Draft:Villanova Men's Lacrosse
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Villanova Wildcats Men's Lacrosse
[edit]The Villanova Wildcats Men's Lacrosse team represents Villanova University in NCAA Division I men's lacrosse. Established in 1981, the program competes in the Big East Conference and plays its home games at Villanova Stadium in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Known for its commitment to academic and athletic excellence, the Wildcats have developed a strong reputation as a competitive program in collegiate lacrosse, particularly within the Northeast.
History
[edit]The Villanova Men's Lacrosse program began as a club team before being elevated to varsity status in 1981. In its early years, the team faced challenges establishing itself among more experienced programs but gradually built a competitive roster and coaching staff.
A turning point for the program occurred in 2009 under head coach Mike Corrado. The Wildcats secured their first NCAA Tournament appearance after earning an at-large bid, marking a milestone in the program's history. That season also featured Villanova's first win over a top-10 opponent, solidifying their place on the national stage.
The Wildcats reached new heights in 2011, achieving their second NCAA Tournament appearance and finishing with an 11–5 record. The team hosted high-profile opponents, including Syracuse, in a record-setting match at Villanova Stadium with over 7,500 attendees. The 2011 team was consistently ranked in the top 10 in the country, reaching as high as #7. These seasons cemented Villanova's status as a respected top 25 program in Division I lacrosse.
Notable Players
[edit]Several standout players have made significant contributions to the Villanova Wildcats Men's Lacrosse program:
- Brian Karalunas: A defensive midfielder known for his unmatched work ethic and on-field intelligence. He earned USILA First-Team All-American honors in 2011 and was awarded the Senior CLASS Award for excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
- Kevin Cunningham: A versatile attackman and team leader, Cunningham was instrumental in the Wildcats' success during the 2011 season, earning All-Big East honors.
Kevin Cunningham, Attack, Villanova - Jack Rice: One of the program's all-time leading scorers, Rice was known for his clutch performances and finishing ability, particularly during the Wildcats' NCAA Tournament runs.
- Chris Ficke: A reliable defenseman, Ficke played a crucial role in anchoring the Wildcats' defensive unit during their successful 2009 and 2011 campaigns.
- T.J. O'Donnell: A midfielder whose consistent performances and leadership helped guide the team through some of its most successful seasons.
2011 Roster
[edit]The 2011 Villanova Wildcats Men's Lacrosse roster was as follows:
| No. | Name | Position | Year | Height | Hometown | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joe Payne | Midfield | Junior | – | Birmingham, Mich. | Brother Rice |
| 2 | Jack Rice | Attack | Sophomore | 5'11" | Baltimore, Md. | Boys' Latin |
| 3 | Paul Mita | Attack | Sophomore | 6'5" | Berwyn, Pa. | Conestoga |
| 4 | Billy Hurley | Goalkeeper | Sophomore | 6'2" | Morristown, N.J. | Delbarton |
| 5 | Nolan Vihlen | Midfield | Junior | 5'10" | Germantown, Tenn. | Christian Brother |
| 6 | Chris Aitken | Midfield | Redshirt Junior | 6'1" | Haverford, Pa. | Haverford School |
| 7 | Will Casertano | Attack | Sophomore | 5'9" | Millbrook, N.Y. | Salisbury School |
| 8 | Max Hart | Midfield | Sophomore | 5'10" | Bethesda, Md. | Georgetown Prep |
| 9 | Peter Metcalf | Goalkeeper | Sophomore | 6'4" | Sea Girt, N.J. | The Governor's Academy |
| 10 | Hunter Broome | Defense | Sophomore | 6'2" | Richmond, Va. | Collegiate School |
| 11 | Dan Gutierrez | Goalkeeper | Junior | 6'1" | Chevy Chase, Md. | Georgetown Prep |
| 12 | Matt Bell | Attack | Junior | 5'10" | Severna Park, Md. | St. Mary's |
