University of Massachusets Athletics
Senior Class Leading the Way
May 02, 2001 | Men's Lacrosse
by Michael Kobylanski
The Maroon & White
Without the strength of its 12-man senior class, there is no question that the University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse team would not be where it is right now.
But their contribution goes far deeper than can be seen on the regular scoresheet. True, the seniors have played an enormous role statistically - seven of the top 12 point men are fourth-year standouts - but that's only half the story. It is their ability to handle any situation both on and off the field, both good and bad, that translates directly into UMass' 10-1 record.
The Minutemen are where they are right now because of the contributions that they have received from every player on their roster. Yet the ability that the seniors have displayed to set the tone and lead by example are a big reason why UMass is in the hunt for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference title and a NCAA tournament berth.
"I couldn't be happier with their effort," said UMass men's lacrosse coach Greg Cannella of his senior class. "They've led us in the best fashion that they could."
This season, the seniors have exorcised the demons that had plagued them for their first three seasons. UMass had not reached the NCAA tournament in any of those campaigns, and had not posted a winning record in either of the past two. In that respect, they are already assured of a winning record and can secure a postseason berth with a couple of wins down the stretch.
Earlier in the year, Cannella spoke of the seniors' desire to prove to everyone that they had the capability to play lacrosse at a top-notch level. And, as evidenced by 10 wins in their first 11 games, it sure seems like the Minutemen have earned that respect.
"I think that we earned it even before the Georgetown game," Cannella said. "We're ranked No. 4 in the country - what more respect do you want than that?"
Positionally, the Minutemen have a pleasant balance of seniors at every position on the field. Yet the breakdown is not only fairly leveled off in sheer numbers, but in talent as well.
Attackers Rich Kunkel, the team leader in goals and points, and John Madigan, have displayed the same consistency that they have been accustomed to in their first three years. Fellow attacker Kevin Dell remains a valuable asset up front as well and has produced when called upon.
The midfield has also been a source of strength for the Minutemen. Jeff Seals leads the squad in groundballs and ranks as one of the nation's top faceoff men. Jeremy Guski, Alex Racioppi, Keith Gabrielli and Chris Lynch have also filled integral roles for UMass. The first three members of that quartet have also provided an offensive spark, as each player has at least 15 points on the season.
Defensively, Chris Gabrielli has been the lone senior mainstay in the back. At press time, the Farmingdale, N.Y., product ranked second on the team in groundballs and has teamed up with junior All-American Matt McFarland to form a solid unit in the back for the Minutemen. Local product Juan-Pablo Mas and David Harvey have also performed hard when called upon.
Of course, three-year starter Chris Campolettano has also enjoyed a stellar senior season in goal for UMass. A winner in 10 of 11 contests, he has saved some of his best performances for the biggest games. For example, in a one-goal win over No. 15 Penn State in late March, Campolettano kept the potent Nittany Lions offensive attack off the board in the final eight minutes to preserve the 10-9 victory.
Yet one of the best examples that illustrates what the senior class means to the program took place in a 13-12 loss to Georgetown on April 21. The Minutemen trailed the Hoyas by six goals at 12-6, with 12:28 remaining.
Down, but not out, UMass relied on its four-year standouts to claw its way back into the game. Guski, Madigan and Racioppi all found the back of the net during a six-goal run that allowed the Minutemen to tie the game with under two minutes to play. Keith Gabrielli also set up two of the goals, while netminder Campolettano emerged with several key saves to keep Georgetown at bay.
Ultimately, the Hoyas received a goal from Steve Dusseau with 12 seconds left to win the contest and spoil UMass' chance at a perfect season. However, for a class that has endured so much adversity during its career, the defeat only served as another source to learn from.
"You look at the guys who stepped up and made plays today - John Madigan, Keith Gabrielli, Jeff Seals - and Alex Racioppi had a big goal," Cannella said. "All the big plays were made by seniors, and Campy played well and made the big saves when he needed to."
Added Chris Gabrielli: "Obviously, we've been through a lot and we think that we can handle adversity and stick together when we need to. We've had a lot of down seasons, so for us to come out and start 10-0, it brings you up."
Of course, the Minutemen still have a couple of more tests that they need to pass in order to reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in four years. With three games remaining as of press time, including No. 2 Syracuse, a strong finish will bode well - not only in the confidence department, but also in the fact that a NCAA tournament bid can be scooped up if the Minutemen respond to the final challenges of the regular season.
"We've got to finish off the season on a high note so that we can go into the playoffs that way," Kunkel said.
