Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/19/12

This is one of a series of previews for the 2012 Philly lacrosse season

Upper Merion

Coach: Brady McCormick (5th Season)

Last Year’s Record: Record 10–7, SOL American Runners–up

Notable Loses:
Conor Crowe (Washington & Jefferson) – 1st Team All SOL-A
Luc Minnich (Immaculata) – 2nd Team All SOL-A
Wes McDowell (Delaware Club) – 1st Team All SOL-A
Robby Boyk – 2nd Team All SOL-A

Key Returnees:
Mickey Bellace – Attack – Senior
Ricky Clairmont – Defense – Senior – 3rd Team All SOL-A
Lorran DaCosta – Midfield – Senior – 2nd Team All SOL-A
Austin Edelman – Defense – Senior – 1st Team All SOL-A
Brandon Henderson – Defense – Senior – HM All SOL-A
Trevor Kupecky – Attack – Junior – 1st Team All SOL-A
Jake Keszczyk – Midfield – Junior – 3rd Team All SOL-A
Chris Jordan – Midfield – Sophomore
Andrew McQuirns – Defense – Sophomore
Joe Mintzer – Attack – Sophomore
Kevin O’Sullivan – LSM –Sophomore
Mikey Zadroga – Midfield/FO – Sophomore HM All SOL-A

Coach’s Outlook:
“The class of 2011 was a very important class to the UMHS lacrosse family. They were the first 4 year varsity (team went from club to varsity in 2008) class and contributed heavily to our success. A lot of younger players will need to step into meaningful roles on the team but I expect them to perform well. Our core continues to be very strong and we strive to make each season the most successful one yet.”

North Penn

Coach: Rick Smith (2nd year)

Last Year’s Record: 6-12 overall, 3-9 League

Notable Loses: Greg Olsen (Def), Sean Adams (Def), Dan Kohler (Att), Chris Anton (Att), Drew Schmitz (Mid)

Key Returnees:
Mike Tappen (G) 12
Matt McConaghy (Def) 10
Vince Ruggieri (Def) 12
Tyler Maroney (Def) 11
Chris Young (Att) 12
Kyle Heinig (Att) 11
Matt Brayd (Mid) 10
Ryan Dwyer (Mid) 12
Dan Gross (Mid) 12

Others to Watch:
Alex Kopcho (Att) 11
Adam Wreath (Mid) 11
Shamar Bowman (Mid) 11
Tyler Worman (Def) 9
Scott Keffer (Att) 9
Sawyer Koch (Mid) 9
Zack McKelvie (Mid) 9

Question Marks: “ Our depth will play a role in determining how successful we are this season.”

Strengths: “Our players work ethic is our strength. The players show up every day determined to get better and to be competitive in a league full of talent.”

Overall Outlook: “As a coaching staff we expect our team to be competitive in every game. Because we lack in depth, every player is going to be counted on heavily this season. We have a good core of returning players and there are plenty of opportunities for the young players coming up. It is going to be an exciting year for us, and we want our players to enjoy success.”

Tags: North Penn, Upper Merion