Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh men’s lacrosse senior reflections (Part 1)
4/17/2019 3:48:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's lacrosse senior class is large in both number (15) and impact (endless). This class features plenty of All-Patriot League honorees, a multi-time All-American and plenty of seniors who have made their mark in the program's record book. This class has helped extend Lehigh's Patriot League Tournament streak to nine straight years, the longest active streak in the league, while getting the Mountain Hawks squarely back into championship contention – especially over these past two seasons. Lehigh enters Senior Day tied for first in the league, squarely in contention for its first Patriot League Regular Season Title since 2013. This class has made an impressive impact off the field as well, with several owning GPAs well over 3.0, two Senior CLASS Award candidates, a senior who interned at the White House and much, much more.
In advance of Saturday's Senior Day game vs. Bucknell, Lehighsports.com caught up with the 15 seniors to look back to, and reflect on, their careers.
Below is part one of the senior Q&A.
#3 Mickey Fitzpatrick – Midfield/Attack – Duxbury, Mass. – Economics
Fitzpatrick has improved as his career has progressed, increasing his point total each of his four seasons. After four points over his first two years, Fitzpatrick tallied 13 goals and six assists as a junior, helping the Mountain Hawks advance to the Patriot League Championship Game. Perhaps his biggest individual highlight came in a homecoming to Boston University in late March as he scored the game-winning goal in the final minute, helping the Mountain Hawks clinch their eighth straight Patriot League Tournament berth. This season, Fitzpatrick owns 13 goals, 12 assists and 25 points, all career highs, recording multiple goals on five occasions and multiple points in all but three games. A facilitator of Lehigh's offense, Fitzpatrick also has a career-high 17 groundballs this season. In the classroom, Fitzpatrick has enjoyed success, earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award (for a semester GPA of 3.2 or higher) on multiple occasions.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MF: Up to this point, my favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory would be winning the 2018 Patriot League Semifinals. It was a tremendous game and ended with a huge goal by Lucas Spence in overtime that sent us to the championship game. Not only was this a season defining win, but it was also a phenomenal win for the program.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MF: I would like to be remembered as someone who always had a positive attitude and worked extremely hard. More specifically, I would like to be remembered as a teammate who always gave a 100 percent effort and always had a "team first" mentality.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MF: I have an incredible relationship with each and every senior. From the moment that I arrived on campus, I knew our relationships would be something special. I am going to miss seeing all of the seniors (and underclassmen) every day, but know that we will continue to stay in touch.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MF: I am incredibly saddened by the fact that this could be my last home game at Lehigh. However, I feel incredibly honored to have represented the brown and white over the past four years. The coaching staff has done a phenomenal job teaching me how to become a better leader, on and off of the field. I will always be a Lehigh Lacrosse fan, and I am looking forward to seeing the program achieve great success.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MF: For me, I will miss having the opportunity to compete with my best friends every weekend. Throughout my experience at Lehigh, my teammates and I have worked incredibly hard to take this program to the next level. However, I know that the underclassmen on the team have the right mentality to keep driving the program in the right direction.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MF: As of now, my postgraduate plans are undecided.
#5 Jackson Monnin – Midfield – Charlotte, N.C. – Financial Engineering
Monnin has been a consummate team player throughout his career. As a freshman, Monnin scored a goal on his first-career shot vs. NJIT while he collected a groundball in his other two games, against No. 12 Stony Brook and in the regular season finale at Bucknell. As a junior, Monnin scored twice – both in the Patriot League opener vs. Holy Cross and at archrival Lafayette. Monnin also saw time in consecutive games vs. nationally-ranked opponents Rutgers and Army. This season, the Charlotte, North Carolina native has played in four games, recording a point in consecutive games played – via a goal at No. 2 Loyola and an assist vs. St. Bonaventure. Monnin owns an impressive 3.61 cumulative GPA in the classroom in the challenging Financial Engineering curriculum. He has been named to the Dean's List on multiple occasions while being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JM: My favorite memory came my sophomore year in our final regular season game against Bucknell. We had an up and down year, but were able to play fantastically in our final game on Frank Banko Stadium and clinched a spot in the Patriot League tournament.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
JM: I would like to be remembered as the quintessential teammate and friend. Someone who was selfless and willing to sacrifice for his team and friends.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JM: My fellow seniors have been my closest friends since we first got onto campus. One of the most extraordinary things about this class is the closeness that we all have with each other.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JM: I still vividly remember my first day on campus and the initiation meeting that Coach had introducing the freshmen to some of the current team. I was so nervous. Over the course of four years, I have made unbelievable friends and had so many unforgettable memories. Senior Day marks the end of an incredible journey and certainly gives me some pangs of sadness.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
JM: I will miss the camaraderie with my teammates more than I will remember any of the box scores or won games. Driving over the mountain every day and knowing I will be able to spend the next two hours with my best friends is something that can't be replicated.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JM: I will be working for Citi in their Investment Banking Division.
