Feb. 12, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - With the core of its defensive unit returning intact and a solid nucleus of emerging playmakers on attack and in the midfield, new head coach Pat Cullinan has the Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team poised for a return to the MAAC playoffs and a run at the league's automatic NCAA Tournament berth.

An assistant at SJU in 2004, Cullinan moved quickly to put his stamp on the Hawk program after being elevated to head Hawk during the fall. The two-time NYCAC Coach of the Year instilled the same level of structure, discipline and commitment that he used while building the West Chester University program into a Division II power.

The first-year mentor has the luxury of possessing one of the region's most experienced defensive units, anchored by twin brothers Marc and Matt Reynolds. A two-time All-MAAC selection, Marc is the emotional leader of SJU's talented backline. His brother Matt meanwhile complements him with excellent size and stick skills.

Also returning to the backline are junior Mike Kirlin and sophomore Joe McNeill. The heady Kirlin is a vocal presence with good size. McNeill made an immediate impact as a rookie and has continued to develop. Senior Mike Behrmann is a returning starter that brings a physical presence to the defense.

Veteran defensive midfielders juniors B.J. Fritts, Frank Abruzzini and Kyle Manchin, along with senior Ryan Chitwood and sophomore Zach Charles add to the Hawks experience in the back.

In goal, senior Dan Morrissey has been steady and reliable throughout his career. Always an adept shot stopper, he has worked hard to improve his distribution and play away from the net.

Offensively, the Crimson and Gray are led by high-scoring junior midfielder Andrew Four and attackman Keegan Wilkinson. One of the nation's top playmakers, Wilkinson led SJU in scoring and finished 2004 ranked 11th nationally in assists with 24. This year he looks to broaden his repertoire and assert himself more as a scorer. Coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he tallied a team-high 25 goals, Four aims to get his teammates more involved by becoming a more adept passer.

Also expected to bolster the attack will be junior Brian Ponne, along with a couple of newcomers transfer John Cooper and freshman Steve Varga. Slowed by injuries during his first two seasons, Ponne has the ability to become one of the conference's top scorers. The high-scoring Varga was a high school All-American at Strath Haven High School, while Cooper arrives at SJU after turning in a solid season at Ursinus as a freshman.

Offensive-minded middies senior Kevin McGrann and sophomore Alex McColough will also shoulder some of the scoring responsibility. The speedy McGrann hopes to recapture the scoring touch he displayed as a freshman when he tallied 28 points and has flashed since. McColough has overcome two significant knee injuries to become a solid contributor. Sophomore Mike O'Neill and freshman Steve O'Brien should also add some punch.

After missing the postseason in 2004, the Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team is eager to reassert itself among the elite teams in the MAAC. With the Hawks quick to buy into new coach Pat Cullinan's hard working disciplined philosophy, a return to the postseason and a run at the conference crown are within reach for SJU in 2005.