The 2002 team will be led quad captains Alan Eberstein, Peter Monroe, Colin Thune, Ryan Voccola, and a large senior class of experienced players who have accumulated a record of 42-10 over the 3 previous seasons. Although the leadership and great skill of the 2001 seniors will certainly be missed, this year's squad is ready to continue their legacy of being one of the top lacrosse programs in all of New England.

The attack will be led by returning high scorer Alan Eberstein, and fellow captains Colin Thune and Ryan Voccola. They have eight previous varsity seasons under their collective belts, and this experience should prove invaluable in running the offense. In addition to these three veterans, the attack has some great new blood. Big Casey D'Annolfo who quarterbacked the football team in the Fall, and young rookie prep Tom Petty both look very strong and should be big contributors. Also, Joe Holder has moved back to attack from the midfield, and new upper John Rollo both have talent and experience to help the attack.

The midfield is deep and talented. They will be led by captain Peter Monroe who is back for his 4th varsity campaign. Peter is expected to pick up where he left off at the end of last season when he scored two big goals and earned a game ball in Exeter's win over Andover. Also expected to make major contributions will be returnees Gavin Nurick (Rookie of the Year in 2001), and veteran face off specialist Wyatt Golding. Newcomers to the program in the midfield will certainly make their mark this season. Impressive in the early practices have been Sloan Smith, Suresh Jones, Ryan Ambs, and Bobby Goulding. Up from the JV program and looking to help the team will be Taylor Evans, Rob Bear, Lars Ojukwu, and face-off/defensive specialist James Sheehan.

The defense is where Exeter lost the most talent from last year's graduating seniors, but the early practices indicate that this year's Big Red squad will be plenty talented defending their goal. Returning veterans Seth Coburn, Ben Gage, and Gabe Wood will anchor a defense that has size, speed, and stickwork. Football MVP Matt Perdoni has been the biggest surprise of the pre-season, and will be a force to reckon with. Big Tom Rubel is easily the most improved payer from a year ago when he started for the JV, so the coaches are expecting big things from Tom. Rounding out the defense will be Eric Jackson, John Reed, and newcomer to lacrosse John Kaufman.

The goalkeeper position should be in fine hands with veteran Jeff Miller in the starting role, and prep rookie Jamie Prudden providing very capable backup. Jeff has been the backup the past two years, but he seen many minutes of varsity action during that period. He knows the defensive system, and he should provide experience and skill to this most important position.

The season opens with the Choate Jamboree on Saturday, March 30th, with the opening game at home against Kennebunk HS on Wednesday, April 3rd only two days after returning from Spring break. Click here for the entire season schedule.

It should be another great year for BIG RED lacrosse!!!