SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Fortified by the return of 28 veterans, the Union men's lacrosse team welcomes 11 rookies to the team, as preparations begin for the 2014 season opener on March 1.

"It's remarkable that every one of our 11 newcomers were captains of their high school teams," said Head Coach Paul Wehrum.  "We recruit leaders here at Union, who perform on the field, in the classroom and within the community."

An introduction to the freshman class:

Sam Broda, G, Dobbs Ferry, NY (#35)
Broda served as team captain and earned All-Western New England First Team honors at Loomis Chaffee School.
Wehrum: "Sam had an exceptional tryout and will challenge our goalie rotation."

Mike Froman, D, Sagamore Beach, MA (#39)
A captain for the Bourne High School Canalmen, Froman was a two-time All-South Coast Conference selection.
Wehrum: "One of our biggest surprises in the tryout process. While not gifted with great size, Michael possesses a high lacrosse IQ along with great stick-handling ability and checks." 

Derek Hanley, D, New Fairfield, CT (#15)
Hanley captained the lacrosse team at New Fairfield High School and was a two-time All-South West Conference selection. No relation to teammate Sean Hanley.
Wehrum: "He's a long-stick midfielder with great stick and takeaway checks."

Daniel Kycia, A, West Hartford, CT (#11)
Kycia (pronounced: Kysha) was an All-Central Connecticut Conference selection his junior and senior seasons in lacrosse and hockey.  He served as a captain for both squads at Conard High School.
Wehrum: "Dan is a very strong offensive player, with great vision and size.  He's smart and can finish around the net."

Thomas Lawton, M, Westborough, MA (#16)
A three-year starter at Westborough High School, Lawton twice earned All-Midland-Wachusett League honors. He captained the lacrosse and football teams and competed in swimining. 
Wehrum: "Thomas was one of the top faceoff specialists in his league last year and will be a strong defender for us."

Lance Lonergan, D, Westport, CT (#24)
Lonergan was a three-year starter at Staples High School, earning All-Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference (FCIAC) honors and leading the Wreckers to the state championship game.  He captained the lacrosse team and was an All-Metro linebacker in football.
Wehrum: "Lance was one of our top recruits and is going to be an impact player as a freshman. He's expected to see time at long-stick midfielder and close defense this season."

Kyle Mason, M, Fairfield, CT (#8)
Mason led Ludlowe High School to three straight FCIAC playoff appearances.  He also excelled in alpine skiing, earning all-state honors four times and leading his team to four state championships.
Wehrem: "Kyle is an offensive-minded player with good quickness and is an exceptional athlete.  He will play attack and midfield for us."

Jack O'Connor, M, Wayzata, MN (#10)
O'Connor was a two-time captain and Third Team All-State selection at Breck School, located in the suburbs of Minneapolis.  He earned All-Tri-Metro Conference honors in lacrosse and was an all-league selection in hockey as well.
Wehrum: "Jack is an exceptional athlete.  He is already one of our top defensive midfielders and is expected to see significant playing time this year."

Peter Richardson, A, New Canaan, CT (#20)
Known as "Puck" by his teammates, Richardson earned All-American, All-State and All-FCIAC accolades at New Canaan High School, leading his team to the state semifinals.  Will wear No. 20 in honor of his father, Doug, who played lacrosse at Union. 
Wehrum:  "Quick is a good way to describe Peter, and he will be the quarterback for the offense." 

Jack Scheufele, M, Weston, CT (#26)
Scheufele (pronounced: Shy-flee) twice earned All-State and All-South West Conference honors at Weston High School.  He led the Trojans to a state championship his sophomore season. Scheufele also attended Phillips Andover Academy.  
Wehrum: "Jack has outstanding speed and is a strong dodger.  He will benefit a great deal by being a two-way midfielder."

Nick Wright, M, Fayetteville, NY (#30)
Wright was a member of two Section III championship teams at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, home to one of the top lacrosse programs in the country.
Wehrum: "Nick will run attack and midfield for Union.  He had a very strong fall and is expected to see playing time this year."