League Championship back to Bethlehem. So going from 7-8 and not making the Patriot League Tournament as a freshman, to winning the championship my junior year, went to show how all of our hard work and dedication finally paid off. When you put in as much time as we do, and work as hard as we do, to achieve a goal you've been working towards for three years is a very satisfying feeling. What made winning the Patriot League Championship such a special experience as well, was being able to do it with my best friends, and being able to do it with the only people that thought we could do it from day one. Getting the respect that this Lehigh Lacrosse program deserves was something that meant a lot to me and was something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
DD: How I would like to be remembered, and the legacy I would like to leave behind here at Lehigh, is being one of the 14 seniors that was responsible for bringing this program to new heights. Where this program was when I first arrived at Lehigh, to where it is now, is night and day. I think I can speak for the whole senior class when I say this, but when I took my visit here as a senior in high school, the first thing I had on my mind was being able to build this program from the ground up. And reflecting back on my career, I think it is safe to say we have done that. As a freshman, I remember one of our main goals as a team was to beat a top 20 team, and now as a senior, we are a top 20 team. I think it speaks volumes about where this senior class has been able to take this program, and that's how I would like to be remembered. Our senior class has been able to bring this Lehigh Lacrosse program to a place it's never been.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DD: The bond that's been built over the last four years with my fellow senior classmates is a bond that will remain intact for the rest of my life. I view every senior classmate like they are one of my biological brothers. The chemistry between the 14 of us is something that means a great deal to me, and I think is something that has been a vital factor in why we have been able to achieve the success we have. We are so close as a group, and have grown together through the ups and the downs. We have been through it all together, from losing a game when we held a seven-goal lead over Bucknell at home, to great times, winning a championship together last year. All 13 of my senior classmates, I consider brothers, and hold a special place in my heart. I can honestly say this brotherhood that we formed over the last four years will be a brotherhood that continues on for the rest of my life.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DD: I have to say the feeling going into my Senior Night vs. Lafayette is one that is bittersweet. I remember when we all first arrived on campus as freshmen, and now to think we are playing our final regular season game as seniors is just wild. It has gone so fast, and we have experienced so much together, it really is sad to think it's coming to an end. That being said, I don't regret a single thing about my career here at Lehigh, and I am truly grateful that I was given the opportunity to suit up with these guys. A wise man (Ryan Snyder) once said, “the end, is just a start to a new beginning.” So am I sad that my collegiate career is coming to an end, yes, but I know that the relationships I have developed with this senior class over the years will be relationships that are life-long. It will be an abnormal feeling knowing that I will not be returning to campus next fall with my teammates, but I am excited to see what the future holds for not only myself, but also for my brothers.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
DD: I would have to say the thing I will miss most about Lehigh Lacrosse is being a part of a family that loves and cares about one another so much. I think a big reason why we've been able to achieve the success we have, is because of how tight-knit a group this team is. I'll miss the chemistry this team has developed over my four years at Lehigh. I'll miss suiting up with my best friends on Saturday mornings. I'll miss the times when we worked, sweated, laughed and cried together. I'll miss going into battle with 46 guys that I know will always have my back. I'll miss being able to learn from a mentor in Coach Cassese. I'll miss wearing Lehigh across my chest. But what I'll miss most is playing the sport I love, with the brothers I love on a daily basis.
What are your postgraduate plans?
DD: My postgraduate plan for when I leave Lehigh is to get into the business world. I look forward to the opportunities that will present themselves in the upcoming months. I also look forward to continuing my career in Major League Lacrosse, playing the sport I love and getting paid to do it. I don't think that's a bad gig at all. I plan to continue to have lacrosse as a big part of my life, because without it, I wouldn't be where I am today.
