Bucknell University Athletics
Three Bucknell Seniors Named 2009 Men's Lacrosse Captains
11/10/2008 7:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Nov. 10, 2008
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Bucknell head men's lacrosse coach Frank Fedorjaka has announced that seniors Matt Antonelli (Arnold, Md./Archbishop Spalding), Billy Haire (Darien, Conn./Darien) and Joe Mele (Westbury, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) have been elected team captains for the 2009 season.
"It is an honor for these three outstanding student-athletes to be selected as captains on such a senior-laden team," said Fedorjaka. "There are so many great leaders in this senior class. All 10 of them got votes for captain and nine of the 10 have played significant roles on the field during their careers. This is a special group for me, since this is my fourth year as head coach, and I can't wait to be there with them this season."
Antonelli has been primarily the backup goalie during his Bison career, but he did get some chances in the spotlight in big games last season. He came off the bench in the second quarter against No. 8 Navy and made 11 saves while allowing only one goal in regulation, before the Midshipmen finally won 4-3 in overtime. Antonelli made another stellar relief effort in Bucknell's 8-7 win over Army in the Patriot League Tournament semifinals, and he drew the start in the championship game against Colgate, which was won by the Raiders. All told, Antonelli played in seven games in 2008 with a .577 save percentage and 9.21 goals-against average.
"The team has so much respect for Matt and the kind of teammate that he has been as the backup goalie," said Fedorjaka. "He has never wavered in his support for [starter] Nick Sciubba, and he puts 100 percent into every drill regardless of whether he is the first-string or second-string guy. Matt is very likable and is a vocal leader on the field."
Haire is a two-time All-Patriot League defenseman and the leader of Bucknell's standout defensive unit. Last season he spearheaded a Bucknell defense that allowed only 7.8 goals per game, third-best in the Patriot League. Regularly assigned to the opposition's best attackman, Haire was Bucknell's ground ball leader with a career-high 47 last season. He has started every one of the team's 44 games over the last three seasons, and he has helped the Bison to double-digit win totals in the last two campaigns.
"Billy has the ability to be a special captain," said Fedorjaka. "He really connects with all of his teammates. He is the rare combination of a great player, a vocal leader and someone who is well-liked by everyone around him. He works as hard as anyone in the weight room, and his charisma rubs off on the whole team. Not to mention, he's an all-league player who anchors our defense."
After suffering a season-ending knee injury in the middle of the 2007 campaign, Mele worked hard to get back on the field last season and started all 15 games at attack. He was the team's No. 3 scorer with 31 points on 25 goals and six assists, and he had three game-winning goals on the season. Mele's hat trick against Army in the Patriot League Tournament semifinals -- one of his five on the season -- helped propel the Bison into the conference championship game. He enters his senior year with 75 goals and eight assists for 83 career points.
"Joe really gives us another coach on the field," said Fedorjaka. "He is vocal, and he understands the game and what needs to be done. He is not only a good communicator, but he also backs it up with his own play. Joe is a very clutch player. He seems to play better in the toughest of situations. He was also very committed in the offseason. After his injury he was carrying some extra weight last season, but he dropped 23 pounds over the summer and looked great in fall ball."
The Bison went 10-5 last season, 4-2 in the Patriot League, and advanced to the Patriot League championship game for the first time. Bucknell's 2009 schedule is nearing completion and will be announced soon.