#7 Andrew Pettit – Attack – Wilmington, Del. – Finance
A first team All-Patriot League honoree as a junior, Pettit has become one of the top attackmen in the nation. The Wilmington, Delaware native broke out for 46 goals and 66 points as a junior, both first on the Mountain Hawks and good for fourth and ninth in school history, respectively. He was named to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List last season and is a two-year captain. Pettit is a two-time All-League honoree, earning first team as a junior in 2017 and garnering second team as a sophomore following 35 goals and 11 assists. This year, Pettit was named a candidate for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, an award that recognizes the all-around student-athlete. Despite missing this season due to injury, Pettit owns 88 career goals, 32 assists and 63 groundballs. He has tallied multiple goals in 28 of his 40 career games, including 16 hat tricks. In the classroom, Pettit owns a GPA over 3.0 in Finance, being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
AP: My favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point was our Patriot League Tournament run last season. Winning two games in four days against Colgate and Navy to go to the Patriot League Championship was awesome, but most specifically, beating Navy in overtime was extremely special and a moment I will never forget.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
AP: I would like to be remembered as a great offensive leader, in a special class, who always tried to have fun out on the field. I love to try and make exciting highlight-reel plays to have fun out there, but I am most proud to be a member of my class and offense. I would like our legacy to be that we were an extremely fun offense to watch, but also that we were such a tight-knit group who cared so passionately about winning.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AP: I could not imagine being a part of any other class in the country in any other program. Our class has well-documented achievements on the field, but off the field is my favorite part of being in this class. The time we have spent together has built friendships that none of us will ever forget.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AP: It is hard to imagine not playing lacrosse with this group of guys ever again. My thoughts have surrounded my gratefulness to be a part of such a great group, and I hope to appreciate and take advantage of every second that we have left.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
AP: I will miss the guys on the team the most, but also will miss competing together every single day. Whether it is against each other or against a different colored jersey, competing to win in anything you do is one of the most fun parts of being a collegiate athlete.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AP: As a Finance major and Real Estate minor, my postgraduate plans are to find a job within the real estate investment or real estate finance fields, preferably in New York City.
#13 Craig Chick – Defense – Edgewater, Md. – Finance
A preseason first team All-American by Inside Lacrosse, Chick has developed into one of the nation's top defensive players, and arguably one of the best in NCAA history. Chick currently stands third in NCAA history in career caused turnovers (144), having led the nation as a freshman (37), setting a program record as a sophomore (40) and one-upping that total as a junior (41). Chick is a two-time USILA honorable mention All-American, garnering Inside Lacrosse second-team laurels as a junior. He was also named a finalist for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes the all-around student-athlete. Chick has been named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week three times as a senior and five times in his career, also garnering Rookie of the Week in 2016. Chick eclipsed 50 groundballs in each of his first three seasons and with his 39 so far this year, could do it again in 2019. His 206 career groundballs are good for fifth in program history. In the classroom, Chick has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award in his career.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
CC: The Patriot League Semifinal game against Navy last year. It was a hard-fought game and had to be decided in overtime, which is always fun as a player. Winning that game and experiencing the Patriot League Championship game was something I will never forget and hopefully will be able to experience again this year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
CC: I would like to be remembered as a passionate teammate that will do anything to help my team succeed and accomplish our goals.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CC: We are truly a family. It's been an absolute pleasure gaining 14 more brothers throughout the past four years. I wouldn't want to have gone through it all with any other group of guys.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CC: It's completely surreal. I still cant believe it. It feels like it went by in a blink of an eye, my fellow seniors and I are just trying to soak up every last minute we have together.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
CC: Being around the boys every day is what I will miss the most. I've had the pleasure of having great relationships with all the guys on the team this year, and could not have asked for a better team for my senior year.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CC: I've had the great opportunity to be drafted to Major League Lacrosse, so I will be continuing my playing career and am very blessed for the chance to keep playing the sport I love. I am also hoping to get a coaching job in lacrosse as well.