#2 Brian Hess - Midfielder - Owings Mills, Md. - Finance
The 2013 senior captain, Hess has made his mark in a variety of ways. The team's unquestioned leader, Hess has enjoyed tremendous success on the field and in the classroom. Beginning his career as a defensive midfielder, Hess has developed into an all-around midfielder. That includes 33 career points, including a career-high 10 goals and 14 points this season. He scored his first-career hat trick in the Patriot League Championship Game at Bucknell while posting another hat trick in this year's Patriot League opener at Army.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
BH: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up to this point definitely has to be winning the Patriot League Championship last season. That was a huge goal of our class coming in, and to accomplish it was extremely satisfying. Also, doing it for the first time in school history and clinching a spot in the NCAA Tournament was unbelievable.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
BH: I would like to be remembered as a class that worked extremely hard and set the foundation for Lehigh Lacrosse. When we entered the program, Lehigh was a mere blip on the lacrosse scene, and I hope that my legacy will be putting Lehigh on the map, as a class.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BH: Our senior class is unbelievably close, and I really feel like these guys are my brothers. I know a lot of teams say that, but I feel like ours is one of the few classes that actually embraces it. Since day one, “The Tribe (our senior class)” has always had each other's back, and I know it will be like that for the rest of our lives.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BH: Coming into Senior Night is definitely a bit of a weird feeling. I remember as a freshman thinking I had an eternity until my Senior Night, but it felt like it happened so much faster. That is one of the main things I have learned from my collegiate experience, which is to not take anything for granted. However, the fact that it was Senior Night also helped me to reflect on my last four years, and realize how proud I am to have accomplished so much in our four years here.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
BH: I will definitely most miss the camaraderie about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse. I've had so much fun with my teammates over the past four years and I will carry these memories for a lifetime. I have made great friendships with so many guys on the team and I will miss seeing them on an everyday basis.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BH: Next year, I will be working for Blackstone (a financial firm) in New York City.
#4 Alex Drake - Midfielder - Upper Arlington, Ohio - Marketing
Drake has enjoyed an up-and-down career in the Brown and White, but has really come on in this, his senior season. Drake has seen time at attack and midfield over his career, but has emerged as a first-line midfielder in 2013. The Ohio native posted 10 points as a freshman, 11 as a sophomore and has 10 points this season behind six goals and four assists. Drake scored two goals against Army and posted three points against Navy as he's helped solidify Lehigh's midfield unit coming down the stretch.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
AD: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until now is hands down winning the Patriot League Tournament last year up at Colgate. Seeing all the hard work and adversity we had overcome pay off was extremely special in my eyes. And needless to say, it was the first time since the inception of the tournament that Lehigh had won it.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
AD: I want to be remembered as somebody who was laid back and friendly off the field, and somebody who worked extremely hard on the field.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AD: Our senior class "The Tribe" is the closest group of people I've been a part of. I don't think my Lehigh experience would have been as positive as it was without the other seniors here.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AD: The feeling is surreal. I haven't really taken the time to let it sink in that this is the last regular season game of my life, and that we only have two more guaranteed games left in this season. This being my final bout with Lafayette, I am excited and hopeful that I will have had the privilege to go 4-0 against the boys down the road.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
AD: There are a number of different things that I will miss about Lehigh Lacrosse, but the number one thing will definitely be not getting to hang out with all the boys every day. I definitely will NOT miss the two-mile test. Ever.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AD: I am still looking for something to do upon graduation. But I will probably make my way back home to Columbus for the time being.
#8 Derek Bogorowski - Midfielder - Newtown, Pa. - Economics
A contributor from day one, Bogorowski played in 14 games as a freshman, 14 as a sophomore, all 17 last year and 13 so far this season. One of the team's top defensive midfielders, Bogorowski has teamed with senior Noah Molnar and junior Jimmy Cahill to form one of the top short-stick defensive midfield units in the nation. Bogorowski owns 20 career groundballs, but his impact goes far beyond statistics. He posted his first-career point this season, dishing two assists against VMI.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
DB: Meeting as a team in the hotel the night before the Patriot League Championship Game. I felt like it was a great memory of really taking in the magnitude of the game and the implications for us as a team trying to achieve our mission.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
DB: I would like to be remembered as a member of the Patriot League Championship(s) team and leave a legacy of kick-starting a winning tradition within the lacrosse program.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DB: We seniors are like brothers without a doubt.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DB: Nearing the end of my college career, I'm thinking about what I wanted to accomplish when I came here and am proud to have won a championship with this group of guys. I'm also very humbled to be in the position to hopefully win another ring this year with my teammates.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
DB: I'll miss everything about Lehigh Lacrosse, but mainly the camaraderie and friendships that I've made in my time here.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
DB: My postgraduate plans are undecided.
