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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – This Lehigh men’s lacrosse senior class has only known winning. The record of the four-year seniors is 31-15 – 41-22 for the two graduate students. These Mountain Hawks have fought through the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the Lehigh men’s lacrosse program competing for championships every single year, including last season’s title and NCAA Tournament appearance in which the Mountain Hawks earned the No. 8 seed. Lehigh was as high as No. 5 in the national polls and one of two remaining undefeated teams in the nation in late April. This class features contributors from all over the field, All-Americans, leaders, scholars and tremendous young men. One was named a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award last season while another was this year. They have made their mark in everything they have done.
Check out the full Q&A with the seniors…
#5 Matt Marker – Sr. – M – Bethlehem, Pa. – Political Science
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
MM: It’s crazy how fast time flies. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a special program and to build memories with such amazing people. As we approach the end of the season, I’m looking forward to giving everything that we have in effort to accomplish our goal of winning a championship.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MM: Beating Loyola for the first time in history last year. It was awesome to get a huge win for the program with a win over a great opponent.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
MM: Our class has been through a lot together, especially having to deal with COVID over the past two years. This has only strengthened our relationships with each other. In terms of our entire team, all 52 guys consider each other to be best friends. The past four years has led me to meet some incredible people, and form friendships that will last many years.
What makes this team and this program so special?
MM: What makes this team and this program so special is the relationships that we have with each other as teammates. We go through many high and lows throughout the year; the only constant is that we always have each other to rely on. Everybody exerts so much time and effort towards achieving our goals. Being involved in the program has instilled values in me that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
What are your plans for next year?
MM: I am planning to return to Lehigh next year to obtain a Master of Science in Business Management.
#9 Mike Monitto – Sr. – M – Melville, N.Y. – Political Science
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
MM: Bittersweet. Excited to move into the next chapter of my life, sad that I will be leaving behind the college experience of living with my best friends, seeing them every day and playing lacrosse with them.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MM: Playing and starting in the Patriot League Championship game my freshman year.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
MM: They’re my best friends… they’re the reason I loved my time here. Picked me up on bad days and I tried to do the same for them. I also look up to all of them and try to take a page out of all their books, see what makes them tick and successful and try to emulate that in my own life.
What makes this team and this program so special?
MM: The culture within the group. We’re all the same no matter the age and we grind every day on the field and create lifelong friendships off it. It’s really the guys who we recruited to play here that make the experience what it is. We mesh together really well.
What are your plans for next year?
MM: Currently have not accepted a job, but I am close to closing in on an opportunity in the commercial real estate realm, which is an industry that has a promising future and tons of opportunity.
#18 Michael Hagenberger – Sr. – D/LSM – Mount Sinai, N.Y. – Computer Science
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
MH: The biggest thing that has been going through my head has been just how fast things have gone. I have really come to appreciate every moment that I have had, and I am excited to see how we will do the rest of this season.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MH: My favorite memory has to be us going undefeated in the Patriot League and hosting the tournament. Although we did not get the chance to actually play out the championship game due to COVID, the whole experience is one I will never forget.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
MH: The relationships I have built on this team are unreal. Every one of them is my brother and I wouldn’t have wanted to go through this whole experience with any other group of guys.
What makes this team and this program so special?
MH: The culture we have on this team is something that makes it truly special. This team is one big family and we all share the same goals. Every single person plays a huge part in our success and will do whatever we have to do to get the job done. It all stems from the amount of passion, selflessness, discipline and toughness that is in this group and is something that brings everyone closer every day.
What are your plans for next year?
MH: I am still figuring out my post-graduation plans, but I am looking for a software developer position where I can continue my future.
#19 James Spence – Gr. – G – Springfield, Pa. – Management (Master’s)
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
JS: I’m proud of how our team has been playing this season so far, but we are not finished. I’m excited to see how this team keeps playing and I’m happy to be part of it all. I hope to see us raising the trophy at the end of the season.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JS: My favorite memory is my freshman year when we won the Patriot League Semifinal in overtime against Navy. Watching my brother score the game-winning goal and making it to the Patriot League Championship Game for the first time in four years was awesome.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
JS: I have a great relationship with my teammates and coaches. The coaches have always been there for me and have helped me through many obstacles that have come with school and lacrosse. They have pushed me to where I am today as a lacrosse player and as a person. Being a fifth year was a great experience and the senior class was a great class to come into. It is a very close-knit group, and they took Teddy and I in and we had a great time all year. Always are hanging out getting lunch and just doing whatever we can to make sure we are always hanging out with each other. I love all the guys; they are all lifelong brothers to me, and I know I will be in contact with them for the rest of my life.
What makes this team and this program so special?
JS: What makes this team so special is how everyone is bought in to what we have to do in order to compete for championships. We all want to succeed on and off the field, and our teammates are willing to always help each other out in order for our program to have success. I think this year specifically, we just have listened to each other and have committed to doing whatever the team needs in order to compete for championships.