#28 Matt Rimol – Defense – Londonderry, N.H. – Finance
Truly a team-first player, Rimol may not put up big statistics, but he has been one of the most important parts of the Mountain Hawk defense since his freshman year. As a rookie, Rimol he made his first-career start against No. 14 Navy and wouldn't look back. Entering Saturday's Senior Day, Rimol owns 39 career groundballs and 16 caused turnovers, part of a defense that has emerged as one of the nation's best (currently No. 6 nationally). Rimol opened the season with two caused turnovers against NJIT while collecting a career-high four groundballs against archrival Lafayette. Most importantly, the Mountain Hawks have held their opponents to single-digit goals in eight of 13 goals, including two games of four goals or less. Rimol carries an impressive 3.38 GPA in the classroom, earning a spot on the Dean's List, being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MR: There are a lot, but one that sticks out is winning freshman year at BU. It was the first time a lot of my extended family and hometown friends were able to come see me play and I remember seeing everyone right after we won and it was a great and meaningful moment.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MR: I would like to be remembered as a tough, dependable teammate who could always be counted on to do my job. I have never been the most talented player on the field, but I have always tried to do whatever I could to help the team.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MR: Our whole team is a tight-knit group, but I am definitely especially tight with the senior class after all we have been through together. We have remained close and leaned on each other through many ups and downs throughout the years. It is going to be tough not being around them every day, but I know we will always stay connected and be friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MR: I love going out every day and being with my teammates, so all I care about is extending our season so it doesn't have to end. As we near the end of the regular season and role into postseason, it is all about fighting to be able to spend another day with the boys because there is nothing better than that.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MR: Being surrounded every single day by your brothers. I love to come out to practice and get in my stretching line, look to my left and right, and be thankful I am able go though this whole experience with a bunch of guys I love and consider a family.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MR: After graduation, I will be working at Management Planning Inc., a company that performs valuations of private businesses. Junior midfielder Ryan Klose will also be working there this summer as an intern, so luckily, I will still have one of my teammates around as we try to survive in the corporate world.
#30 Brian Meyer – Midfield/Faceoff – Penn Valley, Pa. – Finance
A transfer from Washington College, Meyer has made his mark in practice and in games. In his first season in the Brown and White (and his second game), Meyer won 3-of-5 faceoffs in a big 10-6 victory over No. 16 Boston University, winning his final three attempts at a crucial time in the fourth quarter. Meyer went on to take a career-high six faceoffs at No. 19 Loyola. Meyer went 3-of-3 in draws at Lafayette as a junior. This year, he has seen action against rival Lafayette and St. Bonaventure, winning three faceoffs. In the classroom, Meyer owns a GPA over 3.0 in Finance and has garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
BM: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse moment, which I am sure is the same for most of my class, was beating Navy in the Patriot League Semifinals last year and moving on to the championship game. That was a big moment for us as a team to not only advance, but to also beat Navy after losing to them in a tough game in the regular season. The championship did not pan out the way we wanted, but with that experience from last year, we will be better prepared for the tournament this year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
BM: I would like to be remembered as a hard-working member of the team who cared a lot for his teammates. Overall, I want to be part of the team that brings the Patriot League Championship back to Lehigh.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BM: We are a very close group and a true brotherhood. Coming in as a transfer after my freshman year, I was welcomed by the entire class from the first day on campus and I am very appreciative to them for that.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BM: The season has really flown by and I really can't believe it is already Senior Day. I am excited that we get to play another home game against Bucknell, a tough league opponent and is always a very fun game. With such little time left in our season, I am excited that we clinched a spot in the Patriot League Tournament and just want to extend our season as long as we possibly can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
BM: Without a doubt I am going to miss my teammates. We spend so much time together on and off the field, that it will definitely be a little weird next year not seeing everyone every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BM: I have accepted an offer to be a Client Relationship Associate at Vanguard.