#9 Dante Fantoni - Attackman - Hauppauge, N.Y. - Marketing
Fantoni has teamed with classmate David DiMaria to form one of the top attack duos in the nation. Fantoni recently eclipsed 100 career goals with his three-goal, three-assist effort against Colgate. He and DiMaria have combined for more than 300 career points. Fantoni eclipsed 40 points in each of his first three seasons and is just two points away from making it four straight this year. The Hauppage, New York native recorded a 50-game point streak from his freshman through senior seasons while his 18 career hat tricks are among the most in the nation. Fantoni has racked in the honors over the course of his career, including All-Patriot League, Patriot League Tournament MVP and Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-America.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
DF: Winning the Patriot League Championship last year because it was the first time in school history that we won it.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
DF: I would like to be remembered as a player who left everything out on the field and did whatever it took to win a game. I would also like to be known as the class that accomplished more than any other class before us. We have worked really hard for 4 years and it would be nice to go out on top.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DF: Our class as a whole is a group of 14 best friends. We are a very close knit group that does everything together and would do anything for one another. We have been through the good times and the bad ones, but I think that's what makes us a great group.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DF: It is very exciting, but also a little sad. To think I only have a couple games left with this group is tough to think about. The only think I want to do is extend it for as long as we can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
DF: I will miss the group of guys I go out on the field with every day. They are some of the best guys I know and they are my best friends.
What are your postgraduate plans?
DF: Right now, I am currently looking for a job, but I will be playing in the MLL (Major League Lacrosse).
#10 Dan Carr - Goalie - Warminster, Pa. - Economics
Carr has made his impact in all areas in his time in the Brown and White, from starting as a freshman to stepping aside for Matt Poillon these past two seasons and continuing to be a great teammate. Carr was between the pipes during Lehigh's 8-7 season which concluded with two straight ranked wins over nationally-ranked squads, helping spark the Mountain Hawks to their first Patriot League Tournament appearance since 2006 followed by their first-ever League Tournament Title and NCAA Tournament berth. Carr has continued to be a great teammate and crucial member of the scout team.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
DC: My favorite memory is definitely winning the Patriot League Tournament because we all had that as a goal coming in and we accomplished it. Now we want to do it again.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
DC: I want to be remembered as a guy who was always there for his family and teammates.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
DC: We started at the bottom together. Now we're here. It's wild.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
DC: I think fondly of my time here. We have some more games left, but it's a nice night to pause and think about how much this school has done for us.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
DC: I'll miss getting to come out and play this game every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
DC: I'm going to work in capital markets.
#12 Noah Molnar - Midfielder - Newport Beach, Calif. - History
Molnar has turned himself into one of the nation's top short-stick defensive midfielders. A Rochester Rattlers draft pick of Major League Lacrosse, Molnar played in 14 of 15 games as a freshman, then all 46 games since: 16 as a sophomore, 17 as a junior and 13 this season. Molnar posted a career-high 27 groundballs to go with 14 caused turnovers in 2011 before recording 21 groundballs and 21 caused turnovers last season. Molnar also owns 10 career goals. He was named a preseason All-American by Inside Lacrosse.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
NM: My favorite memory is winning the 2012 Patriot League Tournament.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
NM: I would like to be remembered as the class that started a winning tradition for Lehigh Lacrosse.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NM: The senior class is extremely close knit. We are basically a 14 person family; it's awesome.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NM: It really is crazy how fast it all goes by. I know it's very cliché, but I feel like I arrived on campus as a freshman yesterday.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
NM: I'm going to miss each and every person that came through the program over the last four years because I see them as much more than teammates; I see them as family members.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NM: To continue my lacrosse career at the next level.
