By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/22/12
Garnet Valley rising senior face-off specialist Mike Lanham has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at St. Joseph’s University.
Mike Lanham log:
High school: Garnet Valley
Graduation year: Class of 2013
Position: FO Specialist
College choice: St. Joseph’s University
Club affiliations: Jags Lax, HEADstrong
Major lacrosse honors: 205 Allstar Game, Penncrest Endless Summer all tournament honors, FCA Face-Off competition winner, STX First annual Face-Off tournament North America 5th place
What will you major in/study: Business
Why did you choose school: “One of the main attractions to St Joe’s University, besides the Lacrosse program, is the outstanding Business School that they have. When I first met Coach Taylor Wray, I knew that he was the coach that I wanted to play for in college. I also feel that coaches Mike and Dan Keating will help me to improve my skills and knowledge of the game. They have done such a good job of recruiting and signing top talent and I am so fortunate to be able to play with these guys during my college career.”
Outlook for your high school team in 2013: “Last year we graduated some outstanding players and though it will be hard to replace them, we have some really good players returning who played key roles in both offense and defense. Besides our returning starters, we have a really good group of underclassman who are preparing to step up and fill in.”
Other comments: “I would like to thank my family for pushing me to be the best I could possibly be. They have influenced me to become a better student and athlete.
“Thanks to my Garnet Valley coaches: Coach Frank Urso, Coach Jim Snow, Coach Joe Kivlen, and Coach Dave Smeins.
“A Special thanks to my HEADstrong coaches: Coach Brian Neary, Coach Steve Layne, Coach Eddie DiDonato, and the Colleluori family.
“I would also like to say thanks to my Face-Off instructors: Jay Motta (Philadelphia Barrage) and Liam O’Connor (Junior, Notre Dame).
“Finally I would like to say thank you to Coach Bryan Tingle. He has done so much for me and has taught me everything I know about facing off. I really appreciate everything he has done for me.”
Maple Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Mike Lanham. Maple Zone, located on Conchester Pike in Boothwyn, offers numerous programs, leagues and instructional activities for boys’ and girls’ lacrosse players and also offers boys’ U13 and U15 travel teams. Click here for registration for the Muck Dawgs travel teams. 
