The St. Thomas Aquinas College Men's Lacrosse team was just six games into their 2019-2020 campaign, when the coronavirus health emergency sidelined the rest of their season. First year Head Coach Larry Ayers' squad held a record of 2-4, and picked up road wins against Felician University and Post University (CT). The Spartans graduated five seniors this spring; Tyler Senatore, Ryan Guild, Tom Solimando, Edward Kelly and Steven Odam, however a few of these familiar faces could possibly return as a result of graduate school and the NCAA's decision to give spring athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"In our first year as a new coaching staff we definitely experienced a season that we pray many coaches never have to experience again. However, my staff didn’t let the hurdles slow us down. We finished our shortened season with 23 players who gave it their all on the field. Fast forward to this upcoming year and we are extremely excited to bring in 10 freshmen recruits for the 2020-2021 season. Adding these men to our current team will only make our roster that much better. The future is bright for STAC Men's Lacrosse, but we know it will take time and a lot of hard work. Our coaching staff has already began the recruiting process for the 2021-22 campaign and will continue to work on our goal of bringing in 13 players", remarked Head Coach Larry Ayers.

Here is a look at the future STAC Class of 2024 alphabetically. 

Jason Beddows

Jason Beddows: 5-8 Attack/Midfield, Clarkstown South High School

Beddows, a 2-year starter at nearby Clarkstown South High School was the first recruit signed by Head Coach Larry Ayers in the class of athletes. Jason was a team captain in his senior year and Coach Ayers regards Beddows as, " the kid that every coach wants to be part of his team."

John Farley

John Farley: 5-11 Attack, Pearl River High School

Farley was a 3-year starter at Pearl River High School, a team captain and an All-League selection. "John will make an immediate impact on this team, as he has great vision and is very unselfish with the ball", said Coach Ayers.

James Johnson

James Johnson: 5-8 Attack, Cedar Grove High School

James comes to Sparkill is part of a trio of Cedar Grove High School Men's Lacrosse athletes to join the Spartans in 2020-21. The 3-year starter and All-Division selection will have the familiar faces of his brother Peter and teammate Matt Vitali on the team as well. "James was a late pickup for us, as we had recruited his twin brother months before he committed, but we are extremely happy to have him on our team. James is a very dynamic offensive player", commented Coach Ayers.

Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson: 5-8 Long Stick Middie/Midfield, Cedar Grove High School

The twin brother of the above mentioned James, Peter is also a very high level athlete, having been a 4-year starter at Cedar Grove High School and an All-Division selection. "Pete is the kid who can do whatever you ask of him. He will continue his excellent lacrosse career here at St. Thomas Aquinas College", said Coach Ayers.

Aedan Kearns

Aedan Kearns: 5-8 Attack, Bergen Catholic High School

Aedan will be joining the Spartans this season, having played his high school lacrosse at nearby Bergen Catholic High School. The Hillsdale, NJ native will also be studying in STAC's prestigious Honors Program. "Aedan will fill the role as a lefty attackman, which can sometimes be hard to find, but in Aedan we found the right man for the job", commented Coach Ayers.

Brandon Maroney

Brandon Maroney: 5-9 Attack, Sussex County Technical High School

Maroney heads to Sparkill as a two-sport athlete, as in addition to men's lacrosse Brandon will bring his gridiron talents to the Spartan Sprint Football team this fall. "Brandon will be playing both Sprint Football and Men's Lacrosse next year and we feel that his speed and athleticism will pay off tremendously for both teams", said Coach Ayers.

Tim Richards

Tim Richards: 5-11 Defense, Nanuet High School

Another local Rockland County lacrosse talent, Tim was a team captain during his senior year at Nanuet High School. Coach Ayers has this to say about Richards, "Tim is a leader and a physical force, which he showed many times on the field during his tenure at Nanuet."

James Staeckeler

James Staeckeler: 6-0 Long Stick Middie, Delaware Valley High School

Staeckeler comes to the Spartans with a winning pedigree and leadership abilities, as James has been a part of three District Championships at Delaware Valley High School and served as a team captain. "James was one of our first recruits that we were locked in on. He's extremely athletic and very dedicated to his sport", said Coach Ayers.

Matt Vitali

Matt Vitali: 6-0 Defense, Cedar Grove High School

Matt is the final piece in the Cedar Grove Lacrosse triple threat coming to Sparkill, along with brothers, James and Peter Johnson. Vitali will look to help sure up the back end for the Spartans. Coach Ayers commented about Matt saying, "Matt is a leader and a great defenseman, who his high school coaches and teammates spoke very highly of. We are so very fortunate to have him joining our team."

John Yuvienco

John Yuvienco: 5-6 Defense/Long Stick Middie, Tappan Zee High School

Yuvienco, the local product from just up the road at Tappan Zee High School, was given a starting spot on the Dutchmen's varsity squad in just his first season playing. "John started playing lacrosse his junior year of high school and made an immediate impact by cracking the starting lineup in his first year playing the sport", said Coach Ayers.