Coach Desko and the Orange begin the season on Feb. 5 with a three-way scrimmage against Le Moyne and Hofstra
Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
SU Begins 2012 Season At Annual Media Day
1/12/2012 3:59:43 PM | Men's Lacrosse
Coach Desko Quotes | Player Quotes | Photos
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse University men's lacrosse team began the 2012 season on Thursday with the team's annual media day at Manley Field House. The Orange took to the field in the morning for the squad's opening practice of the season before participating in media day and a second practice later in the afternoon. Head coach John Desko previewed the upcoming season for during his introductory news conference, while student-athletes were on-hand for interviews and photos.
"We are really excited to be back," Desko said. "This is a new group. I am feeling pretty good about where we are right now and the work ethic of these guys has been very good. Our conditioning run last night was very good. It showed that the guys worked hard in the offseason to get those times that we got.”
Desko's team is ranked eighth in the 2012 Lacrosse Magazine preseason rankings and seventh in the Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook preseason poll, which were both released in December. The Orange finished 15-2 last season en route to its second straight BIG EAST regular-season title and 31st NCAA Tournament appearance.
"All the rankings are about is what we've lost, what we did last season, and what we have coming back," said junior defenseman Brian Megill. "So, those rankings are a little skewed, but a lot of teams are going to be surprised come spring time."
Despite losing seven starters from last season's team, the Orange return two of its top three scorers in junior midfielder/attackman JoJo Marasco and senior attackman Tommy Palasek. Marasco, one of four team captains this season, was one of eight players to start all 17 games last season, and was named an honorable mention preseason All-American by Inside Lacrosse. Palasek was third on the team in points (35) with 17 goals and 18 assists. His 18 assists were tied for the team lead and he finished tied for eighth in the BIG EAST in assists per game (1.06).
SU's defensive corps features another preseason All-American in Megill, who returns for his third season as a starter in close. With seven goalkeepers on this year's roster, the Orange will be challenged with the task of replacing two-time All-American and NCAA all-time wins leader John Galloway
"It's still open," said redshirt sophomore goaltender Matthew Lerman. "It's been a battle every day. There are only two nets in practice, so fighting for time is a battle within itself. Coming prepared every day and practicing at my best is really what I've been trying to focus on. It's been really good for my own game to feel the pressure (of competition)."
The Orange begins the 2012 campaign on Feb. 5 with a three-way scrimmage against Le Moyne and Hofstra at the Carrier Dome. It opens the regular season at home against Albany on Feb. 19. Single-game and season tickets are available online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse University men's lacrosse team began the 2012 season on Thursday with the team's annual media day at Manley Field House. The Orange took to the field in the morning for the squad's opening practice of the season before participating in media day and a second practice later in the afternoon. Head coach John Desko previewed the upcoming season for during his introductory news conference, while student-athletes were on-hand for interviews and photos.
"We are really excited to be back," Desko said. "This is a new group. I am feeling pretty good about where we are right now and the work ethic of these guys has been very good. Our conditioning run last night was very good. It showed that the guys worked hard in the offseason to get those times that we got.”
Desko's team is ranked eighth in the 2012 Lacrosse Magazine preseason rankings and seventh in the Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook preseason poll, which were both released in December. The Orange finished 15-2 last season en route to its second straight BIG EAST regular-season title and 31st NCAA Tournament appearance.
"All the rankings are about is what we've lost, what we did last season, and what we have coming back," said junior defenseman Brian Megill. "So, those rankings are a little skewed, but a lot of teams are going to be surprised come spring time."
Despite losing seven starters from last season's team, the Orange return two of its top three scorers in junior midfielder/attackman JoJo Marasco and senior attackman Tommy Palasek. Marasco, one of four team captains this season, was one of eight players to start all 17 games last season, and was named an honorable mention preseason All-American by Inside Lacrosse. Palasek was third on the team in points (35) with 17 goals and 18 assists. His 18 assists were tied for the team lead and he finished tied for eighth in the BIG EAST in assists per game (1.06).
SU's defensive corps features another preseason All-American in Megill, who returns for his third season as a starter in close. With seven goalkeepers on this year's roster, the Orange will be challenged with the task of replacing two-time All-American and NCAA all-time wins leader John Galloway
"It's still open," said redshirt sophomore goaltender Matthew Lerman. "It's been a battle every day. There are only two nets in practice, so fighting for time is a battle within itself. Coming prepared every day and practicing at my best is really what I've been trying to focus on. It's been really good for my own game to feel the pressure (of competition)."
The Orange begins the 2012 campaign on Feb. 5 with a three-way scrimmage against Le Moyne and Hofstra at the Carrier Dome. It opens the regular season at home against Albany on Feb. 19. Single-game and season tickets are available online, at the Carrier Dome Box Office (Gate B) or by calling 1-888-DOMETIX.
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