By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, posted 7/12/10
Recent Abington graduate Paul Berger (defenseman) has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Widener University.
Berger was a first-team Suburban One National Conference pick this year for the Ghosts, who claimed their fourth straight league crown and finished fourth in the District 1 playoffs. Berger, played club lacrosse for LB3 as well as the Duke’s L.C., the Archies and the Old York Road L.C.
Berger will join Abington teammates Jesse McGinley (goalie) and Jeff Tepel (midfielder) as Widener recruits. He plans to major in Environmental Science.
“I chose Widener because coach (Jamie) Lockard showed real interest in me at the start of my search and when I really took a look at the school I really liked what they had to offer,” Berger said. “Not only did they have a really successful program and a great coach, but they also had a school that satisfied the broken leg approach – which is a school I would be happy with, even if I broke my leg and could no longer play lacrosse.”
Berger, a four-year starter, earned honorable mention all-league as a freshman, third-team as a junior and second-team as a junior. This year he served as captain.
Berger said the team did not achieve all of its goals, but made its mark by reaching the District 1 semifinals and the state tournament before being knocked out in a one-goal loss to eventual state finalist and two-time defending champion La Salle.
“I feel we fell short of our goal to win the state championship, but that does not mean we did not have a good season,” he said. “I am extremely proud to say that our season was a success and everyone on the team really worked hard to make our team a tough competitor. I’m going to miss it.”
