January 21, 1999

Expectations are high this season for head coach Randy Marks and his Villanova Wildcats on the Main Line. Returning seven of his top eight scorers, Marks is eager to get the season under way.

Attack

The Wildcats return with three upperclass attackmen. Chris Corr (Rosemont, Pa./ Archbishop Carroll H.S.), Tom Hourican (Lynbrook, N.Y./Lynbrook H.S.) and Andrew Bogle (Wilton, Conn./Wilton H.S.) who accounted for 36 points for the Wildcats last season. Juniors Chuck Casano (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City H.S.) and Brendan Groarke (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City H.S.) will add experience and depth to the 'Nova attack. Looking to break into the line-up will be three talented freshmen Justin Marks (Glenmoore, Pa./ Downingtown H.S.), Pete Franchetti (Gwynedd Valley, Pa./Germantown Academy) and Andrew Driscoll (Rosemont, Pa./Harriton).

Midfield

Anchored by senior, tri-captain Andy D'Amico (Harve de Grace, Md./Aberdeen H.S.) who finished fourth in points last season, the Wildcats' midfield will be a major strength in '99. Alongside D'Amico is junior Justin Loonie (Longmeadow, Mass./Longmeadow H.S.) and junior Eric Dauer (Woodbridge, Va./Bishop O'Connell H.S.) who accounted for 22 and 24 points respectively.

Holding down the second line are John McTigue ( Bethpage, N.Y./Bethpage H.S.) who recorded 16 points last season, Jesse Ford (Wilton, Conn./Wilton H.S.) and face-off expert Christopher Larson (New Milford, Conn./ Canterbury School). C.J. Greene (Saverna Park, Md./ Archbishop Spalding H.S.) and Tim Ristau (Fayetteville, N.Y./Jamesville-Dewitt H.S.) will give the Wildcats added depth and experience.

Adding to the midfield is highly-touted freshman Randall Calvert (Ellicot City, Md./ Centennial) and classmates Scott Gegerson (Rockville Centre, N.Y./South Side H.S.), Mike Holloway (Malvern, Pa./Malvern Prep), Craig Clancy (Sea Cliff, N.Y./ North Shore H.S.), Carlton Holbig (Montville, N.J./Mountain Lake H.S.) and Adam Brown (Watertown, N.Y./Avon Old Farms H.S.).

Senior, tri-captain Pat Buckley (Sudbury, Mass./Lincoln-Sudbury H.S.) will lead the short-stick defensive midfielders. Buckley, a walk-on, has developed into an outstanding leader and valuable defensive stopper. Classmate Joe McGowan (Annapolis, Md./DeMatha H.S.) will join Buckley as a valuable defensive midfielder. Defense

The overall strength for the Wildcats in 1999 will be on the defensive side. The unit returns four players that saw significant time last season, including two starters. The defense will be anchored by senior, tri-captain Evan Clancy (Sea Cliff, N.Y./North Shore H.S.), who is the vocal leader. Brian O'Hagan (Montclair, N.Y./ Montclair H.S.), 1998 Rookie of the Year, will cover the opponent's quickest player. Richard Carter (New Canaan, Conn./ Canterbury School), George Hribar (Garden City, N.Y./ Lawrenceville School) give the 'Cats depth and experience. Freshman Chris Bowman (Ellicot City, Md./ McDonough H.S.), who had a strong fall, will be a key addition.

The long-stick midfield will be led by Peter Flynn (Potomac, Md./Gonzaga), while newcomer Andrew Quinn (Belle Aire, Md./John Carroll H.S.) will be an important part of the midfield.

Goalies

Returning all three goalies, the Wildcats are looking for consistency between the pipes. Senior Brendan Keneally (Chester, N.J./Mt. Lakes H.S.) will lead the charge, while sophomores Mike Mullette (Montclair, N.J./Montclair H.S.) and Matt Wilk (Bound Brook, N.J./Bridgewater Raritan H.S.) will challenge each other for time.