By
Naveen Boppana and Larry Napolitano
Football
The Holy Cross football program enters 2001 with a
sense of optimism that has not been felt on Mount St. James
since
the 1991 season. The Crusaders return 38 letter winners,
including 18 starters, with hopes of continuing the success
they enjoyed last season. On offense, the team returns
two quarterbacks with significant starting experience,
its entire backfield and wide receiver corps. Holy Cross
also returns eight starters on a defense that ranked
third in the Patriot League.
Quarterback
One of the deepest skilled positions on the team was put
to the test last season when the 1999 Patriot League Rookie
of the Year, Brian Hall ’03, suffered a season-ending injury
in the fifth game of the year. The team passed this test
with flying colors, however, as classmate Erreick Stewart
replaced the injured Hall and earned Second Team All-Patriot
League honors. Hall and Stewart combined for 2,175 yards
and 14 touchdowns through the air a year ago. Hall completed
64-of-113 passes for 677 yards and three touchdowns. He
became the first Crusader in nine years to win the prestigious
New England Sportswriters/Coca-Cola Gold Helmet award after
leading Holy Cross to a 27-25 win over Harvard. On the
season, Hall rushed for 342 yards on 75 carries, scoring
five touchdowns. Stewart completed 138 passes for 1,498
yards and 11 touchdowns. He threw for the seventh highest
single-game total in school history against Fordham in
the season finale. Stewart completed 28 passes for 388
yards and two touchdowns in the game. He also became the
first Crusader quarterback to earn All-League honors since
Tom Ciaccio in 1991.
Running Back
Holy Cross returns its entire backfield from a year ago, after ranking fourth
in the Patriot League in rushing. Calvin Souder ’02 leads a three-headed running
attack for the Crusaders. Souder rushed for 497 yards on 130 carries and scored
three touchdowns. He showed constant improvement throughout last season after
making the transition from defensive back. Michael Gillis ’03 and Joe Uliano ’02
provide more of a straight ahead rushing style. Gillis led the team in rushing
touchdowns with six and gained 326 yards on 103 carries. Uliano played in only
seven games due to injury, but ranked second on the team in yards per carry
(4.3). Uliano rushed for 233 yards on 54 carries.
Offensive Line
Jefferson Exil ’02 and Ross Sullivan ’02 will look to lead a young but talented
offensive line that lost three all-league players a year ago. Exil started
eight games last season including seven of the final eight games of the year.
Sullivan started three games a year ago and will be counted to move into a
more prominent role this season. Steve Fox ’04 also will play a bigger role
this season. He played in 10 games in his first year and will have an edge
for one of the remaining starting positions.
Wide Receiver
This is the deepest and most experienced part of the Holy Cross offense. The
Crusaders return seven wide receivers from last season, including five with
significant starting experience. Michael Coleman ’02, Steve Green ’02, Kendy
Hall ’02 and David Thompson ’02 will lead the receiving corps. Speedster David
Kasouf ’03 also returns to the lineup. Kasouf ranked third on the team in receptions
(21) and fourth in receiving yards (246) last season.
Tight End
Hector Cordero-Reyes ’03 is the Crusaders’ lone returning tight end with experience.
Clayton Lemmer ’02 will move from wide receiver to add depth and game experience
to the tight end position. Liam Staunton ’03 and the three incoming first-year
students also will be in the mix at tight end.
Defensive Line
The Crusader defensive line will have to make up for the loss of two-time First
Team All-New England selection, David Puloka. Along with Puloka, four key
members of the defensive line graduated last May. Tri-captain James Jenkins ’02,
along with Taufa’asau Siaki ’02, Nick Soivilien ’02, and Travis Thompson ’02
will all try to step up their play to help offset the loss of the graduates.
Bill Silvio ’02 and Michael Buckley ’03 and Kenneth Rogers ’03 also will
need to be key contributors during the season.
Linebacker
Holy Cross returns two players with significant playing
experience at this position. David Dugan ’03 really came
into his own last season. He ranked third on the team
in tackles with 64, including 42 unassisted stops. Mike
Miller ’02 is the other Crusader with a lot of playing
experience. Miller played in all 11 games notching 19
tackles, including one for a loss a year ago. Joel Lenzini ’02,
Patrick Duff ’03, Adam Ackermann ’04 and Tom Hoover ’04
all will battle for playing time. Duff also plays on
special teams as the long snapper.