#34 Michael Di Rienzo – Defense – Holbrook, N.Y. – Marketing
Di Rienzo is a well-respected teammate on the practice field and as one of the team's top performers in the weight room. Di Rienzo has also seen action in 19 career games, including nine during his sophomore season when he saw significant time on the man-down unit. He played in consecutive Patriot League Quarterfinals, at Boston University as a sophomore and home vs. Colgate as a junior. Di Rienzo collected his first-career groundball in the 2018 Patriot League opener vs. Holy Cross.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MD: One of my favorite memories here at Lehigh would be my junior year, after the team had a big win against Army (first time since I have been at Lehigh). Coming back into the locker room, I have never seen the team and the coaching staff so excited.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MD: The legacy I want to leave at Lehigh is that hard work can bring success.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MD: In all of my time in sports, I have never been as close with a group of guys than I am now. Everyone genuinely likes each other and enjoys spending time with one another. Of course, we all live in different houses, and that is who we generally spend most of our time with, but when we come together, it feels like a family.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MD: Simply put, as I'm sure everyone is feeling, I feel sad that my career is coming to an end. As a freshman, you watch your seniors go through this every year, and it is hard to imagine that one day you will be in their shoes. Now being in their shoes, it is very easy to realize how much I love this sport and how much it has changed my life for the better. As my career is reaching its end, there is only one thing on my mind, and that is making this season as successful as it possibly can, so I can spend as much time with this team as I can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MD: What I will miss the most is camaraderie. This is team is a family. The individuals I have met on this team – current players and alumni – will be lifelong friends of mine. I am going to miss spending hours a day with them playing a sport we all love.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MD: After graduation, I will living in Philadelphia, working as a Consultant for Creoal Consulting.
In advance of Saturday's Senior Day game vs. Bucknell, Lehighsports.com caught up with the 15 seniors to look back to, and reflect on, their careers.
Below is part one of the senior Q&A.
#3 Mickey Fitzpatrick – Midfield/Attack – Duxbury, Mass. – Economics
Fitzpatrick has improved as his career has progressed, increasing his point total each of his four seasons. After four points over his first two years, Fitzpatrick tallied 13 goals and six assists as a junior, helping the Mountain Hawks advance to the Patriot League Championship Game. Perhaps his biggest individual highlight came in a homecoming to Boston University in late March as he scored the game-winning goal in the final minute, helping the Mountain Hawks clinch their eighth straight Patriot League Tournament berth. This season, Fitzpatrick owns 13 goals, 12 assists and 25 points, all career highs, recording multiple goals on five occasions and multiple points in all but three games. A facilitator of Lehigh's offense, Fitzpatrick also has a career-high 17 groundballs this season. In the classroom, Fitzpatrick has enjoyed success, earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award (for a semester GPA of 3.2 or higher) on multiple occasions.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MF: Up to this point, my favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory would be winning the 2018 Patriot League Semifinals. It was a tremendous game and ended with a huge goal by Lucas Spence in overtime that sent us to the championship game. Not only was this a season defining win, but it was also a phenomenal win for the program.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MF: I would like to be remembered as someone who always had a positive attitude and worked extremely hard. More specifically, I would like to be remembered as a teammate who always gave a 100 percent effort and always had a "team first" mentality.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MF: I have an incredible relationship with each and every senior. From the moment that I arrived on campus, I knew our relationships would be something special. I am going to miss seeing all of the seniors (and underclassmen) every day, but know that we will continue to stay in touch.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MF: I am incredibly saddened by the fact that this could be my last home game at Lehigh. However, I feel incredibly honored to have represented the brown and white over the past four years. The coaching staff has done a phenomenal job teaching me how to become a better leader, on and off of the field. I will always be a Lehigh Lacrosse fan, and I am looking forward to seeing the program achieve great success.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MF: For me, I will miss having the opportunity to compete with my best friends every weekend. Throughout my experience at Lehigh, my teammates and I have worked incredibly hard to take this program to the next level. However, I know that the underclassmen on the team have the right mentality to keep driving the program in the right direction.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MF: As of now, my postgraduate plans are undecided.
