Varsity Boys
Varsity Boys Profile
The 2008 Varsity team represents a great combination of veteran leadership and younger talent
making their debut in the Dragon’s Varsity ranks. The team will again play one of the most
challenging schedules in the area, taking on a number of programs that advanced deep into the
State Playoffs last season, as well as venturing east for contests in Washington D.C. and
Virginia. This year’s squad also holds a tremendous upside, as more than half of the team is
comprised of freshman and sophomores. This year’s team will be distinguished by a strong and
disciplined defense, an energetic transition game between the lines, and a selfless offense.
In the goal the Dragons will be in good hands, as a pair of sophomore net-minders will battle
for the starting job in goal. Both Ben Dowling and Tad Schmidt possess terrific ball stopping
ability as well as the requisite strong understanding of the team defense that they will be
asked to quarterback.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Dragons will be lead by Senior Peter Schmidt.
Schmidt brings a strong physical presence and tenacious on-ball ability to the defense.
Joining Schmidt with an inside track on starting assignments are Senior defender Charlie
Dragan and Junior Kris Hall. Dragan will put his considerable athleticism to use, while
Hall – a DII Honorable Mention District selection – has shown a tremendous ability to play
both on and off ball defense. Adding depth to the unit will be Sophomores John Eastman and
Cameron McElhany. Both McElhany and Eastman displayed genuine understanding of the defensive
schemes and will battle for time with the close defensive unit. The “rope” unit of will call
on a trio of young players to make an immediate impact. This defensive midfield will be
anchored by Freshman Chris Sargent and Nate Dickey, and Sophomore Tom Barnhart.
All three players possess no shortage of athleticism as well as the ability to get the
ball off the ground.
The midfield boasts an impressive mix of size and speed. As with the other positions,
the graduation of some major contributors will mean opportunities for new faces.
Returning lettermen Collin Pemberton, Camp Thompson, Luke Riley and Matt Reilly will
provide the Senior nucleus and veteran leadership. Also contributing will be a pair of
DII District Honorable Mention selections in Junior Trent Luchsinger and Sophomore
Brian Bounds. Freshman Paul Stevenson joins the team with perhaps the best all around
athleticism and fundamental skill set. The team will look to Stevenson for an
immediate impact. Rounding out the midfield are a trio of Sophomores who have shown an
impressive ability to contribute on offense, play sound team defense, and get up and
down between the lines. These three - Connor Smith, Kyle Bozworth and Brian Ruth -
wasted no time in making their presence felt in the fall.
The attack features an experienced group and some young players that can offer immediate
goal production. After missing the better part of last season on IR, Senior Tanner Franznick
will look to bounce back with a strong 2008 campaign. Franznick brings an impressive
combination of size, speed and skill as he will help to anchor the unit. DI District
Honorable Mention selection Connor Lehane returns for his Junior season as legitimate
scoring threat. Lehane continues to show great vision, coupled with the ability to finish.
Making his presence known immediately known in the fall was Sophomore Ben Shipowitz.
Shipowitz brings an extraordinary fundamental skill set as well as considerable
understanding of conceptual team offense. Ben Nelson also returns from a 2007 campaign
that garnered DI Honorable Mention District Kudos. Adding depth to the attack unit are
Senior Seth Alexander and Freshman Jackson Williams.
Josh Pico
DI Boys Varsity Coach
DI VARSITY DRAGONS LACROSSE TAPS JOHNS HOPKINS ALUM AS HEAD COACH
The Southlake Carroll Lacrosse Association has named Josh Pico as the new DI Varsity boy’s head coach. Pico brings an impressive lacrosse resume’ and experience into the program. Pico played defense for Johns Hopkins, one of the most prestigious lacrosse programs in history, for his four years of college. Titles earned by Pico’s team includes: 2003 DI Men’s Lacrosse Division I-NCAA National Championship Runner Up Team and 2005 Men’s Lacrosse Division I-NCAA Undefeated National Championship honors.
Pico stated in a recent interview that he was excited about beginning a new chapter for the DI Dragon Lacrosse Team. His no-nonsense approach includes the players striving to work hard, play hard in competition and to enjoy the sport. He also believes a big part of the success of the team includes the players wanting to develop into better young men both on and off the field.
Returning as assistant coach is 7 year Dragon veteran, Rich Coccaro, Texas High School Lacrosse League’s Man of the Year 2007