Defensive Backs
Holy Cross returns three-quarters of its starting defensive backfield, but
will have to overcome the loss of Second Team All-Patriot League performer
Troy LaRose. Safety Michael Blake ’02 was a First Team All-Patriot League honoree
after leading the Crusaders’ in tackles last season with 88. The Patriot League
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Blake will try to have even a bigger
impact this season from the Crusaders’ secondary. Co-captain Vernell Shaw ’02,
Ryan Ciampa ’03, Gary Bordelon ’04 and Ben Koller ’04 also return. All four
started at points during the season which makes the defensive backfield the
most experienced part of the team’s defensive unit. James Conrow ’02 missed
all of last season with a knee injury. He made the transition to defensive
back in the spring after spending three seasons as a running back.
Kickers
Ryan Rolfert ’03 and Chris Vella ’04 will handle the kicking
duties. Both saw action last season and will be called
upon to help the Crusaders in close games this fall.
Women's Tennis
The 2001-02 women’s tennis team will rely on the experience of its veterans
to improve on its sixth place finish in the Patriot League of a year ago. Third-year
head coach, Mike Lucas, returns all of his players from last season. The Crusaders
posted a record of 12-7 overall, marking the program’s highest win total since
1986. The 12 wins also tie the mark for the second highest win total in school
history. Leading the returning players are top singles player, Amy Crump ’03,
who finished with a record of 10-10 in singles play and posted a mark of 7-8
in doubles action with her younger sister, Missy Crump ’04. Missy Crump also
recorded a mark of 9-8 at second singles. Sara Spain ’02, Erica Fugelsang ’03
and Illy Nagy ’03 will also help contribute to the effort. Spain played #6
singles and finished with a 12-1 record, while Fugelsang and Nagy played #3
and #5 singles respectively and finished with 14 wins each last season. Jianna
Chew ’03 also will help the effort. Chew competed at fourth singles a year
ago and will look to improve upon her 7-9 mark last season. Allison Levy ’04
and Melissa Levy ’04 led the Crusaders at second doubles posting a 13-2 record
while Chew and Erin Hylka ’03 posted a 6-2 mark in doubles play.
Men's Tennis
The men’s tennis team will look to improve upon last season’s 6-11 record.
Head coach, Marc Young, hopes to guide his squad to the next level and gain
ground in the Patriot League. Leading the way will be Gerry Benedicto ’03,
the #1 singles and doubles player for the Crusaders. Benedicto finished 2-15
as a singles player last season competing against some of the top #1 singles
players in New England. Tim Carey ’03 spent most of last season in the #2 singles
position where he posted a mark of 5-3. Kenton Allen ’04 notched a 4-5 record
at # 3 singles while Mike Corey ’04 picked up three wins against five defeats
at # 4 singles. All three will have to step up their levels of play if Holy
Cross is to improve in league action. Rich Roberts ’02 posted 3-1 record as
#5 singles player and 5-5 record as #6 singles player a year ago. He also will
need to make the most of his final campaign while at the same time providing
senior leadership if Holy Cross is to improve upon its six wins of last season.
Field Hockey
The 2000 Holy Cross field hockey team capped off an impressive season with
its third Patriot League Championship in four years and first Patriot League
regular season title with a perfect 6-0 record. This season marks a new challenge
for head coach, Meg Galligan. The loss of five starters to graduation, including
Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, Colleen Schmitt, Defensive Player
of the Year, Annie Lavigne and two All-League players, Kim Ferguson and Jes
Gulino, opens the door for many to contribute right away. With three of the
top four scorers and a host of young talent coming back, Holy Cross has its
sights set on a return trip to the Patriot League Tournament in defense of
its championship crown.
Forwards
Replacing Schmitt is the challenge for Coach Galligan.
Mary Beth Clark ’02 exploded onto the scene midway through
last season. She will join Liz Tutella ’03 and Julie Silva ’03
on Holy Cross’ front line, which combined for 54 points
a year ago. Heather Yanusas ’04, who saw action in 19 games,
will add depth along with talented newcomers, Cathleen
Kerman and Christina Zorzi.
Midfielders
Lifon Huynh ’02 and Kristina Dodier ’04 will need to step
up this season. “It is critical to have a strong mid-line,” Galligan
says. “With only one returning player with experience we
need others to step up in order to be successful.” Huynh
earned Second Team All-Patriot League and Second Team Northeast
Regional All-American honors a year ago. Dodier saw little
action during her first year and will vie for more playing
time. She may see play time on the front line as well.
Newcomers Caitlin Moynihan, Laura Potts and Torrey Shillieto
will add depth in the midfield.