What are your plans for next year?
JS: I have decided to take a position at Intech Construction in their Loop program to work in project management.
#21 Judah Hicks – Sr. – LSM/D – Moorestown, N.J. – Economics
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
JH: Realizing how fast time flies. Making the most out of every day. Cherishing the time I have with those I love and care about.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JH: Winning the semifinal against Boston University freshman year.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
JH: Our relationships are great. I love the guys in the team and know they have my back. We are a close class, and have great times and memories with each other.
What makes this team and this program so special?
JH: This team and program are so special because of the family culture within it. Aside from working hard, being able to be close with all your teammates is something many teams don’t have.
What are your plans for next year?
JH: I plan to live out my dreams.
#22 Tommy Schelling – Sr. – A – Warren, N.J. – Mechanical Engineering
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
TS: I am just trying to enjoy every last moment I have left on this team with this group of guys. It’s just been incredible and I am so fortunate to have had this opportunity. I have learned so much and made relationships that will last a lifetime. My main thought right now is winning the next game, but as the season comes to an end the PLC has become increasingly more relevant. It’s time to buy in and do whatever it takes to finish the season strong and win a PLC. I’m excited to see how this group will finish.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
TS: I would say beating Loyola for the first time in program history was definitely a highlight. Going undefeated in the Patriot League last year is something I will never forget, and that win against Loyola was huge.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
TS: They are my best friends. I wouldn’t have wanted to go through college with any other guys. It’s remarkable to think how close we have become over the past years. This team is one big family. I look back to last year when we weren’t really allowed to see anyone outside of our team and I just remember how excited I was just to go to practice and see my friends. Our team is composed of such a great group of guys. We have been through so much together and I honestly believe these relationships will last a lifetime.
What makes this team and this program so special?
TS: The comradery. The family mentality. This program has shaped me into the man I am today and I believe the people are what makes this program so special. It’s been an honor to be a part of the Lehigh Lacrosse family for the past four years and I just can’t thank everyone enough for making this experience what it was. The relationships we have built make it all worth it. We all are chasing success, and being a part of a team that is focused on a collective goal is something special.
What are your plans for next year?
TS: I have the option to come back for a fifth-year. I am still not sure exactly what I will be doing, but I have considered pursuing a Master’s in Management.
#29 Michael Gomez – Sr. – D – Montauk, N.Y. – Economics
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
MG: Each day is an opportunity to compete, enjoying every moment the team has together.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
MG: Been through it all with these guys! some of the best people I know. These relationships are what it’s all about. I am proud to call this group my best friends.
What makes this team and this program so special?
MG: The dedication everyone has makes it really fun. All of us working hard towards one goal and being able to have fun while doing so is special to me.
#36 Patrick McIlroy – Sr. – D – Westfield, N.J. – Political Science
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
PM: It’s crazy that I’m in my senior year; it all flew by so quickly. I can’t believe that this will be my last time playing lacrosse.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
PM: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory was the game against Navy my sophomore year. It was one of the most thrilling and gut-wrenching games of my career; I will always remember the feeling of playing in that game.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
PM: Ever since I stepped on campus freshman year, I have created some of the best relationships of my life. The kids in my graduation class have been my best friends throughout college and will continue to be after we graduate.
What makes this team and this program so special?
PM: The “togetherness” makes this program and team so special because there are no age barriers within the team and everyone is friends with each other.
What are your plans for next year?
PM: I have decided that I will be accepting a job at Morgan Stanley in New York City post-graduation. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of this team for the last four years and I am looking forward to where the next part of my life will take me.
#37 Peter Lucas – Sr. – M – Rumson, N.J. – Economics
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
PL: As we near the end of the regular season, I am reflecting on how grateful I am to be a member of this team. Coach Cassese gave me the chance to join the lacrosse team after playing football here at Lehigh. The Lehigh Lacrosse Family welcomed me from day one and the relationships I have made will undoubtedly last a lifetime. My experience has been amazing and I am looking forward to competing for our team’s goals in the postseason.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
PL: There have been so many great memories. Something that I will always remember is after losing a couple bad games earlier this season then going up to Army’s Michie Stadium and getting a big win that put us back into national top 20 rankings.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
PL: When I met the team for the first time, I immediately had 50+ new friends who without even knowing someone, would go above and beyond. That speaks to the quality of guys in the locker room. As for my fellow seniors, I cannot thank these guys enough for making my experience so enjoyable.
What makes this team and this program so special?
PL: What makes this program so special is the competitiveness and work ethic while having a fun time doing it.
What are your plans for next year?
PL: After graduation, I have accepted a job offer as an analyst at J.P Morgan.
#45 Teddy Leggett – Gr. – LSM/D – Vaughan, Ontario – Healthcare Systems Engineering (Master’s)
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
TL: It’s definitely making me think about how fast my experience has went by here, I have loved every minute of it!
