Season Outlook For 2005
The 2005 Exeter lacrosse team has a great mix of some returning veterans, upcoming JV players, and many key new players who will collectively make a large impact. Although the large senior class of 2004 will be sorely missed, there is plenty of new and returning talent to make the 2005 team one of the strongest and deepest in recent years.

Leading the way will be senior co-captains Kirk Bansak and Tom Petty. Kirk is headed to Harvard next year where their coaching staff is anxious to use his great speed as a short stick defender. Look for Kirk to not only be a defensive specialist for Exeter this year, but to use his speed to help clear the ball, play man-down D, and of course to create fast break opportunities. Tom is headed to Middlebury next year where he hope to follow in the footsteps of another great Exeter attackman, Mike Saraceni '00. Tom returns as the team's leading scorer for both 2003 and 2004, and currently the 4th all time leading scorer in Exeter history. He will certainly move up that list, and possibly will finish his Exeter career as the all-time leading scorer.

The defense lost key players to graduation last year, but despite this, it appears to be the strongest and deepest position for the 2005 team. Returning from last year's varsity will be Middlebury bound Ian Drummond '05 and the athletic Brett Hughes '06. The JV team is supplying a great crop of defenders who all happen to be 11th graders and varsity ice hockey players as well. Look for Kevin Crane, Evan Crosby, Chris Downer, and Nick Downer to all make big contributions this season. Nick is recovering from an injury, so we may have to wait until next season to see him on the field. In addition, there are some very good new defenders who will certainly make the defense tough to penetrate. Frank Andrews, Pat Flynn, Russ Morash, and Coleman Peeke bring a lot of experience, size, and toughness to the squad. Like Nick, Russ is also injured to start the season. Another nice addition is new upper Shivpal Virk '06, who has shown nice skills and good positioning in the early practices.

The midfield will definitely be an area of strength for Exeter's team this year depite losing a lot of talent to graduation last year. 2004 captains Chris Mottau and Sloan Smith are playing at Amherst and Notre Dame respectively, while Bobby Goulding is playing at Wesleyan, and Chris Davis is playing at Middlebury. Back from last year are Kirk Bansak '05, Michael Scalise '06, Bruce Hallett '06, and Ace Ohira '06. Michael played a key offensive role on the 2004 team with 21 goals and 12 assists, so look for him to increase that output and perhaps play some attack as well. Bruce and Ace should have an increased presence on the field now that they have their first varsity season under their belt. New players will really add depth and strength to this year's midfield unit. Butler bound Travis Glennon '05, Brett Davis '05, Phil Clark '05 (going to Tufts), and Brian Wilbur '05 are all new seniors with lots of experience and skill. In addition, new upper big Sam Duprey '06 will surely be an impact player. The skills, athleticism, and poise of prep Tom Clayton '08 has been one of the nicest surprises of the early tryouts, and JV veteran Wes Chaput '06 has also looked good.

Any time you return your top scorer from the previous season's attack, it makes a coach feel a little easier. The very productive Tim Redmond '04 is playing at Holy Cross, and Eric Horan '04 is swimming at Emory, but with Tom Petty leading the way, this year's attack unit looks to be in fine shape. Returning as varsity veterans are the powerful bull dodging Steve "Scuba" Reardon '05, lefty Davis Moore '05, and the shifty Chris Mayer '06. Adding depth to this unit will be hockey star Jon Higgins '05, and the very promising prep, Mark Scalise '08.

The goal situation has never looked so good. Tufts bound Matt Harrigan '05 brings a great deal of experience and skill from his previously playing at a high level at the Landon School. Eric Hassett '05 is the returning backup goalie from both 2003 and 2004, and new upper Alec Shand '06 has impressed players and coaches alike with his quickness and ball stopping ability.

Exeter opens up the season against powerhouse Bridgton Academy on Wednesday, March 30th. Click here to see the entire 2005 schedule.