Coming off back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division III national
championship game, including its third national title in 1999,
Salisbury is widely recognized as one of the premier small
college programs in the nation. Fueling
much of that success in recent years has been a dynamic, wide-open and
explosive offense that annually ranks among the national scoring
leaders.
Last
year, the Sea Gulls finished fifth in the nation in scoring offense,
averaging 17.4 goals per game against one of the nation’s most
competitive schedules. In 1999, the Gulls averaged 16.3 gpg, once
again placing fifth in the final NCAA scoring statistics.
Often
overlooked, the Sea Gull defense has been just as dominating a force
during many of the program’s championship seasons.
The Gulls were ranked fifth in the final defensive scoring
statistics in 1999 (6.7 goals allowed/game), and third in the final
rankings last year (6.6 gpg). This
year, the defense may finally be in position to grab the headlines.
The
2001 preseason polls have placed the Sea Gulls at number two, behind
defending national champion Middlebury.
But as Head Coach Jim Berkman will be quick to mention,
that lofty perch is probably based as much on tradition as it is on
this year’s merits.
“I’d
say we’re probably a little overrated right now,” says Berkman,
who enters his 13th season at SU with an astounding
168-21 record and three national championships (1994, 1995, 1999). “We
lost 19 of the 28 players who dressed for last year’s national
championship game, including our entire starting attack and first
midfield. I think our players realize that this is a different year
and that we have lots of work to do.”
Defense
While the team’s ranking may be a bit optimistic in the early going,
despite last year’s 17-2 final record, the expectations on this year’s
defense appear to be legitimate. The unit returns two starters, five
lettermen, and the premier long-stick midfielder in the nation. In
addition, the Gulls welcome a junior college transfer who will be an
immediate presence, and a senior goalie who has received preseason
all-America consideration.
Anchoring
the defense is two-time all-American Mark Breier. The senior
co-captain is a four-year starter who has speed, size and great stick
skills. Breier will be joined by fellow senior and team captain Bryan
Shanahan, a three-year letterman and returning starter. The newest
addition is junior Jon Cline, a transfer from Anne Arundel JC
who will likely be the third starter on the unit.
Senior Jeff Gallucci, and juniors Paul Gale and DJ
Frimmer add further depth and experience.
In
addition to the close defense players, the Sea Gulls feature an
all-American at the long-stick midfield position in senior Dave
DiPaola. A dominating
presence, he earned second team AA honors last year and has been
highlighted by several preseason publications again in 2001. Junior Will
Gateau and freshman Brendan Dawson will also fill the LSM
role.
“There’s
no doubt that we’ll be counting on our defense to hold the fort until
some of our younger players at other positions emerge,” said Berkman.
“But it’s a very solid unit with good experience. They will be
counted on to keep opposing offenses in check.”
Goalie
After splitting time in goal last year, senior Pat Tewes becomes
the full-time starter this spring. Tewes saw action in all 19 games last
year while compiling a .648 save percentage and averaging 5.6 saves per
game. Senior Rob
LaChance, who posted a .786 save percentage in 11 games last year,
is the top backup, with freshman Sean Kelley also available.
Midfield
The Sea Gulls are faced with the task of replacing four of last year’s
top six midfielders, including two first team all-America players and
the national player of the year. Junior
Josh Bergey (12g-22a) and senior Rob Bookhamer (7g-4a)
are the top returning scorers and will anchor the first line. Freshman Andy Murray has emerged during the preseason
as the likely third member of that unit.
The
second midfield line appears to be Peter Ludlam, a junior
transfer from Anne Arundel, returning junior Mike Roberts (1g-2a)
and sophomore Chris Lauer (0g-2a).
Others who will contribute are sophomore Mike Colaianni,
who returns after missing last season due to injury, and freshman Ryan
Shiley.
“Bergey
and Bookhamer both move up from the second line last year and will need
to be leaders for us this season,” said Berkman. “They both have
great ability. We have some inexperience at midfield, but these guys all
have a good understanding of the game. They are working well together.”
Murray,
Ludlam and freshman Kyle Anderson are slated as the top three
face-off specialists. Two other freshmen, Brian Oakley and Joe
Parker, have emerged as the top short stick defensive
specialists.
Attack
Having lost the top six scorers from last year and 10 of the top 11, the
Sea Gulls will feature a number of new players on offense, including a
rebuilt attack unit. Newcomers
fill five of the top six attack positions in the preseason, led by
junior transfer Steve Brianas from Anne Arundel AA and freshman Andy
Arnold. Both display the skills to become consistent and dangerous
scoring threats as the season progresses. Sophomore lefthander Andrew
Robson (5g-1a) will assume a bigger role this year and is a
candidate for a starting position. First-year sophomore Mike Sedlak,
and freshmen Cory O’Neil and Chris Hayes will also
help.
“We have a number of solid players with great potential here,” said
Berkman. “It’s definitely the youngest attack unit we’ve had
during my career, but if these guys progress the way we think they can,
they’ll be pretty good. I think we’re going to surprise some people.”
2-13-01 |