#22 Ryan Snyder - Midfielder - Reading, Pa. - Finance
As a sophomore, Snyder emerged as one of the Patriot League's and nation's top faceoff specialists. That season, Snyder won 62 percent of his draws to earn First Team All-League recognition. He also scooped a league record 118 groundballs and is over 300 for his career, which stands second in league history in that category. One highlight came at North Carolina when he won 13-of-20 with 10 groundballs, mainly against Tar Heels' All-American R.G. Keenan. Snyder rebounded from a tough game against Colgate to impress in the 2012 Patriot League Championship Game and earn All-Tournament Team honors.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
RS: My favorite memory thus far has to be winning the Patriot League Championship last year. It was great not only winning the tournament and earning a bid to the postseason, but also to beat Colgate on their field and avenge our loss there earlier in the season. A close second to that game was beating North Carolina earlier that season down in Chapel Hill. It wasn't quite as meaningful of a game, but beating those guys really got the ball rolling for us and gave everyone a sense of confidence to fall back on down the road. That was also one of the better games of my career, so I'm biased to favor it in the memory book.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
RS: I want to be remembered as a member of the class that really turned the Lehigh Lacrosse program around. The biggest appeal for my classmates and I when we were recruited here was the opportunity to do something special - not to come into a perennial powerhouse and have to wait to play - but rather to come into what was considered a mid-level program, get on the field immediately and really have a chance to change people's opinion about Lehigh Lacrosse. I like to believe that winning the Patriot League Tournament last year and the regular season championship (so far) this year will go down as lasting evidence of that collective goal being accomplished.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
RS: Words can't really describe the bond and brotherhood that our senior class has developed over the years. The opportunity to play with these guys for four years is something that I will cherish forever. I have to give credit to Coach Cassese for bringing in not only guys that could play ball, but also guys that I'd ultimately form friendships with that will last the rest of my life.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
RS: As cliché as it sounds, my thoughts about Senior Night are bittersweet. It's pretty depressing to think that when this season's all said and done, I won't get to just go home for the summer and come back to do it all over again next year. I'm going to miss all of my teammates and coaches, and the whole lifestyle that I've had as a part of the Lehigh Lacrosse family. At the end of the day, though, I'm trying not to be sad that it's over but rather happy that it's all happened the way it has.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
RS: What I'll miss most about Lehigh Lacrosse are the arctic preseason practices listening to Coach Callahan screaming in my ear while he runs the defense into the ground... yeah right. In all seriousness, though, the people are what I'll miss the most, even BC himself. Hanging out with these guys every day has been a real privilege, one that I've unfortunately taken for granted too much during my career.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
RS: Brian Hess and I are moving to New York City together and are going to take the Big Apple by storm. I'm working as an analyst at Morgan Stanley starting on June 24, so I'll be gearing up for that experience once graduation day passes.
#23 Mike Noone - Defenseman - Jenkintown, Pa. - Marketing
#23 Mike Noone - Defenseman - Jenkintown, Pa. - Marketing
Noone has helped lead the Lehigh defense to new heights. He complements All-American Ty Souders extremely well, known for causing takeaways by getting his stick in the passing lanes. Noone enjoyed a breakout season as a junior, recording 40 groundballs and 28 caused turnovers, and has continued this season with 24 groundballs and 19 caused turnovers. Noone has enjoyed some incredible individual performances, with six groundballs and four caused turnovers against Bucknell last April while recording five groundballs and six caused turnovers vs. Penn this year. As a junior, Noone earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week three times in a four-week stretch and later earned Second Team All-League recognition.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MN: My favorite memory of Lehigh Lacrosse was our first big win against North Carolina last year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MN: I want to be remembered as the class that turned around Lehigh Lacrosse. There were several things that had never been accomplished before we got here, and I'm glad to say we accomplished almost all of them, except get to the Final Four.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MN: Like brothers.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MN: I can't believe it went by so fast. As well as some of the memories I've had with some of the kids on the team.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MN: The relationships I've built with everyone.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MN: Doing big things.
