The SUNY Potsdam men’s lacrosse team will make its 2004 North Country debut on April 24th when they welcome Cazenovia for a 4 p.m. competition. The Bears have two other home games planned that week as they host Elmira on Saturday followed by Clarkson on the following Wednesday

Potsdam finished the 2003 season fourth in the SUNYAC with a record of 3-4. The Bears advanced to the conference playoffs, losing to Cortland 15-9 in the opening round. The 2004 team is led by 11 seniors who are excited about the team and the upcoming season.

ATTACK

This year’s attack will be led by two veterans and a newcomer. Leading the group will be seniors Chris Minei , and Pete Kolson . Minei is a shifty attackman who is very good at both going to the goal and feeding. Kolson is a lefty finisher who is looking to have a big senior year. Joining them on attack will be senior transfer Raweras Mitchell , a skilled attackman and welcome addition to the 2004 Bears. Also joining the attack will be sophomore Greg Stocks a big time shooter who will look to work his way into the starting line-up. Two newcomers to the Bears are Matt Vaverchak and Brandon Swamp.

OFFENSIVE MIDFIELD

The offensive midfield unit will be led by seniors Evan Cree and Rob Peters. Evan is a very good athlete who will look to improve upon his numbers from a year ago. Peters is a big middie who can get to the goal as well as face-off. Sophomore Harrison Rogers makes the switch from attack to join the Bears first midfield line. Matt Hosmer and Mark Muskopf are two veterans who should add depth to the Bears midfield. Two transfers who will look to work their way into the midfield are Quinn Sweeney and Adam Wood . Also joining the Bears is freshman Steve Lashomb, a very good athlete who figures to work his way into the line-up right away.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD

The defensive midfield unit will be led by senior LSM Doug Lampert, who is perhaps the toughest and most athletic player on the team. Also playing LSM for the Bears will be senior Ryan Jacobs , a smart and agile defender. The Bears short-stick defenders will be led by Jay McFadden who started every game as a freshman a year ago. Joining him at short-stick d-middie will be senior Casey Swamp and freshman Jim Futscher.

DEFENSE

Leading the way will be senior Tonino Alteri, who makes the switch from LSM to close defense and will look to guard the opponent’s top attackman. Junior Josh Cecot, will bring a tough, physical presence to the starting line-up. Joining them will be freshman Dan Haas , a talented defender who will look to lead the Bears for years to come. Senior Colter Whitmore , and junior transfer Ryan Desantis will both be vying for time this season. Newcomers to the Bears defense are Nick Bundga and Matt Fahey. Also helping the defense will be Ryan Martineau and Nate Malatin.

GOAL

Playing at goal again in 2004 is junior Ryan Hanretty , a pre-season ALL-SUNYAC selection. Ryan started every game for the Bears in 2003 and had an 8.21 goals against average and a save percentage of 67 percent. He has great quickness and is the leader of the defense. Pushing him this season will be freshman Tim Neer and junior Mike Riggall .