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
TL: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point may have been playing in the NCAA Tournament game last year. Obviously wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but a great experience.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
TL: My relationship with my fellow teammates has been great. Being a fifth year, the seniors have been awesome in letting me be a part of their class. They are awesome teammates and awesome friends.
What makes this team and this program so special?
TL: The team is so special for so many different reasons. The most important one though is that each and every person cares and wants everyone to succeed. It’s the most close-knit team I’ve ever been on.
#47 Cole Kirst – Sr. – A – Bernardsville, N.J. – Journalism
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
CK: Throughout the season, we focus deeply on our mission each week and it’s special to take a step back and realize this could be the last time we will play another color jersey on Frank Banko Field.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
CK: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point was playing against Rutgers University in the First Round of the NCAA tournament. Dreaming of playing on ESPN to playing against both of my brothers Connor and Colin who I look up to so much on a stage to compete for a National Championship was a moment I will never forget.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
CK: The bond our senior class has built over the past four years will continue for the rest of my life. Being able to share this experience with each one of them has been a journey I will cherish forever.
What makes this team and this program so special?
CK: The people make this program so special.
What are your plans for next year?
CK: I have not made any post-graduate decisions.
#48 Jack Barclay – Sr. – M – Ridgewood, N.J. – Political Science
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
JB: Every year, the spring season flies by in the blink of an eye. With just a few short weeks left until the Patriot League Tournament begins, I am trying to cherish every day I have left with my teammates, both on and off the field.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JB: My favorite memory has to be the HEADstrong tournament our freshmen year. Right before warmups for our first competition together at Lehigh, Coach Cassese told the team that every freshman would be starting the scrimmage. It was an unbelievable experience, and between the nerves and excitement, I will remember that day forever.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
JB: From the day I stepped on campus freshman year, my classmates instantly turned into my best friends. Since then, we have only grown closer, and I can confidently say all these guys will be friends for life. As for the rest of my teammates, I have been incredibly fortunate to play with some amazing guys over the last four years. Between the senior class when I was a freshman, and now the freshman class as I am a senior, the relationships I have been able to develop have been extremely impactful in who I am as a person today.
What makes this team and this program so special?
JB: The guys. While we go over the mountain and compete and challenge each other every day, we also spend most of our free time together. Being able to develop relationships that are so much more than just “teammates” makes everything much more special.
What are your plans for next year?
JB: I have yet to accept a full-time job offer. I plan on continuing my job search and finding the right place for me. Until then, I will be managing a small business that a friend and I started two years ago.
#88 Anthony Tangredi – Sr. – D – Smithtown, N.Y. – Finance
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
AT: These last four years have really flown by. I am thankful for all the memories I’ve made so far and am excited to make more this season.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
AT: Beating Loyola for the first time in school history.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
AT: From the freshmen to the seniors, I have made life-long friendships that I will always be grateful for.
What makes this team and this program so special?
AT: The camaraderie the players share is truly special. I am lucky to have been a member of some great teams with great people.
What are your plans for next year?
AT: I have received a job offer from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in New York City.
#99 Mike Sisselberger – Sr. – FO/M – Center Valley, Pa. – Environmental Science
What are some thoughts going through your mind as you’re nearing the end of the regular season in your senior year?
MS: It is definitely a crazy time to say the least, our college experience for this senior class has been anything but a normal one. Although we have been here for four years already, with everything that unfolded over these last couple of years, it feels like just yesterday we were all helping each other move in. Through the tough days at practice, to rushing late at night to the dining hall before it closes after a long day. There is no core group that I would have rather spent this time with.
What is your favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point?
MS: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse Memory would be posting an undefeated season in the 2021 calendar year; you just knew how special of a group that was and how much passion we had for the game and the success of the team, all while having fun in doing so. The rings we received for that year will forever have an impact on my life in what a true championship team is made of and how overlooked all the work it actually took to have a special team like that really takes.
Describe your relationship(s) with your fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years?
MS: My relationship with my fellow teammates, seniors, and/or fifth-years is described in one word and that’s “competitive.” I love each and every one of these guys although I may not show it every day. I appreciate all the work they put in no matter what age and no matter what role they play on this team, whether that’s a supporter or a starter.
What makes this team and this program so special?
MS: What makes this team and this program so special is the reason you decide to come here in the first place and that’s the sheer grit and determination embodied by every player, coach and staff member at Lehigh University. We all share one common goal and that is to win. Winning isn’t always on the scoreboard; it’s what you do day in and day out through life, whether that is practice or school work and obviously games. We all give 110 percent in everything that we do and you may stumble and fall some days, but at least you’re doing that as fast as you can.
What are your plans for next year?
MS: I plan on taking a fifth year and being a part of the Lehigh wrestling team as well as the Lehigh Lacrosse team. I will be double majoring in Finance and Environmental Science.
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