By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/27/12
Salesianum School freshman defenseman Patrick Lyons has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Patrick Lyons log:
High School: Salesianum School
Graduation Year: 2016
Position: Defense
College Choice: UNC – Chapel Hill
Club Affiliations: Duke’s LC, Mesa Fresh 2016
Major lacrosse honors, All-Star teams, Camps, Showcases: Captain of Dukes LC, Jake Reed’s Nike Blue Chip Rising Freshmen Camp and Rising Sophomore Invitee, U-15 National Lacrosse Championship, Patriot Games Champions, Big 4 All-Star Game, South Eastern PA All-Star team,
Academic honors, Service projects: President’s List; National Latin Exam Magna Cum Laude; “Golden Buckle Award” for Excellence in Athletics, Academics & Citizenship; 2011 Student Council President; Youth Lector at St. Joseph on the Brandywine; Ministry of Caring Volunteer; Delaware Youth Leadership Board Member.
What will you major in/study? Pre-Dental/ Business
Why did you choose the school? “I chose North Carolina for several reasons. First, I have great respect for Coach (Joe) Breschi and his staff; specifically, the way they run their program (highlighting family, academics and lacrosse) truly made me feel at home. My sister, Meghan, plays field hockey at North Carolina so I have had many opportunities to visit the campus and to watch games. I knew North Carolina was the right place for me and I can’t wait to join the Tar Heel family.
“In addition to my personal connection to the school, I was inspired by the outstanding example that former Tar Heel defenseman Ryan Flannigan set during his time at UNC. Furthermore, my high school has a strong connection to the University and I’ve loved watching Sallies alumnus Ryan Kilpatrick play. I’m psyched for the opportunity to play in college with Duke’s LC teammates Austin Pifani, Charles Kelly, Colin Reder, and Jake Peden and Sallies’ teammate Troy Reeder.
“I knew I wanted to go to a school where I would be constantly competing to win a National Championship, and I firmly believe that with the recruits North Carolina is attracting and committing, we can achieve this goal. I’m a competitive student-athlete and I look forward to competing at the highest level.
What is your HS team’s outlook for next season? “Last year, we lost some key seniors, but I feel this year’s senior leadership will help us tremendously in winning a third straight state championship. We also look to continue to expand our out-of-state schedule.”
Other comments: “I’d like to thank my Duke’s LC coaches, Ebe Helm, Jason Christmas, Billy McKinney, and Eric Gregg; Mesa Freshc coaches Dave Sowers and Brian Wall, as well as my high school Coach Bob Healy, for helping me become the player I am today. Special thanks to Billy McKinney for the hours of training you provided and for helping me excel at my position. I’d also like to thank my first youth lacrosse coach, Stu Tierney, who believed, even then, that I had the ability and work ethic to become a Tar Heel.
“I want to thank all of my friends, especially my teammates. I’ve had an incredible experience with this sport so far, and I can’t wait to work even harder and continue to get better as a group.
“I’d like to thank my family. Without the countless hours of driving to practices, games and tournaments, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. You have all been great role models for me.
“Finally, I fully understand that this opportunity is more of a challenge than an achievement, and I am ready to meet that challenge! Now I can focus on pushing myself in the classroom and on the lacrosse field by being the hardest worker and the best team player.
Other schools considered? UVA, Notre Dame, Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Ohio State
Maple Zone Sports and Fitness Complex, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Recruits, congratulates Patrick Lyons. 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. 
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