June 26, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - It proved to be a tale of two seasons for the Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse team in 2006. Entering the year with high-hopes, the hard-luck Hawks opened the season 0-7 before engineering one of the most dramatic turnarounds in program history. Sparked by a school-record five All-Conference performers, the Crimson and Gray rallied to win six of their final eight games, including a five game winning streak, and clinch fourth place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Lacrosse League.

Named the MAAC Coach of the Year, head coach Pat Cullinan's steady hand served to direct SJU's fantastic finish. Having walked the Hawks through a rigorous offseason training program, the second-year Hawk mentor knew that his team had the capability to make a run at the MAAC title.

The Hawks slow start was made even more difficult as it opened the year against a pair of nationally-ranked opponents. For the second straight year, SJU kicked off the NCAA schedule with a game against #16 Delaware on February 11. The team then followed up that game by clashing with sixth-ranked and NCAA Tournament qualifier Navy. The Crimson and Gray dropped both outings, but the contests served to notify SJU that it had the ability to play with the nation's best, but also that it needed to play more consistently.

The ensuing weeks watched SJU steadily increase its overall performance, but the team would come away with little to show for it. Scuffling to secure its first victory, the Hawks would drop three games by a single goal.

A heart-wrenching double-overtime loss to eventual MAAC Champion and NCAA Tournament participant Providence in the league opener for both clubs proved to be the season's turning point.

The team responded to that setback by crushing Canisius for SJU's first victory of the season. All-MAAC picks senior Andrew Four and junior Alex McColough were the catalysts as each tallied hat-tricks in the rout.

SJU was clipped by Manhattan, but the team would then rattle off five straight victories putting together the team's longest winning streak since the 2000 season. A thrilling three overtime shocker of Villanova kick-started the run, which culminated in the Hawks capturing fourth place in the MAAC Lacrosse League.

Individually, five Hawks captured All-MAAC honors. Freshman goaltender Erik Hotaling, fronted by a rugged defensive line that regularly featured seniors B.J. Fritts and Mike Kirlin, sophomore Pat Maxey and freshmen Pat Williams and Tom Wegenosky; played brilliantly in net. He was named to the All-MAAC First Team after setting an SJU single season record with an 8.06 goals against average.

Four and McColough were joined on the All-Conference Second Team by senior Keegan Wilkinson and junior Mike O'Neill. Wilkinson topped the team in both points (38) and assists (22) for the third straight season and concluded his career second all-time in assists (83) and seventh in points. O'Neill, meanwhile had a breakout season finishing second on the team in goals, assists and points, despite missing a the team's final three games with an injury.

Four and McColough each proved equally adept at putting the ball in the net or setting up their teammates out of the midfield. Four finished with 28 points, while McColough added 25.

Three other underclassmen made their mark finishing as double-figure scorers. Sophomore Steve Varga, who ranked among the conference leaders in goals per game, topped the team with 27 goals. Sophomore Steve O'Brien also added 16 points and freshman Alex Lopes tallied 10.

** Despite earning the fourth overall seed, the Saint Joseph's was declared ineligible to participate in the 2006 MAAC championship due to an inadvertent breach of the conference by-law limiting the number of athletic awards for a given academic year.