| 13 | Mike Brennan | Midfield | Senior | 5'11" | Manhasset, N.Y. | Chaminade |
| 14 | T.J. O'Donnell | Midfield | Senior | – | Randolph, N.J. | Delbarton |
| 15 | Chris Ficke | Defense | Senior | 6'1" | Madison, N.J. | Delbarton |
| 16 | Kevin O'Neil | Attack | Freshman | 6'2" | Cockeysville, Md. | Boys' Latin |
| 17 | Andrew Henrich | Midfield | Senior | 6'3" | Wyndmoor, Pa. | La Salle |
| 18 | Troy Higgins | Defense | Senior | 6'3" | Wayne, N.J. | Seton Hall Prep |
| 19 | Chris Creighton | Defense | Junior | 6'1" | West Chester, Pa. | Malvern Prep |
| 20 | Harte Thompson | Midfield | Sophomore | 6'3" | Chester Springs, Pa. | Malvern Prep |
| 21 | John LoCascio | Defense | Freshman | 5'11" | Fairfield, N.J. | West Essex Regional |
| 22 | Nick LoBiondo | Midfield | Sophomore | 5'9" | Mountain Lakes, N.J. | Mountain Lakes |
| 23 | Jimmy Wyatt | Midfield | Freshman | 5'9" | Whitehouse Station, N.J. | Hunterdon Central Regional |
| 24 | Remington Pope | Defense | Freshman | 6'1" | Boston, Mass. | The Governor's Academy |
| 25 | Brian Karalunas | Defense | Senior | 5'11" | Dewitt, N.Y. | Jamesville-Dewitt |
| 26 | Chris Piccirilli | Defense | Freshman | 6'5" | Davidsonville, Md. | Archbishop Spalding |
| 27 | Christopher Conroy | Defense | Freshman | 6'1" | Chatham, N.J. | Chatham |
| 28 | CJ Burke | Midfield | Junior | 5'9" | Pittsburgh, Pa. | Central Catholic |
| 29 | Kevin Cunningham | Attack | Junior | 5'11" | Garden City, N.Y. | Kellenberg |
| 30 | C.J. Small | Midfield | Junior | 5'11" | San Diego, Calif. | La Costa Canyon |
| 32 | Alex Garrison | Midfield | Freshman | 6'2" | New Canaan, Conn. | The Taft School |
| 33 | Nick Doherty | Attack | Sophomore | 5'10" | Bernardsville, N.J. | Delbarton |
| 36 | Mark Jackson | Midfield | Freshman | 5'10" | West Chester, Pa. | Malvern Prep |
| 37 | Alex Westcott | Attack | Senior | 5'10" | Millerton, N.Y. | The Hotchkiss School |
| 40 | Michael Vigilante | Midfield | Junior | 6'2" | Massapequa, N.Y. | Massapequa |
| 41 | Tyler Brennan | Defense | Sophomore | 6'2" | East Setauket, N.Y. | Ward Melville |
| 42 | Ryan McDonagh | Defense | Junior | 6'1" | Huntington, N.Y. | St. Anthony's |
| 45 | Thomas Croonquist | Midfield | Freshman | 5'11" | North Caldwell, N.J. | Seton Hall |
Facilities
[edit]The Wildcats play their home games at Villanova Stadium, which has served as the team’s home since the program’s inception. Located in the heart of Villanova’s campus, the stadium provides seating for over 12,000 fans and has hosted numerous high-profile games.
One notable game occurred in 2011 when Villanova faced perennial powerhouse Syracuse in front of a record-setting crowd. The Wildcats' strong performance in that match further elevated the program’s reputation.
Legacy and Impact
[edit]The Villanova Men's Lacrosse program has made significant contributions to the growth of collegiate lacrosse. Known for balancing academic rigor with athletic excellence, the team regularly produces scholar-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
As a member of the Big East Conference, Villanova has become a respected name in the sport, consistently challenging top-tier opponents and maintaining a strong recruiting presence in the Northeast. The program’s emphasis on character development and community involvement has further solidified its standing within the collegiate lacrosse community.
References
[edit]
- Villanova Athletics Official Site
- Inside Lacrosse
- United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Official Site
- Big East Conference Official Site
- "Villanova Lacrosse Makes NCAA Tournament," *Lacrosse Journal*, 2009.
- "Karalunas Wins Senior CLASS Award," *Lacrosse Insider*, 2011.
- *The Philadelphia Inquirer*: Various articles on Villanova lacrosse milestones.
- *The Baltimore Sun*: Coverage of Villanova lacrosse and top players.
- NCAA Official Website