With an American East Conference championship and an America East Coach of the Year award to his name already, Jim Nagle has certainly made the most of his short time as Stony Brook’s head coach. Nagle took the helm for the Seawolves after Rick Sowell, head coach from 07-11, departed to take the coaching position at Navy. His first season had a rough beginning with Stony Brook starting 0-3 for the first time since 2006. Despite a 7-10 overall record, the team managed to finish 4-1 in conference play earning them their third America East championship.
The 2012 attack core of senior Jeff Tundo, junior Matt Bellando and reigning America East Rookie of the Year Mike Rooney will return to the field this spring for Stony Brook. Recent Toronto Rock draft pick Kyle Belton, who rotated in and out of a starting attack position while posting 19 points in 2012, will have his spot replaced by senior Nick Watson and sophomore Mike Andreassi, both of whom started games at attack last season.
Former first team America East selection Kyle Moeller is a loss on the back end. However the defensive core still remains strong with returning standouts such as JJ Laforet and goalie Sean Brady. Starter in 2011 Savaughn Greene will look to get back into form after redshirting for 2012.
The biggest question for the Seawolves this season will be the holes to fill at midfield. Robbie Campbell and Russ Bonanno, third and fourth in 2012 scoring, respectively, are lost to graduation. Another notable midfield loss is defensive middie Jared LeVerne. A four year starter, LeVerne was a three time All-America East selection who finished second in both ground balls and caused turnovers for the Seawolves last season. Junior Cole Millican, who put up 13 points in the 2012 campaign, will be a frontrunner to take over for the current gaps at midfield.
Despite losing some significant players, there is no reason that Stony Brook’s 2013 season will not be a success. Nagle is the current America East Coach of the Year for a reason. After taking over a team that had lost its top four scorers, Nagle still managed to lead the squad to an NCAA tournament berth in his first season. Coach Nagle will look to rejuvenate his roster once again this spring in order to lead the Seawolves to their fourth America East championship.
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