Dec. 20, 2004

Philadelphia - Saint Joseph's Men's Lacrosse Coach Pat Cullinan has announced the signing of six student-athletes to national letters of intent. Midfielders Jim Tenny, Chris O'Neill, Chad Dudley, Ian Kelly, attackman Alex Lopes and defenseman Matt Ryan will begin play with the Hawks in the 2005-2006 academic-year.

"I am very excited to welcome such a talented group to our team," states Cullinan. "I expect that these players will help bring Saint Joseph's Lacrosse to the next level."

Lopes, a high scoring attackman from Glenridge, N.J. will bolster SJU's frontline. A three-sport standout at Glenridge High School, the two-time team MVP was named All-State and Conference Player of the Year after leading New Jersey in scoring with 32 goals and 92 assists. Tenny, a native of Brewster, N.Y. and student at Brewster High School, will bring strength and speed to the Hawks' midfield. A three-sport standout, he was named to the 2004 All-Conference team, as well as the 2004 Hudson Valley Empire Team.

O'Neill, a native of West Chester, Pa. and student at Bishop Shanahan High School, also looks to bring his talent to the midfield line. He was named First Team All-Suburban in 2003 and 2004, and was also a member of the Radnor Completive Edge Lacrosse Club that won the prestigious STX Camp Tournament.

Dudley, a resident of Rockville, Md. and student at Gonzaga College High School, is a solid midfielder. He was named to the 2004 First Team All-WCAC and a member of the Mad Lax All-Star Team.

Kelly, a native of Summit, N.J., rounds out the new midfielders. In 2004, Kelly totaled 17 goals and 17 assists helping Summit High School finish fourth in the state. He was also a starting point guard for the basketball team and should bring speed and agility to Finnesey Field.

Ryan, a native of Chatham, N.J. will be a solid contributor to the Hawks defensive line. A two-sport standout at Chatham High School, he was tabbed as a member of the 2004 New Jersey Elite team.