August 19, 2008

BRYANT ANNOUNCES MEN'S LACROSSE RECRUITING CLASS
Bulldogs Welcome 17 Newcomers To Campus

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Bryant University head men's lacrosse coach Mike Pressler is pleased to announce the men's lacrosse class of 2012.  This year's class of 17 newcomers include three transfers and one graduate student who will enroll this fall at Bryant University and compete in men's lacrosse in 2009.  Highlighting this year's class is the addition of Zack Greer, a three-time All-American and the NCAA's all-time career goals leader, to the Bryant University men's lacrosse program.  

"It is with great pleasure to formally announce the Bryant University men's lacrosse class of 2012," said Pressler. "We welcome 13 talented freshman, three outstanding transfers and one very distinguished grad student to Smithfield, RI."

A native of Whitby, Ontario, Greer led Duke University to a pair of national championship appearances. "It is with great pleasure to formally announce the Bryant University men's lacrosse class of 2012," said Pressler. "We welcome 13 talented freshman, three outstanding transfers and one very distinguished grad student to Smithfield, RI."

A native of Whitby, Ontario, Greer led Duke University to a pair of national championship appearances. He will enroll in Bryant University's Graduate School of Business and will participate in lacrosse during the 2009 season. Greer is eligible for an additional collegiate year as part of the NCAA's decision to grant an extra year for members of the 2006 Duke men's lacrosse team. Greer played for coach Pressler at Duke for two seasons (2005-06). 

With an NCAA record 206 career goals, Greer was a finalist for the 2008 Tewaaraton Trophy, given to the nation's player of the year in men's lacrosse.  The 6-foot-2 attackman led the nation in scoring in each of the last three seasons with 57 in 2005, 67 in 2007 and scoring 65 this past spring.  The 67 goals scored in 2007 was the fifth-best all-time for goals in a season in NCAA history; his 57 in '05 set an NCAA record for goals by a freshman.

Greer's career high of 11 points (six goals, five assists) against Ohio State in last year's tournament quarterfinals fell just one point shy of the NCAA tournament record of 12 points held by Maryland's Ed Mullen and Syracuse's Gary Gait.

Bryant University will begin its first year competing in Division I in 2008-09.  The Bulldogs posted a school-record 14 wins during Pressler's second season with the Bulldogs this past spring, guiding Bryant to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.  Bryant will not be eligible for postseason play for two years during the school's reclassification.  

Pressler's recruiting class include seven defenders, six midfielders, three attackmen, and one goalie. The three transfers coming to Bryant include defender Erik Elmquist (Bainbridge, MA / Northfield Mount Herman) who attended Savannah College of Art & Design; defender Rob Maiorano (Easton, CT / Fairfield Prep/Salisbury School) who comes to Bryant from Navy; and 6-foor-5 defender Harrison Tull (Annapolis, MD/Annapolis) who joins the Bulldogs after two seasons playing at Colgate. 

"This group will be the foundation as we move forward with the Division I model," added Pressler.  "We believe all these young men are individuals of high character and strong moral fiber. For a few years as we make the transition to Division I the Bulldog lacrosse program will certainly face some tough times and adversity on the field. Over the course of time we expect this group of newcomers along with our present rising sophomores to lead the way into a new and very exciting era of Bryant Bulldog lacrosse." 

Bryant is coming off a record-breaking season this past spring.  The Bulldogs won 14 games in Pressler's second season and the program's first NCAA playoff berth. 

The following is a list of Bryant University's Men's Lacrosse Class of 2012:  

Ryan Quinn, Midfield (Saratoga Springs, NY/ Saratoga Springs High School)
In the spring of 2008, Ryan earned 1st Team All Big-10 honors as a two-way midfielder for his high school.  He was also four-year letterman in football helping the Blue Streaks at the corner back and wide receiver positions. Ryan will bring great athleticism and versatility to the Bryant midfield.

James Devine, Midfield (New City, NY/Clarkston South High School)
James was a member of the 2007 Hudson Valley Empire Team, sophomore and junior year he was selected to Second Team All County (Rockland) - All Section 1st Team (NYSPSAL). James will make an immediate impact athletically to the Bryant roster this fall. He also lettered in football and basketball.

Travis Harrington, Attack (Vestal NY/ Vestal High School)
Travis was a 2008 New York-Southern Tier High School All-American and helped guide Vestal High School to a 16-4 finish eventually losing to Upstate power West Genesee. He was a three time 1st team all league selection , a three time scholar athlete and an alternate for the 2007 silver medal winning Central Empire Team.

Matt Crimmins, Attack (Saratoga Springs NY/Saratoga Springs High School)
Matt, a three year starter at attack for the Blue Streaks, was a Section II all-star and also a letterman in football, playing both wide receiver and free safety. Earned 2007 Adirondack Empire team honors. Matt will bring versatility to the Bryant offense as a dynamic player who could play at both the attack or midfield position. 