#35 Nathan Hunt - Defenseman - Plymouth, Minn. - IBE & Civil Engineering
Hunt has been a strong team player over the course of his career, making a strong impact on the scout team while contributing when called upon. Hunt has played in 13 games in his career, owning two groundballs and three caused turnovers. He had an impressive caused turnover earlier this season against Saint Joseph's, forcing the attackman to totally lose his stick. Hunt has made his mark in the leadership realm as well through the Student-Athlete Council.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
NH: My favorite memory so far was when we beat Colgate last season to win the Patriot League Tournament. To do something we'd never done before with such an amazing group of guys and after all the hard work we put in produced a feeling of euphoria unlike anything I'd ever experienced before.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
NH: As a senior class, I want to be remembered as the guys who helped turn Lehigh into a perennial national contender and who created a culture of hard work and winning for future teams to follow. Personally, I want to be remembered as the guy who always gave 100% and strived to get the best out of his teammates.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NH: We're brothers. We all have intimate relationships and get along very well. We are always spending time together and would do anything for each other. We share a bond that will last a lifetime.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NH: Excitement is the first word that comes to mind - excitement over all our shared accomplishments, over one last chance to beat Lafayette and over the opportunity for all 14 of us to play together. The idea of 10 seniors on the field at the same time is one that we've all shared since first stepping foot on campus four years ago.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
NH: The thing I will miss most is my teammates, my family. We've all gone through so much and I love every last one of them. It's going to be tough to leave such a close knit group of guys, and I doubt I'll ever experience such a bond again.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NH: I plan on coming back to finish my dual degree next fall, then to travel around Europe next spring. After that, I hope to find a job with a construction/civil engineering company somewhere on the East Coast.
#37 Baxter Lanius - Defenseman - New York, N.Y. - Finance
Lanius has contributed in a variety of ways in his time at Lehigh. He played 14 games immediately as a freshman, starting five, while posting 16 groundballs, 10 caused turnovers and even scoring a goal and dishing an assist. Lanius played nine games as a sophomore and eight as a junior, this as a backup defenseman and long stick midfielder, but has really come on in his senior campaign. Due to injury, Lanius has stepped in and made it count; he's scooped 23 groundballs and caused 14 turnovers to help anchor one of the nation's top defenses. He's extremely versatile, being able to play close defense and long stick midfield. On Monday, Lanius earned honorable mention recognition on the Patriot League weekly honor roll following a stellar performance in Lehigh's win at Bucknell that clinched the #1 overall seed and the right to host the Patriot League Tournament.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
BL: Winning the Patriot League Championship last season was by far my favorite moment on the men's lacrosse team. Hard work pays off.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
BL: As a class, we would like to be remembered as the group that transformed Lehigh Lacrosse into a national contender.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BL: One word… family.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BL: Freshman year, Lafayette was our last game of the season; we did not make the Patriot League Tournament. We are fortunate that this will not be our last home game.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
BL: I will miss driving over the mountain each day and working diligently with my team. It's truly a special moment that will be missed as I soon will not have the same opportunity.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
BL: I will be working at Leerink Swann, a healthcare investment bank in New York City.
