Sparkill, N.Y. – On Friday, the East Coast Conference announced the results of its Men's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll, with St. Thomas Aquinas College picked to finish fifth in the league's standings. 

The Spartans posted a 2-12 record (1-5 ECC) in 2022 and will return ten players from last year's squad.

Fourth year head coach Larry Ayers has added a mix of upperclassmen and freshman for the upcoming campaign. John Perry (Jr./Kingston, N.Y.), Steven Apicella (Gr./Stony Point, N.Y.), Daniel Smith (Fr./Pequannock, N.J.), Connor Reed (Fr./Livonia, Mich.), James Guild (Fr./New Windsor, N.Y.), Devin Sierra (RFr./Harlem, N.Y.), Justin Chin (So./Roslyn, N.Y.), Joey Camporeale (So./Little Ferry, N.J.), Jeremy Poggi (Fr./Center Reach, N.Y.), John Pena (So./Bronx, N.Y.), Nicholas Carravone (Fr./Hawthorne, N.Y.), Austin Palen (Fr./Walkill, N.Y.), Michael Huff (Jr./Eastport, N.Y.), Matthew DeRosa (Fr./Jackson, N.J.) and Ryan Christensen (Fr./Old Bridge, N.J.) make up the new faces who will bring their skills and talents to Sparkill for the new season.

St. Thomas Aquinas will battle ECC Champs Mercy College, along with Frostburg State University, Roberts Wesleyan University, Molloy University, University of the District of Columbia and D'Youville University for the right to be called ECC Women's Lacrosse Champion. The teams will only play each other once in the regular season.

The action gets underway for the Spartans on Saturday, February 18 (2:30 p.m.) against non-conference opponent American International College at Spartan Field.

2023 ECC Men's Lacrosse Preseason Poll

 ( ) - first place votes

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Brady Kearnan, Sr., A, Mercy
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jack Kipnes, Gr., D, Mercy