Ian Newland, Midfield (Skaneateles NY/Skaneateles High School)
This past season Ian helped his team to a Class C Section III championship. He was also a multi-year starter at the quarterback position for the Skaneateles Lakers football team. After a devastating knee injury during Ian's Junior campaign, he has bounced back to full strength his senior year and will add great depth to the Bryant midfield.

Sean Haas, Midfield/Attack (Farmingdale NY/Farmingdale High School)
Sean was a starter for the Farmingdale lacrosse team this spring at attack and was one of the top offensive point getters for the 11-6 Dalers. Sean is an honors student and also a letterman in both soccer and basketball at Farmingdale High School.

Nolan Semel , Midfield (Palos Verdes Estates CA/Palos Verdes High School)
Nolan hales from Palos Verdes, CA where he earned 2008 California-LA County High School All-American, Nolan has been a 3-time All-Bay League Selection and was the leading scorer for the 16-3 Sea Kings. Nolan will add great size, skill and athleticism to the Bryant midfield.

Max Wiesenberg, Midfield (Long Beach NY/ Long Beach High School)
Max was a 2008 New York-Nassau County High School All American out of Long Beach High School. He helped lead Long Beach to the Nassau County Class A Finals as one of the teams top offensive performers. Max will bring great toughness, mobility and versatility to the Bryant roster as a two-way midfielder who excels at the face-off X.

Trevor Rose, Defense (Port Jefferson Station NY/Comsewogue High School)
Trevor was an All-Suffolk County defenseman in 2008, and younger brother of Jesse Rose, Bryant Class of 2008. He anchored a 15-5 defense that played in the Suffolk County finals this past spring. Trevor was the starting fullback and linebacker for the Comsewogue football team and was one of the top running backs on Long Island last fall.

Ryan Woodford, Defense (Scituate MA/Scituate High School)
This Scituate native was an All-Patriot League and Eastern Massachusetts All-star selection in 2008, a Patriot League All-Scholastic selection and a member of the State Champion Scituate Ice Hockey program. Ryan will add depth to the Bryant Long Stick Midfield upon arrival to campus.

Jameson Love, Goalie (Darien CT/Darien High School)
A 2008 Connecticut High School All-American and team Captain, Jameson helped the 22-1 Blue Wave finish ranked 7th nationally in high school boy's lacrosse. Among many honors in his four years at Darien, he was an All-State and All-FCIAC selection. Also a letterman in ice hockey, Jameson was part of the 2005-2006 FCIAC championship teams. He is expected to come in to compete for the Bryant starting goaltender position immediately.

 Blair Campbell, Defense (Arundel ME/Hebron Academy/Avon Old Farms)
While at Hebron Academy Blair earned All-League, All-Conference, and New England Prep All-star honors in 2006. Blair opted to take a post graduate year at Avon Old Farms where he anchored one of the top defenses in the New England Prep School League. He was an All-League performer at Avon this spring. Blair lettered in both soccer and basketball at both stops.

Tim Clinton, Defense (Darien CT/ Darien High School)
A 2008 Connecticut High School All-American, Tim anchored one of the top high school defenses in the nation. A team captain in 2008 alongside teammate Jameson Love, Tim was also an All-FCIAC 1st Team selection for the 22-1 Blue Wave that finished with a No. 7 national ranking in 2008. Tim was also a four year letterman in ice hockey for Darien.

Erik Elmquist, Defense (Bainbridge IS WA/NMH/Savannah College of Art & Design)
Erik played his high school lacrosse at Northfield Mount Hermon, attended Savanna College of Art and Design in the fall of 2007 and has decided to attend Bryant in the fall of 2008 after being heavily recruited by the Bulldogs out of NMH. Erik was a 2008 MCLA Division 2 first team All-American for the SCAD club team and will make an immediate impact to the Bryant defense.

Rob Maiorano, Defense (Easton CT/Fairfield Prep/Salisbury School/Navy)
Rob will join the Bulldog roster in 2008 after an outstanding year for the Midshipmen. He played an the majority of the Naval Academies contests as face-off wing play specialist. A 2006 Connecticut High School All-American and was also an All-League and All-State selection. His senior year at Fairfield Prep he helped lead his time to their first Connecticut State Title. He was also a letter winner in both Hockey and Football. Rob will make an immediate impact to the Bryant defense.

Harrison Tull, Defense (Annapolis MD/Annapolis High School/Colgate)
At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Harrison was a 4 year varsity performer for Annapolis High school where he helped the Eagles to a MIAA Conference Title in 2006. Joining the Bulldogs after two years at Colgate University, Harrison is expected to bring size, athleticism and a physical presence to the Bulldog defense upon his arrival. He was also a three year letter winner in both basketball and volleyball.