#43 Chris Rinaldi - Midfielder - Greenwich, Conn. - Political Science
#43 Chris Rinaldi - Midfielder - Greenwich, Conn. - Political Science
A team player and key contributor in practice, Rinaldi has made his mark when called upon. Most notably, Rinaldi scored his first-career goal against VMI this season and turned that into a hat trick. After getting into three games over his first two seasons, Rinaldi has played in seven in each of his past two seasons, dishing an assist in the 2012 regular season finale against Lafayette before his game to remember this year. Rinaldi also owns four career groundballs and continues to be a positive influence to everyone around him.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
CR: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up to this point would have to be winning the Patriot League Tournament last year and subsequently hosting an NCAA Tournament game. Although netting my first hat trick this year was an awesome feeling, there is nothing that can compare to attaining a physical entity in return for all the blood, sweat, and tears that have been shed during our careers. Not to mention, beating Colgate to get the ring was icing on the cake.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
CR: Personally, I would like to be remembered as somebody who always came out each and every day with a positive attitude and passionate work ethic. Additionally, I feel that my playful and humorous nature is something that people admire. Our legacy on the other hand is something that I believe this senior class has done together. It was not just one individual who engraved their mark - the 14 men still standing today did it together. We have all been here from the beginning, and each personality has played some sort of role in the transformation of the Lehigh Lacrosse program.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CR: While I feel that the relationships I built on teams prior to Lehigh have helped mold my personal character, there is no comparison to what has been manufactured between my fellow tribesmen. These guys are simply irreplaceable. You can ask each person this question and I guarantee you're going to get 14 answers that do not differentiate very much. We are not just teammates; we are brothers in an impermeable fraternity.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CR: The first word that comes to mind is weird. There is an eerie feeling inside myself knowing that my book at Lehigh is entering its final chapter. While we arrive at Senior Day knowing that this will be the last regular season game of our careers, I can appreciate the fact that this is not the last time that we will be playing on Banko Field. We as a team will remain vigilant moving forward as our mission has yet to be accomplished.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
CR: The one thing that I will miss most of all is being able to see my brothers each and every day. Everybody must accept that life moves on and people eventually go their separate ways, but it will certainly be hard to acknowledge that the family we have erected over the past four years will not be surrounding me much longer.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
CR: I currently am still in the process of searching for a job. Ideally, I would like to continue to work in the field of sports after I graduate, particularly with managing and marketing professional athletes.
#46 Griffin Farha - Goalie - Potomac, Md. - History
#46 Griffin Farha - Goalie - Potomac, Md. - History
Farha has developed himself into a strong goaltender in the Brown and White. Strong on the field and in the classroom, Farha owns a 3.59 GPA. Farha has played in 14 games in his career, starting six, while owning a strong 57.6 save percentage. He started the final four games of the 2010 season, with a 55.1 save percentage. This season, Farha stepped in and started two games, which included stopping 10-of-16 sent his way against Penn and 9-of-11 vs. VMI. He owns a 64.1 save percentage for the season and even when off the field, continues to make his mark in practice.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
GF: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory was winning the Patriot League Championship last year. It was so great to accomplish our mission after years of hard work. There is nothing quite like winning a league championship with all of your best friends, and I hope we can duplicate that memory again this year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
GF: I would like our class to be remembered as one that was critical in helping turn this program into a consistent national contender. I hope that Lehigh Lacrosse can continue to be successful on the national landscape every year, and that our class can be remembered as the one who helped start that legacy.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
GF: We have an incredible group of guys that all get along very well. Every guy brings a different personality to our class, and we all have a great time together, both on and off the field.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
GF: It's weird to think that my Senior Day is already here. I still feel like my first practice as a freshman was yesterday, and it's crazy to think how quickly time has flown by. Looking back, I have nothing but great memories with this team, and this is a great opportunity to look back on all of those great memories, with the hopes of creating a few more before we leave for good.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
GF: I will miss the feeling after a great win. There is nothing like the feeling you get after a win and it feels even better when you're with your best friends. We put so much effort into this team, and it's so nice when it pays off during a game.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
GF: As of now, I am still in the job hunt. I hope to work for a few years before going back to school and pursuing a law degree.
