University at Albany men’s lacrosse coach Scott Marr announced othat seven student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2010-11 academic year. The list includes two U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Americans.
U of Albany Great Danes head coach, Scott Marr
“The class is not quite complete, but is certainly shaping up to be one of the most dynamic classes we have brought in since the program moved to Division I,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said.
“It starts on the back line with tough kids, to an athletic midfield, and tremendous finishers on the front line. I commend my assistants Chris Kivlen and Bill Ralph for their efforts in bringing this group together. It is pleasing to see this develop.”
Meet The Thompsons
The Thompsons have been in the news a lot lately. The Native American family is full of lacrosse talent, and each of them have been highly anticipated NCAA players.
Jeremy Thompson led OCC to the NJCAA Title
The eldest Thompson brother, Jeremy, is now enrolled at Syracuse to play lacrosse, after completing two seasons at OCC – which is a local community college in Syracuse. Jeremy’s struggles to gain entrance into Syracuse have been ongoing, until he finally achieved his dream of being enrolled this year.
Brother Miles was also recruited heavily by Syracuse, along with Ty. Both of them seemed to indicate that Syracuse didn’t show enough interest in them. After some back and forth, they ultimately decided that Albany would be their new home.
Miles Thompson was named as a high school All-American after accounting for 95 goals and 56 assists as a junior. He led LaFayette High to a 23-1 record and the New York Class C state championship final. Thompson earned a spot on the Syracuse Post Standard All-Central New York first team. He was honorable mention All-Northeast, All-Section III and All-Onondaga Division III.
“SU is like a powerhouse right now. Albany didn’t win anything. We want to change that. We want to start something new. SU talked to me, and they told me to send my transcript. I didn’t hear from them after that.” -Miles Thompson
Lyle Thompson (left), and Miles Thompson (right)
Ty Thompson, also received first-team All-America recognition. He was Section X’s top scorer with 73 goals and 38 assists and led Salmon River High to an 18-1 mark and the program’s first-ever state playoff win. Thompson, who is attending Salisbury School in Connecticut, was chosen Northern Athletic Conference MVP. In addition, he was an honorable mention all-state selection as a forward in ice hockey.
“I’m going where he’s going,” Lyle said referring to his cousin, Miles. “We both made our decision together.”
UAlbany has won four America East Conference championships and made four NCAA Tournament appearances as a Division I program. The Great Danes reached the 2007 NCAA quarterfinals.
2010-11 University at Albany Men’s Lacrosse Signings
Name, Pos., Hometown (Previous School)
Mike Daly, Mid., Clifton Park, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)
Doug Eich, Def., Pelham, N.Y. (Pelham Memorial)
Ryan Feuerstein, Mid., Hamburg, N.Y. (Hamburg)
Cody Futia, Def., Schenectady, N.Y. (Guilderland)
Eric Sanders, Att., West Chester, Pa. (Downingtown West)
Miles Thompson, Att., Nedrow, N.Y. (LaFayette)
Ty Thompson, Att., Hogansburg, N.Y. (Salmon River/Salisbury Prep)
Recently the state announced the games are back on. The 2010 Games are set for July 21-25 and will be in Buffalo, NY.
