WATERVILLE, Me. (April 8, 2020) – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) salutes the men's lacrosse seniors and 2020 graduates whose seasons were lost or cut short in the wake of the coronavirus.
This is not the season you envisioned, nor the exit from collegiate sports that you deserve. While some of you may be able to return to the field next year, most of you will move on to the next chapter in life with an unfinished collegiate athletics career. Although that is an unsatisfying end, we hope you take comfort in the memories made and goals accomplished in seasons past. We know you will step forth and make the world better in an unprecedented time that can really use your strength, knowledge, and spirit.
Thank you for your effort and dedication to your school, your sport, and your team. We are with you. We ARE you. #whyNAC
The SUNY Delhi Seniors and Graduates
Antonio Russo (Oneonta, NY / Oneonta) became one of SUNY Delhi's most decorated defensemen, earning numerous all-conference and all-academic honors. His sophomore season saw him receive NAIA Independent All-Conference accolades, while his junior campaign earned him All-NAC Second Team in the Broncos' first season in both NCAA Division III and the North Atlantic Conference. A Mechatronics major, Antonio's academic record speaks volumes, receiving SUNY Delhi's Outstanding Academic Achievement award as a junior, and spent the fall semester of his senior season completing an internship at Cornell University's renowned CHESS program. He played in every game of his career and was named a team captain his junior and senior seasons.
Brandon Katz (Commack, NY / Commack) served as a great proponent and figure for SUNY Delhi men's lacrosse, serving as the team's SAAC Representative since its inception and logging 17 career points on ten goals and seven assists. He spent his first season as the team's backup goalie, then transitioned to attackman. Brandon received head coach Sam Miller's Coach's Award his sophomore season, and was named a team captain his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He was also Coach Miller's choice for the 2019 NAC Sportsmanship team. Finishing his degree in Construction Management later this spring, Brandon already has a job lined up with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company out of Westbury, NY, which he will begin this summer.
Jacob Nygard (Smithtown, NY / Sachem North) is one of two SUNY Delhi seniors in this graduating class to have played in every game during his four-year career. As the Broncos' Long Stick Midfielder, Jake collected 15 career points on 14 goals and one assist. During Delhi's historic 2019 season, Jake got the Broncos off to a great start by scoring a goal in each of the squad's first four games, eventually leading to a career-best ten goals during the year. He was a three-time team captain as a sophomore, junior, and senior, and earned Coach Miller's Coach's Award as a junior. He's continuing his degree in Recreation and Sports Management.
Brad Woessner (Oneonta, NY / Oneonta) contributed greatly to the SUNY Delhi defense in a four-year career. He is one of only a handful of Broncos to experience the men's lacrosse team's transition to NCAA Division III, as the program qualified for the conference tournament in their first season in the NAC in 2019, leading to a number-two ranking in the NAC Preseason Poll heading into the 2020 season. The Broncos led the NAC with a 8.29 goals allowed average and second with 179 caused turnovers. He is continuing his degree in Recreation and Sports Management.
Sean Tillman (Phelps, NY / Midlakes) enjoyed three seasons for SUNY Delhi, and is set to graduate early with a degree in Turf Management. As a defender, Sean caused 29 turnovers with 64 ground balls through three years, while finding time to record seven points on four goals and three assists. His work on a phenomenal Delhi defense in 2019 earned him NAC First Team honors. Sean was part of the team at SUNY Delhi that finished eighth nationally at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's (GCSAA) Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition in Orlando, FL back in February.
Joshua Krase (Miller Place, NY / Rocky Point) transferred to SUNY Delhi for the 2019 season from Suffolk Community College. He gathered five points on four goals and one assist during his first year with the Broncos, including netting a hat trick in the team's 22-3 NAC win over Northern Vermont Johnson. He's majoring in Culinary Arts Management.
Travis Anderson (Putnam Valley, NY / Putnam Valley) racked up a phenomenal rookie season in 2019, playing every minute as the Broncos' starting goalie. He was a three-time NAC Athlete of the Week selection, two as Defensive Player of the Week and one Rookie of the Week, and capped things off with a nod on the All-NAC First Team. He led the NAC with a 8.29 goals against average and 169 total saves. Travis led the NAC with 76 total saves and second with a 56.7 save percentage through five games of the 2020 season. He is finishing his Associate's in Electrical & Instrumentation and plans to enter the work force upon graduating.
Walter Johnsen (Oakland, NJ / Indian Hills) was sidelined for most of his freshman season due to injury. Despite his obstacles, Walter displayed amazing attributes as a hard worker and a model student-athlete. He has one of the highest GPA's on the team and continued to serve as a great asset to the program while recovering from his injury. Walt is finishing his Associate's in Electrical & Instrumentation and plans to enter the work force upon graduating.