Backs
Kelly Holmes ’02, who was part of last year’s backfield
that finished second in the nation in scoring defense,
returns, giving Coach Galligan an experienced leader in
the backfield. Jillian LeClair ’04, one of two first-year
students to start every game last season, tallied two goals
and 102 interceptions in 2000. She may move up to the midfield
or become a sweeper. Meg Barry ’03 missed most of last
season due to illness. She will return with hopes of joining
Holmes in the back field. Kristin Toomey ’04 and Julia
Filip ’05 will provide depth.
Goalkeeper
Coach Galligan has the number one goalie in the Patriot
League in Jennifer Corsilli ’04 returning in net this season.
Corsilli, the 2000 Patriot League Co-Rookie of the Year,
returns after posting a 0.83 goals against average, ranking
second nationally last season. She finished with a 14-7
record, including nine shutouts (tying the school record).
Melissa Ivers ’04 will fill the backup roll and may see
playing time this season.
Volleyball
With the loss of only two players, Holy Cross returns a
strong team with a lot of court experience. After a 12-16
season in 2000, the program’s best record in the last 10
years, the Crusaders are ready to compete for the Patriot
League title.
Middle blockers
Holy Cross has two players to turn to in the middle this season. Carissa Bennett ’03
will be looked upon to provide both offense and defense out of the middle for
the Crusaders. Cheryl Jakielo ’03 played in 86 games for the Crusaders in her
second year. She will move to the middle from the right side after a very successful
spring campaign.
Right side
Catherine Mulvihill ’04 will move to the right side from the middle blocker
position. Mulvihill played in 93 of 97 games last season.
Outside hitters
The club of head coach, Peter Viteritti, returns two key veterans at the outside
hitter position. Katie Snell ’04 and Kerri Blumenauer ’04 will provide the
foundation for Holy Cross’ offense in 2001. Snell was a top offensive player
while Blumenauer provided leadership and skill.
Setter
Jessica Ostlund ’03, a Second Team All-Patriot League honoree
in 2000, will return as one of the top setters in the league.
She played in 93 games, recording a single season school
record, 846 assists.
Defensive Specialist
Nicole Smith ’04, who saw limited action last season, will serve as the Crusaders’ defensive
specialist.
Newcomers
The list of newcomers includes Caitlin Agostinacchio, Michelle
Leahy, Lauren Liesman, Diane Marzelli, Suzanna Guidone
and Jessica Stonoha. Each one of them adds quality and
depth to the squad and should make immediate contributions
to Holy Cross’ overall success.
Women's Soccer
Last season was certainly one for the record books as Holy Cross claimed its
first Patriot League Championship and hosted a NCAA first-round game against
Boston University. With five of the top six leading scorers returning and
a host of young talent waiting in the wings, Coach Curtis will look to capitalize
on last year’s momentum, and will once again challenge for the league title.
Forwards
Curtis will put an experienced group of forwards on the field this fall, led
by Emily Driscoll ’02, Brandy Ault ’03 and Sarah Comeaux ’04. Driscoll missed
part of the season due to injury a year ago, while Ault has played in all 41
games in the last two years. Comeaux earned Second Team All-Patriot League
honors. After sitting out a good portion of the first-half of the 2000 season
due to illness, she tallied five goals in 11 games and finished second on the
team in scoring. Alison Bodenheimer ’04 saw limited action last season. She
also will compete for a spot in the front.
Midfielders
This year’s team will be strong at the midfield position, led by the team’s
top scorer, Kate O’Shaughnessy ’02. O’Shaughnessy will be joined in the midfield
by classmate Erin Patterson and Lee Hummer ’03. O’Shaughnessy earned First
Team All-Patriot League honors. She needs two assists to break Holy Cross’ all
time assists record of 17. Patterson, who moved from back to the midfield her
second season, saw action in 36 games the last two years. Hummer has appeared
in 38 career games and has tremendous potential. Coach Curtis also returns
Caitlin Dwyer ’04, Heather Stanga ’04 and Carolyn Tschummi ’04. Dwyer appeared
in 17 games her first year and will look for more playing time this season.
Stanga and Tschummi saw limited action last year and will keep the midfield
operating at a high level.
Backs
A strong group of experienced returnees will be welcomed back this season.
Maria Lauring ’02 and Laura McSharry ’02 will join Caitlyn Lynch ’03 and Erica
Backstrom ’04. Lauring, who finished fifth on the team in scoring will move
to backfield from the midfield. McSharry is an experienced player who has seen
action in 52 games in her career. Lynch was the team’s leader on defense for
the last two years and will once again match up with the opposition’s top scorers.
