GETTYSBURG, Pa. – The nine seniors on the Gettysburg College men's lacrosse team have gone through dramatic ups and downs alongside current and former teammates over the past year and they are embracing the new challenges ahead as team leaders for the Bullets this spring.
The nine seniors form the nucleus of a Gettysburg squad determined to build off last season's exhilarating four-game win streak to close the year, which culminated in a last-minute win at Washington and Lee University. Only one day later, the team's 2020 campaign ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The seniors along with the majority of upperclassmen were asked to depart campus in the fall after a rise of Covid-19 cases in the Gettysburg community, leaving their younger teammates and coaches for the remainder of the semester. They've returned in force in 2021, determined to go out with a bang as the Centennial Conference resumes play this weekend.
"They have taken leadership more serious than I've seen all but a handful of players do because of this whole situation and how it unfolded," said Head Coach
Hank Janczyk, who heads into his 34th season at the helm. "I'm pretty happy for them and the way they've embraced this thing. It's pretty cool to see."
Below are some more details on the men's lacrosse seniors and why playing at Gettysburg has meant so much to them.
Kevin Casey
Position: Long-Stick Midfielder
Hometown: Marblehead, Mass.
High School: St. John's Prep
Pump-Up Song: "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" – Beastie Boys
Favorite Professor: Jamie O'Brien, Economics
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Winning the final game with the 2020 seniors at Washington & Lee.
"Playing lacrosse at Gettysburg has been a pivotal aspect to my development, and I have learned a great deal about life outside of lacrosse from Coach Janczyk."
Nick Cooper
Position: Attackman
Hometown: Glen Gardner, N.J.
High School: Gill St. Bernard's
Pump-Up Song: "La Grange" – ZZ Top
Favorite Professor: Jamie O'Brien, Economics
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Beating Washington & Lee in our last game of the 2020 season.
"Playing lacrosse at Gettysburg means remembering four years of lifelong memories. My coaches and teammates have shaped me into the person I am today. Being able to represent the players that have come before me is an honor, and I wouldn't trade these years for anything."
Pat Cosgrove
Position: Defenseman
Hometown: Chatham, N.J.
High School: Chatham
Pump-Up Song: "Right Now" – Van Halen
Favorite Professor: Jack Ryan, Vice Provost/Dean of Arts and Humanities
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Beating Washington & Lee in our last game last year.
"Playing lacrosse at Gettysburg has been a huge part of my life. It has provided me with friendships that will last a lifetime, and the opportunity to work and compete as a team towards an ultimate goal. I wouldn't change my experience for anything."
PJ Dettor
Position: Defenseman
Hometown: Annapolis, Md.
High School: Severn School
Pump-Up Song: "Back in Black" – AC/DC
Favorite Professor: Duane Albert Bernard, Management
Favorite Lacrosse Moment: Beating Washington & Lee. The rest of the season was on the line because of COVID-19 and we were able to beat them in a close game.
"Playing Gettysburg lacrosse means playing for all of those that wore the 'G' before me, with me, and will wear it after me. This team has been a top 20 program for a long time and I think that is a representation of everyone who has been a part of Gettysburg men's lacrosse."
Jack Fletcher
Position: Attackman
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Providence Day School
Pump-Up Song: "Floor Seats" – A$AP Ferg
Favorite Professor: James Zartman, Management
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Beating Salisbury in OT at home freshman year.
"It's an honor to get to play for such a storied program, but also such an incredible Coach. I take a lot of pride in getting the chance to represent and compete for Coach Janczyk and those who have been in the program before me. We all come here to win the CCs and this year is no different." #gobullets
Andrew Horn
Position: Defenseman
Hometown: Bronxville, N.Y.
High School: Avon Old Farms
Pump-Up Song: "Dreams and Nightmares" – Meek Mill
Favorite Professor: Stephen Jay Stern, Interdisciplinary Studies
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Beating York College in overtime last year 7-6 or this year's first day of practice when we officially knew we were going to have a season.
"For me, playing lacrosse at Gettysburg College means that I was lucky to be given the opportunity to compete at one of the best lacrosse programs in the country with 50 of my best friends all having the same goal, winning a championship. When I wear the Gettysburg lacrosse jersey, I'm not only representing my team but I'm also representing all the players who have come before me and have set the standard for this program."
Connor Leach
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Wolfeboro, N.H.
High School: Brewster Academy
Pump-Up Song: "Kryptonite" – Three Doors Down
Favorite Professor: Alice Brawley Newlin, Management
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Going to the final four my freshman year.
"Playing lacrosse at Gettysburg is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. This program gives me the chance to play and compete at a high level alongside my best friends while continuing the legacy of our alumni. It is truly an honor."
Colin Pavluk
Position: Attackman
Hometown: Fair Haven, N.J.
High School: Rumson Fair Haven
Pump-Up Song: "Mother" – Danzig
Favorite Professor: Karim Samji, History
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Beating #1 Salisbury in overtime my freshman year at the Muss.
"Playing lacrosse at Gettysburg has been an unforgettable experience. To play for a program with such a storied tradition and history has been awesome. The team is a family and everyone always has each other's back."
Alex Ulrich
Position: Face-Off Specialist
Hometown: Annapolis, Md.
High School: St. Mary's
Pump-Up Song: "Home" – Daughtry
Favorite Professor: Duane Albert Bernard, Management
Favorite Lacrosse Memory: Beating W&L in our last game of the 2020 season.
"Playing Gettysburg Lacrosse has been a huge staple in my life. I believe that the groups you belong to help complete who you are as a person. Being a part of the Gettysburg men's lacrosse program has been an amazing journey that I wouldn't trade for anything."
