Twelve Freshmen Prepare to Go to Battle with Gophers

Recruits Provide Depth, Complete Goucher's Starting Lineup

TOWSON, Md. — Although Goucher lost only two players to graduation from last year, head coach Kyle Hannan has brought in a class of 12 freshmen in an effort to fill an opening or two and create some competition for other spots in the starting lineup, while at the same time providing the Gophers with depth at critical positions.

"Numbers-wise, we didn't lose a lot, but one of those guys was a two-time All-American defenseman (Justin Dunn)," Hannan said. "Still, we went into the recruiting process believing we needed to bring in a talented class of between 10 and 12 young men to keep up with the other teams in the Landmark Conference, which has quickly developed into a very competitive Division III conference for men's lacrosse.

"I am very excited about the athleticism this class possesses.  Many of the athletes in the group were multi-sport participants in high school.  I believe the speed and athletic diversity in our 2015 class will increase the competitive nature of our team."

The impressive list of first-year players who will be called on to help the Gophers reach the Landmark Conference championship game for the fourth time in the past five seasons includes the following:

Will Brennan, an attackman from Geneva, N.Y.  Brennan represented Geneva High School on the Democrat & Chronicle All-Greater Rochester team his junior and senior years in addition to being a three-time All-Finger Lakes (D1 League) selection. After being selected to the Adidas All-America Northeast-Syracuse team in 2010, Brennan tallied 45 goals and 30 assists in his senior campaign. He also lettered in football and ice hockey.

Ethan Haddaway, a long-stick midfielder who played at Mount St. Joseph in Baltimore, was a two-time varsity letterwinner for the Gaels and played for the Chesapeake Rock Lacrosse Club.

Alex Malinowski, a Boys' Latin School attackman from Bowleys Quarters, Md. Malinowski was a two-time varsity letterwinner in lacrosse. He was also voted his wrestling team's most valuable player his junior and senior years and tallied 116 wins in those two seasons.

Sam Morgan, an attackman from Wilmot, N.H. Morgan scored 120 points in his senior year at Kearsarge Regional High School. He also served as team captain, was named captain of the New Hampshire/Vermont Senior All-Star Game and was the New Hampshire Division III Offensive Player of the Year. In 2010, he was ranked 13th by ESPN Rise at the Battle of the Hotbeds where he competed for IAS Select. Was team captain in football and lead his team to a state championship. During his senior year, he competed in the New Hampshire Senior All-Star game in ice hockey as well.

Tristan Morris, a four-year varsity starter at Houston Christian High School in Houston, Texas. Morris was an All-State midfielder, team captain and MVP in his senior year. He also lettered in football.

Dan Pufnock, a Geneva, N.Y., native, was a three-time All-Finger Lakes League selection and a two-time Democrat & Chronicle All-Greater Rochester defensemen at Geneva High School. Served as team captain his senior year. Pufnock also lettered in football.

Thomas Rakes, a defender from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Va., was a first team all-region and all-district selection in his senior year.

David Waligurski, a midfielder from Reading, Pa., was a four-time team captain, two-time team MVP and four-time all-county selection in lacrosse at Holy Name High School. Waligurski was also a two-time Adidas All-American. Additionally, he helped his football team to league championships in his junior and senior years and a district championship in his senior season. He also lettered three times in ice hockey.

Gavin Wilson, a midfielder from Charlestown, Pa., graduated from Great Valley High School after scoring 17 goals and adding eight assists in his senior year to earn all-league honors.

Karl Wiszumerski, a goalkeeper from Pottstown, Pa., was a two-year varsity letterwinner at The Hill School. He played for the Twist Lacrosse Club. Wiszumerski also participated in wrestling and football.

Sam Woodruff, a midfielder from Glen Ridge, N.J. Woodruff was a three-time letterwinner in lacrosse at the Kent School in Connecticut and was a member of the Trilogy Black Lacrosse team based out of New Jersey.

Zach Wrisk, a midfielder, had 29 goals and eight assists in his senior year as a captain for Howard High School. Wrisk was a member of the Roughriders Lacrosse Club and lettered on the varsity wrestling team, as well.

The Gophers will open their 2012 campaign on Feb. 18 against Southwestern in Georgetown, Texas.