#5 Jackson Monnin – Midfield – Charlotte, N.C. – Financial Engineering
Monnin has been a consummate team player throughout his career. As a freshman, Monnin scored a goal on his first-career shot vs. NJIT while he collected a groundball in his other two games, against No. 12 Stony Brook and in the regular season finale at Bucknell. As a junior, Monnin scored twice – both in the Patriot League opener vs. Holy Cross and at archrival Lafayette. Monnin also saw time in consecutive games vs. nationally-ranked opponents Rutgers and Army. This season, the Charlotte, North Carolina native has played in four games, recording a point in consecutive games played – via a goal at No. 2 Loyola and an assist vs. St. Bonaventure. Monnin owns an impressive 3.61 cumulative GPA in the classroom in the challenging Financial Engineering curriculum. He has been named to the Dean's List on multiple occasions while being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and earning the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JM: My favorite memory came my sophomore year in our final regular season game against Bucknell. We had an up and down year, but were able to play fantastically in our final game on Frank Banko Stadium and clinched a spot in the Patriot League tournament.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
JM: I would like to be remembered as the quintessential teammate and friend. Someone who was selfless and willing to sacrifice for his team and friends.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JM: My fellow seniors have been my closest friends since we first got onto campus. One of the most extraordinary things about this class is the closeness that we all have with each other.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JM: I still vividly remember my first day on campus and the initiation meeting that Coach had introducing the freshmen to some of the current team. I was so nervous. Over the course of four years, I have made unbelievable friends and had so many unforgettable memories. Senior Day marks the end of an incredible journey and certainly gives me some pangs of sadness.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
JM: I will miss the camaraderie with my teammates more than I will remember any of the box scores or won games. Driving over the mountain every day and knowing I will be able to spend the next two hours with my best friends is something that can't be replicated.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JM: I will be working for Citi in their Investment Banking Division.
#7 Andrew Pettit – Attack – Wilmington, Del. – Finance
A first team All-Patriot League honoree as a junior, Pettit has become one of the top attackmen in the nation. The Wilmington, Delaware native broke out for 46 goals and 66 points as a junior, both first on the Mountain Hawks and good for fourth and ninth in school history, respectively. He was named to the Tewaaraton Award Watch List last season and is a two-year captain. Pettit is a two-time All-League honoree, earning first team as a junior in 2017 and garnering second team as a sophomore following 35 goals and 11 assists. This year, Pettit was named a candidate for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, an award that recognizes the all-around student-athlete. Despite missing this season due to injury, Pettit owns 88 career goals, 32 assists and 63 groundballs. He has tallied multiple goals in 28 of his 40 career games, including 16 hat tricks. In the classroom, Pettit owns a GPA over 3.0 in Finance, being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
AP: My favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point was our Patriot League Tournament run last season. Winning two games in four days against Colgate and Navy to go to the Patriot League Championship was awesome, but most specifically, beating Navy in overtime was extremely special and a moment I will never forget.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
AP: I would like to be remembered as a great offensive leader, in a special class, who always tried to have fun out on the field. I love to try and make exciting highlight-reel plays to have fun out there, but I am most proud to be a member of my class and offense. I would like our legacy to be that we were an extremely fun offense to watch, but also that we were such a tight-knit group who cared so passionately about winning.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AP: I could not imagine being a part of any other class in the country in any other program. Our class has well-documented achievements on the field, but off the field is my favorite part of being in this class. The time we have spent together has built friendships that none of us will ever forget.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AP: It is hard to imagine not playing lacrosse with this group of guys ever again. My thoughts have surrounded my gratefulness to be a part of such a great group, and I hope to appreciate and take advantage of every second that we have left.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
AP: I will miss the guys on the team the most, but also will miss competing together every single day. Whether it is against each other or against a different colored jersey, competing to win in anything you do is one of the most fun parts of being a collegiate athlete.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AP: As a Finance major and Real Estate minor, my postgraduate plans are to find a job within the real estate investment or real estate finance fields, preferably in New York City.
