The Blue Jays looks to be turning the corner after a couple years that may not have lived up to expectations in Baltimore. The Jays certainly are one of the most recognizable names in college lacrosse. Now after a couple years of reorganization and restructuring, the Jays look to return to Championship Weekend.
Coach Bobby Benson took the personnel and restructured the offense to work in a motion set, which has produced dividends for the young Jays. Most of the pieces come back with a wealth of experience and the incoming class with only push the level of competition to a higher level. It is an exciting fall practice slate for Hopkins.
It all starts with the senior Wells Stanwick and junior Ryan Brown at attack. They were successful for the duration of the season as Stanwick feed the pure shooter in Brown consistently. Brown’s highlighted was an eight goal effort against Syracuse and Stanwick’s six assist effort against Albany. They need to find a third option after graduating Brandon Benn.
The team welcomes the last installment of Stanwick’s in Shack. The first ranked recruiting coming into his freshman campaign, he will have eyes waiting to see his development in the Hopkins system. Liam Giblin and Jack Grass are also pushing for extended playing time this Spring.
The midfield was able to take pressure of the attack by their ability to get to the goal. Most noted was Holden Cattoni and his twenty-nine goal campaign in 2014. John Crawley was a converted attackman who played very well and could see time between both midfield and attack if need be. Connor Reed and Cody Radziewicz will only benefit from another year in the offense after very rookie seasons.
The recruiting class coming to Hopkins is loaded at midfield. They have the guns to continually put pressure on opposing defenses. Joel Tinney and Brinton Valis will likely have a lot to contribute right away. The presence of such a young midfield will serve to keep the Blue Jays among the nations elite for the next four years while this class is on campus.
Even the defensive midfield is among the nations best. Sophomore Joe Carlini, junior Kelton Black, senior Mike Pellegrino, and redshirt senior Phil Castranova provide the most veteran group at Homewood if not the nation. Facing off will also be a veteran with a wealth of options. Drew Kennedy, Craig Madarasz, and Kevin O’Toole are all reliable options at the position.
The defense needs to replace All American Jack Reilly, but have three seasoned veterans returning so as not to need an overhaul to accomplish this feat. John Kelly and Rob Enright have played a lot of games for the Blue Jays defending the backline. They are consistent and reliable players for Coach Pietramala’s defense.
Throw into the mix sophomore Nick Fields, who was exceptional between the lines running as a long stick midfielder last season. He can play both up top and down low depending on the matchup. Nikhon Schuler played in ten games last season as well, scoring one goal, and can be a third option as an lsm. Three freshmen are coming in to push for time as well.
In goal, the Blue Jays have the veteran leadership of Eric Schneider. This is his redshirt senior season and he looks to come out of the gates where he finished after an amazing game against Virginia in the NCAA Tournament. A platoon of three goals fought for time behind him and a freshman in Brock Turnbaugh comes in to push for the competition as well.
Coach Pietramala’s Blue Jays play a tough schedule and look to open the Big Ten Conference by taking the championship trophy to Homewood Field. North Carolina, Virginia, Syracuse, and Albany will still be on the schedule, along with Big Ten opponent’s Ohio State, Michigan, and Maryland to name just a few. The challenges are not new to Homewood.
As coach said in an interview, “(Hopkins) has set the bar even higher if possible.” He expects his team to be amongst the best in the nation year in and year out. With the additions, the lack of subtractions from a great season, and a year of experience, the hunger to return to Championship Weekend is at a fever pitch at Homewood.
