Men’s recruit: Episcopal Academy’s Lerman will be all Orange next year at national champion Syracuse

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/10/09

Episcopal Academy senior goalie Matt Lerman has signed a letter of intent to play next year at defending NCAA Division I champion Syracuse University.

Lerman, a first-team All-Inter-Ac League pick last season, said he could not resist playing for a national powerhouse that plays before large crowds at a school that also offers a highly-rated communications program.

“I was looking at some other schools and I didn’t think I’d get an opportunity to get a serious look at them,” he said. “But I sent them some film and they really liked it. I took a trip up there and I loved it.

“They took me to see the academic buildings and then they took me into the players’ entrance of the (Carrier) Dome. It was amazing. I saw the basketball court and the lacrosse setup. They were mentioning they get 15,000 people at a game and it was just automatic (to pick Syracuse).

“I am also going to try and do communications. It’s one of the better schools in the country for it, so I will take advantage of that.”

Lerman admitted he is a little awed by the responsibility that comes with being a goalie at a school like Syracuse.

“I’m definitely a little nervous,” he said. “But all those players are a couple years ahead of me, so I’ll have to wait my time. I also have a lot of expectations. I’m a player that thrives off expectations and big crowds – especially with the position I play, so it kind of comes with the role.”

Lerman also will be counted on heavily this spring for the Churchmen, who are hoping to contend in the rugged Inter-Ac.

“I expect for us to contend for the Inter-Ac title,” he said. “We have a good enough team. I think we have the talent to do it. We just have to work hard and keep our heads on straight.”