#13 Craig Chick – Defense – Edgewater, Md. – Finance
A preseason first team All-American by Inside Lacrosse, Chick has developed into one of the nation's top defensive players, and arguably one of the best in NCAA history. Chick currently stands third in NCAA history in career caused turnovers (144), having led the nation as a freshman (37), setting a program record as a sophomore (40) and one-upping that total as a junior (41). Chick is a two-time USILA honorable mention All-American, garnering Inside Lacrosse second-team laurels as a junior. He was also named a finalist for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes the all-around student-athlete. Chick has been named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week three times as a senior and five times in his career, also garnering Rookie of the Week in 2016. Chick eclipsed 50 groundballs in each of his first three seasons and with his 39 so far this year, could do it again in 2019. His 206 career groundballs are good for fifth in program history. In the classroom, Chick has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award in his career.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
CC: The Patriot League Semifinal game against Navy last year. It was a hard-fought game and had to be decided in overtime, which is always fun as a player. Winning that game and experiencing the Patriot League Championship game was something I will never forget and hopefully will be able to experience again this year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
CC: I would like to be remembered as a passionate teammate that will do anything to help my team succeed and accomplish our goals.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CC: We are truly a family. It's been an absolute pleasure gaining 14 more brothers throughout the past four years. I wouldn't want to have gone through it all with any other group of guys.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CC: It's completely surreal. I still cant believe it. It feels like it went by in a blink of an eye, my fellow seniors and I are just trying to soak up every last minute we have together.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
CC: Being around the boys every day is what I will miss the most. I've had the pleasure of having great relationships with all the guys on the team this year, and could not have asked for a better team for my senior year.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CC: I've had the great opportunity to be drafted to Major League Lacrosse, so I will be continuing my playing career and am very blessed for the chance to keep playing the sport I love. I am also hoping to get a coaching job in lacrosse as well.
#28 Matt Rimol – Defense – Londonderry, N.H. – Finance
Truly a team-first player, Rimol may not put up big statistics, but he has been one of the most important parts of the Mountain Hawk defense since his freshman year. As a rookie, Rimol he made his first-career start against No. 14 Navy and wouldn't look back. Entering Saturday's Senior Day, Rimol owns 39 career groundballs and 16 caused turnovers, part of a defense that has emerged as one of the nation's best (currently No. 6 nationally). Rimol opened the season with two caused turnovers against NJIT while collecting a career-high four groundballs against archrival Lafayette. Most importantly, the Mountain Hawks have held their opponents to single-digit goals in eight of 13 goals, including two games of four goals or less. Rimol carries an impressive 3.38 GPA in the classroom, earning a spot on the Dean's List, being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and garnering the Faculty Athletics Council Award on multiple occasions.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MR: There are a lot, but one that sticks out is winning freshman year at BU. It was the first time a lot of my extended family and hometown friends were able to come see me play and I remember seeing everyone right after we won and it was a great and meaningful moment.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MR: I would like to be remembered as a tough, dependable teammate who could always be counted on to do my job. I have never been the most talented player on the field, but I have always tried to do whatever I could to help the team.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MR: Our whole team is a tight-knit group, but I am definitely especially tight with the senior class after all we have been through together. We have remained close and leaned on each other through many ups and downs throughout the years. It is going to be tough not being around them every day, but I know we will always stay connected and be friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MR: I love going out every day and being with my teammates, so all I care about is extending our season so it doesn't have to end. As we near the end of the regular season and role into postseason, it is all about fighting to be able to spend another day with the boys because there is nothing better than that.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MR: Being surrounded every single day by your brothers. I love to come out to practice and get in my stretching line, look to my left and right, and be thankful I am able go though this whole experience with a bunch of guys I love and consider a family.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MR: After graduation, I will be working at Management Planning Inc., a company that performs valuations of private businesses. Junior midfielder Ryan Klose will also be working there this summer as an intern, so luckily, I will still have one of my teammates around as we try to survive in the corporate world.
