The Binghamton University men’s lacrosse team has announced the signing of nine high school seniors from the states of New York and Massachusetts during the recent two-week early signing period. The will join the Bearcats for the start of the 2004 season.

From the state of Massachusetts comes attacker Jeff Kaylor (Beverly, Mass.) and midfielder Chris Bernard (Beverly, Mass.), both of whom have been named first-team all-league at Beverly High School. Together, they have led their squad to the conference championship three straight years and to the state finals twice. Kaylor was the offensive sparkplug last season, netting 90 goals and tallying 23 assists.

From the Syracuse area comes midfielder Jeff Santucci (Cicero, N.Y.), the 2002 team MVP and 2003 team captain for Cicero-North Syracuse High School, and attacker Rob Williams (Fulton, N.Y.), who was named second-team all-league as a junior at Fulton High School.

From nearby Owego High School comes defender Matt Luhrs (Owego, N.Y.) and attacker/ midfielder Ryan Schmonsees (Owego, N.Y.).

Attacker Nate Kerstein (Rochester, N.Y.) comes from Irondequoit High School. He is a two-time all-county selection.

Defender Hans Van Houten (Penn Yan, N.Y.) plays for Penn Yan High School. He competed in the 2001 Empire State Games.

Attacker/ midfielder Matt McNamara (Oswego, N.Y.) was an honorable mention All-CNY (Central New York) selection as a junior at Oswego High School. He was also named second-team all-league.

“This is only our second recruited class but is perhaps the strongest that I have been associated with in the last 10 years,” head coach Ed Stephenson said. “We are paving the way, with back-to-back blue chip classes, for an exciting future at Binghamton University. This is a well-balanced class, each guy bringing his own unique style and flavor to our program. Although each is different, they all have the defining character that I look for in a student athlete. It will be a pleasure to work with these young men over the next four years."


COACH ED STEPHENSON'S QUOTES ON THE 2003-04 EARLY SIGNEES

Nate Kerstein
Irondequoit H.S.
Rochester, N.Y.

"Nate is one of the premier high school finishers. His exceptional stick skills on the crease and his powerful outside shot make him a consummate threat to score. He is a balanced student athlete, excelling both on and off of the field. His work ethic and his polished stick skills will help him acclimate quickly to the Division I game."

Jeff Santucci
Cicero-North Syracuse H.S.
Cicero, N.Y.

"Jeff is one of best midfielders in the country. He has the ability to shoot on the run, feed an open teammate, beat his defender one on one, create transition, and play strong defense. At home in the classroom, Jeff is a member of the National Honor and participates in numerous extra-curricular activities. We are excited to have him and his parents join our lacrosse family."

Rob Williams
Fulton H.S.
Fulton, N.Y.

"Rob is gifted attacker with excellent hands, often making the most difficult plays seem routine. He is a playmaker, having the ability to distribute the ball, drive past his defender, or shoot. In addition, he is a formidable hockey player and a good student. Our fans will be treated to 4 years of exciting play. I am glad he is on our side."

Matt McNamara
Oswego H.S.
Oswego, N.Y.

"Perhaps the quickest attacker in the region, Matt is a threat with or without the ball. With matching stick skills and excellent field vision, he will keep Binghamton fans on the edge of their seats throughout his career. A fine academic student, Matt will pursue a business degree."

Hans Van Houten
Penn Yan H.S.
Penn Yan, N.Y.

"Regarded as one of the best high school defenders in the nation, Hans has the strength and skills to blossom at the next level. In addition, he has the good fortune of playing for one of the premier coaching staffs in the country, Penn Yan Head Coach, Harry Queener, and Assistant, Brian Hobart. It is a given that Hans will be well schooled in both the fundamentals and the finer points of the game."

Matt Luhrs
Owego H.S.
Owego, N.Y.

"Much to our delight, Matt has chosen to play Division I lacrosse over football. As a matter of fact, Matt will be one of the first players from Owego's upstart program to play at this level. Although having only two years of experience, Matt's athleticism and determination will provide the fuel for rapid development. I look forward to seeing him progress over the next four years."

Jeff Kaylor
Beverly H.S .
Beverly, Mass.

"Jeff is a highly skilled ball handler with a powerful outside shot. He will join his brother Kevin, a freshman starter on our defensive unit. Jeff has a true love for the game, and a contagious enthusiasm. It will be a pleasure to work with him."

Chris Bernard
Beverly H.S.
Beverly, Mass.

"As an accomplished high school scholar, Chris maintains close to a 4.0 GPA. On the field, he is a throwback to the iron men of the 60's and 70's. An excellent athlete, he plays the game at 100 miles per hour for 60 minutes. Captain of the Ice Hockey Team, he moves like a gazelle and has the demeanor of a lion. I look forward to working with him."

Ryan Schmonsees
Owego H.S.
Owego, N.Y.

"Ryan is an excellent student and a strong lacrosse player. As an attacker, he shows no fear cutting through the middle of a defense to put the ball in the net. It is this toughness that he will draw on to succeed at the Division I level. With hard work and dedication, he will be a strong Division I competitor."