Oct. 25, 2006
The Fairfield University men's lacrosse team honored its 2006 squad and looked forward to the 2007 season with its annual banquet and Red and White Scrimmage this past weekend. University trustee and lacrosse alumni Brian Hull made the keynote address at the banquet Friday evening.
The banquet included the naming of the team captains for the 2007 campaign. Three seniors, Mike Bocklet, Tim Gazzini and Chris Manley, and junior Chris Atwell, were selected as the team's captains.
The 2006 Stags squad was also honored at the event, and several team awards were announced. The Most Valuable Player award was presented to Greg Downing. Downing became the Stags first two-time All-America Selection, earning Honorable Mention accolades, as well as All ECAC and All New England honors. Despite missing two games, Downing led the squad with 26 goals, finishing the season 11th nationally at 2.36 goals per game. He was third on the team with 35 points, and his 3.18 points per game ranked him 23rd nationally.
Travis Nelson was named the teams Offensive MVP after a sophomore season that saw him lead the team with 37 points, 2.77 per game, which ranked 45th nationally. He netted 25 goals, second on the squad, and good for 34th in the country as well as finishing second on the team with 12 assists. His classmate Chris Atwell was named the Stags Defensive MVP and Mike Bocklet earned the Unsung Hero Award. Atwell played in all 13 games, starting 12 of them and recorded 20 ground balls. Bocklet was second on the team with 36 points and among the nations best with 14 assists.
Another highlight of the Stags Parents Weekend activities was the Red-White Scrimmage, marking the end of Fall Ball. The White Team, under assistant coach Jonathan Basti's leadership, defeated the Red Team 11-8. Nelson, on the White Team, was the leading offensive player, with four points, on two goals and two assists. Bocklet led a balanced Red Team attack with two goals, while seven other players, including Downing, netted a goal apiece.
The Stags are beginning the second year as a member of the ECAC Lacrosse League, posting a 6-7 overall mark, and a 4-3 league mark in 2006. The men's lacrosse schedule will be officially announced next week.