#30 Brian Meyer – Midfield/Faceoff – Penn Valley, Pa. – Finance
A transfer from Washington College, Meyer has made his mark in practice and in games. In his first season in the Brown and White (and his second game), Meyer won 3-of-5 faceoffs in a big 10-6 victory over No. 16 Boston University, winning his final three attempts at a crucial time in the fourth quarter. Meyer went on to take a career-high six faceoffs at No. 19 Loyola. Meyer went 3-of-3 in draws at Lafayette as a junior. This year, he has seen action against rival Lafayette and St. Bonaventure, winning three faceoffs. In the classroom, Meyer owns a GPA over 3.0 in Finance and has garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
BM: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse moment, which I am sure is the same for most of my class, was beating Navy in the Patriot League Semifinals last year and moving on to the championship game. That was a big moment for us as a team to not only advance, but to also beat Navy after losing to them in a tough game in the regular season. The championship did not pan out the way we wanted, but with that experience from last year, we will be better prepared for the tournament this year.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
BM: I would like to be remembered as a hard-working member of the team who cared a lot for his teammates. Overall, I want to be part of the team that brings the Patriot League Championship back to Lehigh.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BM: We are a very close group and a true brotherhood. Coming in as a transfer after my freshman year, I was welcomed by the entire class from the first day on campus and I am very appreciative to them for that.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BM: The season has really flown by and I really can't believe it is already Senior Day. I am excited that we get to play another home game against Bucknell, a tough league opponent and is always a very fun game. With such little time left in our season, I am excited that we clinched a spot in the Patriot League Tournament and just want to extend our season as long as we possibly can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
BM: Without a doubt I am going to miss my teammates. We spend so much time together on and off the field, that it will definitely be a little weird next year not seeing everyone every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BM: I have accepted an offer to be a Client Relationship Associate at Vanguard.
#34 Michael Di Rienzo – Defense – Holbrook, N.Y. – Marketing
Di Rienzo is a well-respected teammate on the practice field and as one of the team's top performers in the weight room. Di Rienzo has also seen action in 19 career games, including nine during his sophomore season when he saw significant time on the man-down unit. He played in consecutive Patriot League Quarterfinals, at Boston University as a sophomore and home vs. Colgate as a junior. Di Rienzo collected his first-career groundball in the 2018 Patriot League opener vs. Holy Cross.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MD: One of my favorite memories here at Lehigh would be my junior year, after the team had a big win against Army (first time since I have been at Lehigh). Coming back into the locker room, I have never seen the team and the coaching staff so excited.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
MD: The legacy I want to leave at Lehigh is that hard work can bring success.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MD: In all of my time in sports, I have never been as close with a group of guys than I am now. Everyone genuinely likes each other and enjoys spending time with one another. Of course, we all live in different houses, and that is who we generally spend most of our time with, but when we come together, it feels like a family.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MD: Simply put, as I'm sure everyone is feeling, I feel sad that my career is coming to an end. As a freshman, you watch your seniors go through this every year, and it is hard to imagine that one day you will be in their shoes. Now being in their shoes, it is very easy to realize how much I love this sport and how much it has changed my life for the better. As my career is reaching its end, there is only one thing on my mind, and that is making this season as successful as it possibly can, so I can spend as much time with this team as I can.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
MD: What I will miss the most is camaraderie. This is team is a family. The individuals I have met on this team – current players and alumni – will be lifelong friends of mine. I am going to miss spending hours a day with them playing a sport we all love.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MD: After graduation, I will living in Philadelphia, working as a Consultant for Creoal Consulting.
Players Mentioned
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M/FO
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/ Men's Lacrosse2026 Men's Lacrosse Season Preview
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