By Darryl Grumling
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/24/10
Recent Downingtown East graduate Josh Becker, a defenseman, has committed to play Division III lacrosse at California’s Whittier College.
Becker helped the Cougars go 10-0 in the Ches-Mont League and 19-4 overall last year. Downingtown East won its third straight league title and reached the District 1 final before falling 7-4 to Conestoga.
Becker is currently attending Penn State-Altoona, which does not have a lacrosse team, and will transfer after the semester. Whittier is coached by Becker’s stepbrother, Brian Kelly. Under Kelly — a Downingtown grad who played at Whittier (Class of ’03) — the Poets went 7-7 overall playing an independent schedule and against several club teams. This year Whittier is 1-0 after opening with a 16-5 triumph over Southern Maine.
“It’s a really nice campus,” Becker said. “What’s not to like about having palm trees on the campus? And even though it’s a small school, I thought it was a lot more interesting than larger schools. I’m really excited about it.”
Freshman goalkeeper Jon Cairone (Abington) is currently on the Whittier roster.
Becker said he is undecided on a major, but might look into criminal justice. He also considered Cabrini College.
“It’s a chance to get away and have some good opportunities,” Becker said. “It really seems like an up-and-coming program.”
