Boys’ Lacrosse and Football Players Headline Spring National Signing Day

Saint Viator boys’ lacrosse is one of the top three teams in the state, with its 7-1 record so far this season. Coach Geoff Harty credits not only the team’s work ethic and rigorous schedule but also his senior class, who have compiled a record of 63-14 over the last four years.

“I’m incredibly proud of them,” Coach Harty says. “They’ve been leaders of our team, on and off the field.”

Six of his seniors were front and center at Wednesday’s Spring National Signing Day, signing their letters of intent to play lacrosse in college. Joining them was senior wide receiver Sasha Summers, who will be playing football at Western Illinois University.

“They play a spread offense, which I like,” Sasha said of the Leathernecks. “They have a new coach and coaching system, and they’re way better. They’re really flipping the program.”

Sasha hopes to be an impact player right away, and Coach Rodero Warren, who coaches him in track, says his speed will be an asset.

“He’s the fastest guy in the 400 (meters) on the team, and he’s lightning fast in the 100 (meters),” Coach Warren said, “which will make him a better receiver.”

Among the six lacrosse players, four of them will be playing in Division I programs, including Michael Tauscher, who is the team’s face-off specialist. Both he and his teammate Emerson McGrath will be playing lacrosse at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina.

“Winning the face-off is a special position,” said Michael, who was a first-team all-state selection last year and an all-American. “I’m hoping when I get to High Point I’ll be able to compete for a spot.”

The High Point Panthers compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference and last year qualified for the NCAA tournament in lacrosse.

“The coaches stress fundamentals,” said Emerson, who plays midfield and was a first-team all-state selection last year and an all-American. “I’m really hoping they can help me take my game to the next level.”

Ethan Angst will be taking his defensive skills to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, where the Bobcats made it to the quarterfinals of last year’s NCAA tournament.

“There’s a strong bond between the players and coaches that I saw when I visited,” Ethan said. “I hope I can make an impact right away.”

Franco Caputo is excited to be joining the Gaels at Iona University in New Rochelle, NY, where the men’s lacrosse team became a Division I program last year.

“There are new coaches who are really building the program,” Franco said. “I’m excited to be a part of it, and I hope I can help them bring home their first conference championship.”

Both Wes Starr, a left-handed attack player, and Jack Hartman, the Lions’ senior goalie, will be playing together for the Bishops at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH. 

“I liked the campus and the atmosphere as soon as I saw it,” says Jack, who was a second-team all-state selection last year. “I just love the history of the program and the school.”

Coach Harty thinks these six seniors are the biggest crop of Saint Viator lacrosse players to declare their intent to play at the college level, but he’s not surprised.

“One of the goals of our program is to produce elite players and get them ready for the next level,” Coach Harty said. “It’s just a really special senior class.”