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Tierney Announces Princeton's Class of 2009

Princeton, N.J. -- The Princeton men's lacrosse Class of 2009 will run nine deep, head coach Bill Tierney has announced. The group features players from five states and the District of Columbia, including one state that has never before sent a lacrosse player to Princeton, and will join a group of team that will return seven starters for the 2006 season, when Princeton will look to regain the Ivy League championship and return to the NCAA tournament after a one year absence.

"The recruiting process for the Class of 2009 began with a plan to find some speed, a left-hander, and a few good midfielders," Tierney said. "Once again, we have successfully added a talented group of winners from some of the best high school programs in the country. They will fill the few holes on our roster left by graduation and help us compete for Ivy and National Championships in the near future."

Princeton graduated nine players from a year ago, when the Tigers went 5-7 overall and fell short of the Ivy League championship for the first time in 11 years and the NCAA tournament for the first time in 16 years. Among the seniors lost were attackman Jason Doneger and starting defensemen Oliver Barry and Tim Sullivan.

Princeton does return two starters on attack, its top six offensive midfielders, its top three longstick midfielders, its top two shortstick defensive middies, one starting defenseman, two goalies who have started games and its top three face-off men. Included in that group are the 2004 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, attackman Peter Trombino, and the 2005 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, defenseman Dan Cocoziello.

That group will be joined by the Class of 2009:

Tom Davis: Levittown Division Avenue, Levittown, N.Y. "A potential attackman or midfielder, Tom is a fast lefthander and opportunistic goal scorer who can create for himself, while being equally as confident playing off the ball or looking for assists" Tierney says. "Tom was a two-time Long Island Empire State midfielder who ranked second in his class and is from Tierney's hometown."

Charlie Kolkin, Gilman School, Owings Mills, Md. "Charlie is one of the most talented defensemen in the MIAA," Tierney says. "During his three years as a starter at Gilman, Charlie has covered every top attackman in Baltimore and has grown to understand the intricacies of multiple defenses. His speed and skill will allow him to challenge for playing time right away."

Mark Kovler, Landon School, Washington, D.C. "Mark is the top midfielder from one of the best high school programs in the country, " Tierney says. "He is a very fast, left-handed athlete who possesses an accurate hard shot, both on the move and with time and room. Mark is very smart and can play both ends of the field, which will help create offense in transition. He has been on Landon's varsity team since his freshman year, and he is a two-time Free State player."

Josh Lesko, Deerfield Academy (Mass.), New Canaan, Conn. "Another highly sought-after left-handed midfielder who can score goals and dish out assists equally as well, " Tierney says. "Josh is an extremely explosive and fast, two-way player who is exciting in the open field. He is also an excellent ice hockey player who is strong, tough, and athletic."

Tim Novick, Providence High School, Charlotte, N.C. Tim is our first recruit from North Carolina, an area booming with very good lacrosse talent. He was a serious football recruit for many Division I schools. His 6'2", 210 lb. frame, along with good speed, will aid him in becoming an outstanding defenseman at Princeton.

Chris Peyser, Manhasset High School, Manhasset, N.Y. "Chris has size, speed, and an outstanding stick, and he can also cover the opponent's best attackman," Tierney says. "His skills will make him a great defender, but his intelligence, understanding, and ability to communicate, will allow him to succeed those before him, as the quarterback of our defense for years to come. He was a two-time Long Island Empire State Team player who also helped lead Manhasset to a New York State Championship in 2004."

Brendan Reilly Landon School (MD.), McLean, VA. "Brendan is quiet, unassuming, and a total team player," Tierney says. "He is a defensive midfielder with a work ethic and winning attitude that should have him on the field when the game is on the line. He has speed, is willing to fight for ground balls, and is a tough defender. Brendan has outstanding academic credentials and is the student body president at Landon."

Greg Seaman: St. Paul's School (MD.), Lutherville, MD. "Greg is the son of Towson University Coach, Tony Seaman," Tierney says. " He has blossomed into one of the premier face-off men in the country. He runs well, has quick hands, and his savvy on the field demonstrates the fact that he has been around lacrosse for a long time. Greg's outgoing personality will allow him to be an all-important team leader on the field and in the locker room."

Rich Sgalardi: Chaminade High School (N.Y.), Garden City, N.Y. "Rich was one of the most highly recruited midfielders in the country due to his size, speed, and ability to be effective at both ends of the field, " Tierney says. "He has a cannon of a shot and because of his basketball background, he understands the game, sees the field, and has a unique cutting ability. At Princeton, he succeeds Rob Torti '01, Jim O'Brien '06, and Derek Sudan '07, from Chaminade, and he was a key member of the 2004 Long Island Empire Team."