WHEELING, W.Va.— Head coach Jay Sothoron formally announced seniors Matt Maccario (Springfield, Pa.), Ed Monahan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and junior Brian Frank (Huntingtown, Md.) as the captains for the 2013 season. Maccario, Monahan, and Frank were elected by votes from their teammates.
“Our coaching staff and team are very confident that they will do a great job throughout the 2013 season,” Sothoron said. “These guys have really helped our team grow and develop into a top level team. This group has been through some tough times but has continued to have pride in the program. All three captains have been starters since their freshmen year, and their experience will help us elevate our program to the next level.”
Maccario returns for the third year in a row as team captain. He has been a three year starter and has always had the responsibility of covering every teams’ top attackman. He was a 2011-2012 Preseason All-American. During the 2012 campaign, he finished with 50 caused turnovers and 44 groundballs. He was also named 2nd Team ECC All-Conference. Maccario was recently recognized as Inside Lacrosse 2012-2013 Preseason Honorable Mention All-American. “Matt is one of those young men who make coaching easy. His knowledge of the game and leadership make him valuable on so many levels. I feel strongly that Matt is one of the top five defensemen at the DII level. I expect him to have a great senior campaign” Sothoron said.
Monahan steps into his role as a captain after being a three year starter at the LSM position. Monahan finished the 2012 season with one goal, 21 caused turnovers and 27 groundballs. “Ed is one of the most intense hard working players I have ever coached. He deserves a lot of credit for the success he has had in his playing career. Ed was very raw when he came in as a freshman and he has improved his game every year. I think Ed will be great on the wings and will be a tough match up for the midfielders he will face.” Sothoron said.
Frank is the lone junior voted as captain. He has been a two year starter on attack. Brian missed most of his freshman year due to injury. During his sophomore year, he finished with 25 goals, 10 assists, and 21 ground balls. “Frank is one of the best shooters on the team. He is a threat to score whenever he has the ball in his stick. We expect him to have a great year on the field and we feel he will be a great leader for our offense” Sothoron said.
Wheeling Jesuit was named the Most Improved team in Division II in 2012 by Lax Power. The Cardinals only lost two starters at the defensive end and return everyone on offense for the 2013 season. “We have high expectations and feel we have a lot to prove. In 2012, we started mostly underclassmen and showed we were much improved. Now, after bringing in a great freshmen class and doing well in fall ball, we feel we are ready to make a run at the NCAA playoffs.” Sothoron said.
