(The goal of our Senior Send-Off articles is to highlight teams and student-athletes who did not get to finish their season of competition and/or have their respective Senior Day games/events happen. We also hope that these stories serve as a positive light to anyone who reads them during these trying times.)
BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott men's lacrosse program finished its 2020 season with a 2-3 overall record before the NCAA decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships due to COVID-19.
The Gulls were led by 11 seniors this past season. Those seniors were Nick Arcadipane (Groveland, Mass.), Elijah Bard (Agawam, Mass.), Ben Clark (Burnt Hills, N.Y.), Will Clark (Burnt Hills, N.Y.), Austin Fournier (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.), John Koebel (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.), Andrew Soucy (Andover, Mass.), Eric Spada (Glen Rock, N.J.), Nick Sturgess (Hampstead, N.H.), Mike Sudora (Monroe, Conn.), and Ken Wallace. These 11 seniors were a part of one conference championship team that will forever have an impact on the program athletically and academically.
Here's what men's lacrosse head coach Eric Hagarty had to say about the entire senior class as a group and as individuals.
2020 Senior Class
"Since day one this senior class has been about their teammates and the Endicott Lacrosse Family. They have led with passion and powered our team with love through their words and their actions. They always answered the bell to help whenever the community or their teammates have needed it. They are servant leaders and they embody what it means to be 'First to Serve'. This group will leave an unforgettable mark on Endicott as well is on our program for years to come."
Nick Arcadipane
"Dedicated. Nick is devoted to the things that matter most in his life. It may be on the field or with his family, he sacrifices for the betterment of the team. As a leader, Nick's wisdom and maturity are two traits that stand out above all. A true 'student of the game' he has devoted countless hours to his craft. Nick is a dedicated and loyal teammate. He is highly motivated and these skills will serve him well throughout his life."
Elijah Bard
"It doesn't take long to develop an understanding of who Elijah really is and what he is about. Consistently, his compassionate and caring nature shines through in every interaction. He is a loyal teammate with a family-first attitude. Elijah has a huge presence on the field and in the locker room. He shows up every day for his team. He embraces challenges with his own personal best. He will have a lot of success in anything he does down the road."
Ben Clark
"Ben consistently strives to be the best he can be in every aspect of his life. In the classroom, he has excelled every semester. Athletically, he puts in the work and has had a lot of success on the field. What sets him apart are not only his accomplishments on the field but his commitment to service, leadership, and his team. Ben has been a huge part of our relationship with Team IMPACT as a Team Leader. The relationships he has built through that organization will be a huge part of the program for years to come and he has left an unforgettable mark on Endicott."
Will Clark
"It doesn't matter if it is a game, on the practice field or in the locker room, Will consistently puts the team before himself. With a genuine authenticity and caring nature, Will brings a 'first to serve' mentality to every meeting, practice, bus ride, and huddle. He has certainly left his mark on the field with his play but more importantly, his legacy will be as a leader with great maturity, work ethic, and perspective. He has been a crucial part of our program's relationship with Team IMPACT. He puts community first and has left an amazing mark both on and off the field."
Austin Fournier
"The leader of our defense. Austin leads from the front. He Leads with passion and sets the tone every day for our team. From directing attitude and mindset during a team meeting to carrying the balls out of practice, there is no job too big or too small for Austin. While some players find their way into a "starting" role on Day 1. Austin has earned every bit of his role as a senior. For the last three years, he showed up every day and did the work. He gave "scout looks", he got extra shots, and he did the work while supporting the guy ahead of him. He controlled the things that were in his control and did it gracefully. He is an amazing leader and is now one of the top goalies in the country, in my opinion."
John Koebel
"Johnny brings a contagious enthusiasm to the field and in the locker room. You are immediately drawn to his caring and light-hearted nature. With a smile on his face, he is always engaging and welcoming. What you may not see on the surface is that he is a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic. While some players can rely on size, speed, and athleticism, Johnny has earned every bit of his success. He has a tireless work ethic and an unrelenting will to be the best he can be on and off the field. Most importantly he is a loyal teammate, with a commitment to helping his team in any way that he can."
Andrew Soucy
"Spending a season with Andy you may think that he doesn't have bad days. He shows up every day with contagious enthusiasm and an unmatched work ethic. As the captain of our team, Andy is as authentic as they come. He is the ultimate teammate, friend, and mentor to young players. With a bright and vibrant personality, Andy shows up every single day to serve his team and bring out the best in those around him."
Eric Spada
"Eric's grit and toughness have shown during his years as a defensive midfielder. Playing this position requires a unique set of skills and players at that position seldom get the recognition and accolades which they deserve. Eric has embraced this challenge and brings a level of effort every day that earns him immediate respect. He truly has excelled in his position, as a teammate and has developed into not only a great player, but a great leader and a great man!"
Nick Sturgess
"Competitor. Nick brings an unmatched passion for competition and a tireless work ethic to the game of lacrosse and a commitment to his teammates. He is tenacious between the lines but has never been motivated by accolades or self-recognition. Nick strives to bring out the best in not only himself but those around him day in and day out. He has developed into an amazing leader and has the ability to "set the tone" for the team every single day. His character and attitude are the keys that drive his success."
Mike Sudora
"Energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic. You notice Mike quickly for his role on the field but off the field, his contagious personality and relentless work ethic shine. He brings life to practice, meetings, and the weight room. In my opinion, those are the "glue guys" you need on any successful team. Mike understands his role and the needs of the team. He brings his best every day to show his teammates what it means, in his own words, to be a 'beast'."
Ken Wallace
"It is near impossible to describe the impact Ken Wallace has had on our program in a single Paragraph. From "Draft Day" in 2015 Ken has been a huge part of the Endicott Lacrosse Family and one of the brightest stars in our program. With an infectious personality and an arsenal of 'one-liners' Ken shows up every day to brighten the lives of his teammates and coaches. He has done so much for our team and Ken has made an impact on the lives of every young man that has come through this program during the last five years. These relationships will last a lifetime. We are so grateful for him, his family, and the amazing organization that brought us all together, Team IMPACT."
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