Backstrom played in 21 games in her first year and will be key factor on the
defense. Jess DeFrancisco ’04 also will provide depth on defense.
Goalkeeper
Coach Curtis has two players battling for the starting goalkeeper job this
fall. Christine Arsenault ’04 and Mary Dennehy ’05, both will have the opportunity
to see action in the net this year as the Crusaders will need to find a replacement
for Second Team All-Patriot League netminder Tiffany DeCoff, who graduated
last season.
Men's Soccer
With just three upperclassmen on the team, last season looked as if it would
be a rebuilding year for Coach Comrie and the Crusaders. However, this young
team finished the season with an 8-10 record and Holy Cross’ sixth Patriot
League Tournament appearance in the last seven years. With all 11 starters
and 17 letter winners returning this year, the goal for this year’s team
is to improve upon the success of last season, with the ultimate prize of
a Patriot League championship a realistic possibility.
Forwards
Matt Ney ’04, a First Team All-Patriot League selection last season, returns
up front as the Crusaders’ leading scorer (32 points on 14 goals and four assists).
He already ranks fifth on the Holy Cross all-time scoring list with 52 points.
Chris Napolitano ’04 burst onto the scene last year for the Crusaders and will
be looked upon to continue that success this season. Paul Kitson ’04 and William
Stewart ’04 will add depth up front while bringing playmaking ability to the
front line. Britton Chan ’02 and Brian Weeks ’04 also should see playing time,
bringing a strong knack for the ball to the goal area.
Midfield
Controlling the midfield play is a critical element to the Crusaders’ game
plan and a key to any success that they will have. The battle for playing time
at these positions may be the most heated of all. First Team All-Patriot League
selection Pat Montgomery ’03 returns for Coach Comrie, as does classmate Oscar
Cantu and Alex Wesner ’04, each of whom started at least 12 games last season.
Ryan Supple ’04 and Michael Mills ’04 should both play major roles in a deep
and talented midfield. Newcomers Geoffrey O’Connell ’05 and Ryan Atwood ’05
will enter the season as backups, but Coach Comrie will leave the door open
for playing time.
Backs
The Crusaders will again bolster one of the top backfields in the Patriot League.
Co-captain Rusty Giudici ’03, a First Team All-Patriot League selection a year
ago and the team’s second leading scorer (13 points), will anchor the middle
of the Holy Cross defensive line. Co-captain Matt Harvey ’02, who will quarterback
the defensive effort, started all 18 games last season. Joe Foerster ’03 will
again hold down a defensive position. Vernon McGeorge ’03 and Chris Ruggi ’04,
who will also see time up front, will experience significant action. Miles
Glover ’02, Michael Crean ’04 and Ryan Supple ’04 will seek to contribute to
the defensive effort as well.
Goalkeeper
Kevin Baker ’04 will return to the net for Coach Comrie. Baker was enjoying
a promising first-year campaign before a broken leg sidelined him for the rest
of the season.
Cross Country
The men’s and women’s cross country teams enter the 2001 season looking to
continue to show the improvement that they began to display last season. If
youth is served, the Crusaders could have a very successful and productive
fall season.
The men’s team, led by All-Patriot League performer Sean McCarthy ’03, finished
eighth out of 26 teams at the National Catholic Cross Country Meet one year
ago. McCarthy’s performance at the meet earned him Patriot League Cross Country
Athlete of the Week honors. Peter Harris ’02 and Dan Kirchoff ’02 will serve
as team co-captains and will try to lead the talented but young Crusaders.
Matthew Karatkewicz ’03, Owen Speer ’03 and Michael Lucke ’04 also will be
performers to watch this fall.
The women’s team, coming off of a fourth place finish at the Patriot League
Championships last season, returns several key performers as they try to break
into the top-three in league action. Ashley Boyle ’04 leads the way for the
Crusaders. Her 12th place finish at the Murray Keatinge Invitational was the
best ever for a Holy Cross female athlete at the meet. All-Patriot League performer
Emily Hogan ’02, winner of the 10,000 meter run at the outdoor Patriot League
Championships, will look to continue her success from the spring season. Marcia
Flaherty ’02, who will also serve as a co-captain alongside Hogan, will try
to lead the Crusaders against some of the best competition in New England.
Naveen Boppana is the assistant director of athletic media
relations and Larry Napolitano is the coordinator
of athletic media relations at Holy Cross.
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