#47 Kyle Stiefel - Midfielder - Princeton Junction, N.J. - Finance
Stiefel turned himself from a walk-on to one of the team's top outside shooting threats. A man-up specialist, Stiefel's shot has turned heads. He posted his first-career hat trick against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament while continuing the offensive success with a career-high 14 goals and 16 points this season. That includes a team-high five man-up tallies. Stiefel recorded his second-career hat trick earlier this season against VMI and has posted at least one goal in five straight games. He has three shots over the last two games… all goals.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
KS: There are so many amazing memories to choose from, but my favorite has got to be winning the Patriot League Tournament and receiving our championship rings. Winning the conference tournament is an accumulation of all the hard work we put in from the fall to the spring and accomplishing something that no other Lehigh team had ever done before.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
KS: I would like to be remembered as someone who seized every opportunity. I had to earn my place on the team through the "walk-on" tryouts, yet I never was content with just being a member on the team; I wanted to earn playing time. I worked extremely hard throughout my freshman year and summer leading into my sophomore year to prepare myself for my upcoming sophomore season where the coaches finally gave me a chance. In my first real game opportunity, I scored two goals and the coaches continued to play me ever since. From then, on I've tried to make the most of every opportunity I get, and for every shot I take, I hope to make it count and hopefully be remembered as not only a great shooter, but also a great teammate. I never really know when my number will be called for midfield or man-up, but when it is, I am ready to seize the opportunity. I would like to leave a legacy of Lehigh remaining a top tier team and competing for conference championships every year and ultimately competing for an NCAA Championship. The days of rebuilding are over; now it is only reloading.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KS: Ah the "Tribe.” We are as close as they come. We been together and a part of the transformation of Lehigh Lacrosse. We are all best friends and our relationships will extend far beyond our years at Lehigh; they will last forever.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KS: Senior Night is extremely bitter-sweet. Feels like yesterday, I witnessed my freshman year Senior Day and seeing the seniors with their parents prior to the opening face-off. It is sad that my Senior Day has come, as I have loved playing lacrosse at Lehigh and playing on Banko Field. Every game getting to put on the Lehigh #47 jersey and wearing Lehigh across the chest has been an incredible feeling that will greatly be missed after the season. But I feel happy as I know we are also hosting the Patriot League Tournament and we have more lacrosse to be played.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
KS: I will miss being with my teammates/family every single day. We are absolutely a family and I will miss being with them on the lacrosse field and spending time hanging out with my best friends.
What are your postgraduate plans?
What are your postgraduate plans?
KS: In terms of lacrosse, I will be headed to Israel in July to try out for the Team Israel National Team which will compete in the 2014 World Games. And in terms of my career, I will be working within Finance in either New York City or Philadelphia.
Lauren Farrell - Westfield, N.J. - Team Manager - Design
Farrell has been a team manager for the past three seasons, helping the Lehigh men's lacrosse in all different aspects. She's helped at practice, traveled with the team, video taped practices and games, and has worked music for all home games. Farrell earned an award at last year's Lehigh Athletics convocation as the top manager within Lehigh Athletics.
Lauren Farrell - Westfield, N.J. - Team Manager - Design
Farrell has been a team manager for the past three seasons, helping the Lehigh men's lacrosse in all different aspects. She's helped at practice, traveled with the team, video taped practices and games, and has worked music for all home games. Farrell earned an award at last year's Lehigh Athletics convocation as the top manager within Lehigh Athletics.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
LF: There are so many memories, but seeing the boys win the Patriot League Championship last year is truly unforgettable (as well as the locker room celebration afterwards). Going to practice every day and knowing how hard they worked made the accomplishment that much more rewarding.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
LF: I don't want to leave a legacy at Lehigh so much as to continue it. My grandfather played lacrosse at Lehigh in 1944 and my uncle played at Lehigh in 1986. Lehigh Lacrosse was already a part of my family. Becoming friends with the lacrosse boys freshman year was quite a coincidence and provided the impetus to reach out to Coach Cassese and volunteer my help to the team. It was one of the best decisions I made at Lehigh. I would like to be remembered as always having had a smile on my face. I could not have been happier than being with this team, wherever we were.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LF: I have known many of the seniors since freshman year and throughout the past four years we have become great friends. They are a wonderful and funny group of men and have always looked out for me. I remember Coach Cassese once said you are a product of the people you surround yourself with. The character and kind hearts of the senior class and the rest of the team make me honored to have been around these men every day for the past several years.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Night. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LF: It is more bitter than sweet as this night marks our last regular season home game. It marks the end of something that gave me such fulfillment and joy the past few years. It also has me reflecting on what are some of my fondest memories from Lehigh, most of which include this team. I am looking forward to the future and all that it has to bring, but know that one of the best parts of our lives is coming to a close.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
LF: Honestly, everything. A leg injury as a child kept me from participating in sports after eighth grade. I wanted nothing more than to be a part of a team again and the men's lacrosse team filled a void that I didn't think would ever be filled again. From daily practice to prank phone calls at away games, I will miss it all but mostly the incredible people that comprise the team.
What are your postgraduate plans?
LF: I am pursuing my entrepreneurial spirit and creativity wherever they may take me.
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
