Aug. 22, 2007

VILLANOVA, Pa. - With the arrival of the 2007-08 academic year, the Villanova men's lacrosse team is anxiously looking forward to stepping back onto the field. After last spring's graduation claiming 12 seniors, head coach Mike Corrado has restocked his roster with 10 freshmen to add to his core group of returning players. The incoming class of 2011 boasts a wealth of talent, as well as knowledge of the game, which will prove useful as the Wildcats mount a run towards post-season play in 2008.

"We feel this group is as talented an incoming class as we have ever had," states Corrado. "Each of these players has excelled at the highest level of high school lacrosse, as evidenced by their individual accomplishments as well as the overall team success of their high school programs. The class is extremely versatile with most of the offensive players able to play attack or midfield, while each defenseman is capable of playing long stick midfield or close defense."

The incoming freshmen class consists of six offensive and four defensive players, all of which played significant roles in the success of their high school programs. The class of 2011 includes: Chris Aitken (Haverford, Pa./Haverford School), Mike Brennan (Manhasset, N.Y./Chaminade), Peter DeMaggio (Stony Point, N.Y./North Rockland), Chris Ficke (Morris Plains, N.J./Delbarton), Andrew Henrich (Wyndmoor, Pa./La Salle), Troy Higgins (Wayne, N.J./Seton Hall Prep), Brian Karalunas (Dewitt, N.Y./Jamesville-Dewitt), John Lade (Randolph, N.J./Randolph), T.J. O'Donnell (Randolph, N.J./Delbarton), and Alex Westcott (Millerton, N.Y./Hotchkiss School).

Local standout Chris Aitken arrives at Villanova after a successful high school career at Haverford School, finishing with 51 goals and 28 assists. As an attackman, Aitken was a 2007 All-American, as well as named the Inter-Ac Most Important Player in his senior season. As a two-time All Inter-Ac and All-State selection, the senior captain played a significant role in his team's advancement to the EPSCA final the past three years, as well as helped capture the State Championship title in 2005. In addition to his lacrosse accolades, Aitken is also an All-League and All-Area selection in football and was named the 2007 Most Valuable Player.

As an All-League selection in 2007, newcomer Mike Brennan will add depth to the midfield position for the Wildcats. During his stint at Chaminade High School in New York, Brennan collected 15 goals while dishing out 25 assists. As a result of his outstanding play, Brennan aided his team in claiming the CHSAA Long Island Championship title to close out his senior campaign.

Also adding talent to the midfield and hailing from New York is incoming freshman Peter DeMaggio. With DeMaggio's 37 goals and 27 assists, North Rockland High School's lacrosse team managed to seal themselves the Rockland County Championship during his career, as well as reach the Section I - Class A semifinals. For his stellar performance, DeMaggio garnered All-County and All-Section honors, while being crowned as his team's Most Valuable Player.

Rookie Chris Ficke looks to help the Wildcats on the defensive end of the field in his first campaign on the Main Line. As a former member of the Delbarton High School lacrosse team, Ficke holds the New Jersey State Tournament of Champions title for 2005 and 2006. During his stint, his team also won the MCT Championship from 2005-07, as well as the Non-Public A Championship in 2005, 2006, and 2007. As a result, his squad was ranked an impressive fifth in the country by Lacrosse Magazine. On an individual level, Ficke earned the "Red" Green Fighting Spirit Award.

Two-time All-Catholic selection Andrew Henrich arrives at Villanova after playing at La Salle High School. As a senior captain, Henrich notched 38 goals and handed out 18 assists aiding in his squad's numerous successes. During his time at La Salle, his team boasted four Catholic League Championships, along with a 2004 State Championship. Henrich also received four varsity letters in lacrosse, while collecting three in ice hockey.

Defender and two-time team captain Troy Higgins will also look to make a mark in his first year on the collegiate level. As a four-year letterwinner at Seton Hall Prep, Higgins garnered All-Fitch and All-County First Team honors in 2007, as well as All-State Second Team. While on the field, Higgins collected five total points and 70 groundballs. In addition, he also earned three varsity letters in football, receiving All-Iron Hills First Team honors.

Incoming freshman defender Brian Karalunas brings an impressive high school career with him to the Main Line. As a two-time captain, Karalunas led his Jamesville-DeWitt High School team to the State Championship game in 2005 and 2007, capturing the title in the latter as well as being named the 2007 State Final Defensive MVP and Bobby Gilson Award recipient. With Karalunas at the helm, his team also won the League Championships from 2005-07, while he earned All-League First Team honors in the same time frame. As a three-time groundball leader with 289 career groundballs, Karalunas was selected to the All-CNY First Team in 2007, Second Team in 2006, and Third Team in 2005. Karalunas also participated in his high school's ice hockey and soccer programs. As a 2007 captain in hockey, he collected All-League First Team, MVP, and Coach's Award honors.

Randolph High School native John Lade will look to have a breakout rookie campaign next spring after recently being chosen as one of the top 100 incoming freshman by Inside Lacrosse. As a four-year starter, Lade led his team to a 17-5 record and Group III runner-up finish in his senior year, while notching five goals, 12 assists, and winning 67% of his face-offs. Most recently, Lade was selected to the U.S. Men's U-19 National Team, which will represent the United States at the 2008 International Lacrosse Federation Under-19 World Championship. As captain of this high school's 2007 squad, Lade earned All-Area, All-State, All-Fitch, and All-Iron Hills First Team honors. He was also a two-time HSAA selection, Joe Nazarro Award recipient, and New Jersey Defender of the Year. With 287 career groundballs, Lade was named MVP of the East National Senior Showcase game. Lade was also a standout in football and winter track at Randolph, where he was a First Team All-Area and All-County selection in both sports. He was named Team MVP for football, while reigning as the conference champion in the 300m and 4x400m events.

Midfielder T.J. O'Donnell joins fellow Delbarton High School teammate Chris Ficke on the Main Line. O'Donnell played a significant role in Delbarton's run towards the New Jersey State Tournament of Champions titles in 2005 and 2006. Under his leadership, Delbarton won the MCT Championship and Non-Public A Championship from 2005-07. In his senior campaign, O'Donnell scored 18 goals, dished out eight assists, and collected 92 groundballs. He was also victorious in 60% of his face-off battles. As a result of his efforts, O'Donnell received First Team All-GBBS, Second Team All-Area, and All-State Honorable Mention honors. In addition, O'Donnell also excelled on the football field. He earned All-Conference and All-County First Team honors, as well as Second Team All-Parochial.

Rounding out the future class of 2011 is two-time captain Alex Westcott. During his time at The Hotchkiss School, Westcott led his team to the Founders League Championship title in 2007. As an attackman, Westcott was named to the First Team West Northeast and honored as a Northeast Prep Division I All-Star.

"With the graduation of 12 seniors last year, this group will have every opportunity to contribute to the success of the program," says Corrado. "I expect many of them to have an immediate impact."

Villanova completed the 2007 season with a final overall record of 7-7, while finishing 2-4 in the Colonial Athletic Association.