SYRACUSE -- The Syracuse men's lacrosse team took the field to kick off its 2011 campaign at Manley Field House on Thursday. The Orange had its first practice session in the morning, followed by its annual media day and a second practice in the afternoon. Head coach John Desko previewed the upcoming season in his introductory news conference, while student-athletes participated in interviews and posed for photos on the field.
During the news conference, Desko commented about the importance of the veterans to the success of the team that was tabbed No. 1 in the country. In addition, he offered his views on preparing the team for BIG EAST Conference play as well as looking forward to the playoffs and the ultimate goal - winning a national championship.
Syracuse has won an NCAA-record 11 national championships, including back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. Last season, the Orange finished with a 13-2 overall record, but was upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Army.
Desko's squad is ranked first in this year's Lacrosse Magazine annual preseason Division I rankings. It is the second No. 1 preseason ranking for the Orange. Syracuse also claimed the top spot in the 2011 Face-Off Yearbook rankings compiled by Inside Lacrosse.
The Orange returns six starters, including four Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-America First Team selections. A trio of seniors lead the Orange's midfield corps, including preseason first-team All American Jermey Thompson. Joining Thompson will be second-team preseason All-America pick Jovan Miller and Josh Amidon, who received a preseason honorable mention All-America nod.
On attack, senior Stephen Keogh returns as a preseason All-America second-team member. Keogh led the Orange with 31 goals a year ago. SU's top freshman scorer from 2010, JoJo Marasco, was named to the preseason honorable mention team after totaling 17 points (9g, 8a) in 2010.
SU's defensive core consists of close defender John Lade, long-stick midfielder Joel White, and goaltender John Galloway. All three are preseason All-America first-team picks. White is Syracuse's career leader in points by a defensive player (22), while Galloway is the program's career leader in goals-against average (7.55). Honorable mention selection Brian Megill is back in his second year as a starter on close defense.
The Orange begins the 2011 season with a three-way scrimmage against Le Moyne and Hofstra at the Carrier Dome on Saturday, Feb. 5. SU will also host Maryland and Canisius in exhibition games on Thursday, Feb.10 before beginning the regular-season against Denver on Feb. 20.
Courtesy: SU Athletics
