After a 7-5 season against the toughest schedule in school history, the Eagles of head coach Kurt Glaeser face some significant challenges for 1997. Seven starters, including two All-Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) players, have departed. That class helped the program attain a foothold among the more respected Division III teams in the nation. A first-ever mention in the national polls may be a difficult feat to duplicate, but Glaeser is optimistic that the ascension will continue.

Again, the attack should be a team strong point. Senior Kyle Aldrich (Garden City, NY) leads the front-line threats, after setting a school record with 55-point s (40 goals/15 assists) in '96. He ranked 14th in NCAA Division III with 3.64 goals/game. There other experienced attackers return in Kevin Ely (Sr./Charlottesville, VA), Craig Siemes (Sr./Stony Brook, NY) and Stuart Sears (Jr./Annandale, VA). Ely had 16 goals (five against top -ranked Salisbury State) and nine assists for 25 points, Siemes tallied 12 goals and six assists for 18 points, and Sears registered five goals and five assists for 10 points. Siemes is a strong athlete who excels in transition. Ely was a pleasant surprise as a transfer, and shows outstanding potential, according to Glaeser. Sears is especially effective in half field possession offenses. Looking to crack the starting trio will be freshman Matt Rosone (Stony Brook, NY), who started for Long Island power Ward Melville High School. Juniors Chris Sicuranza (Herndon, VA) and Scott Viilu (Fairfax, VA) will push for playing time as well, while freshmen John Brauer (Fair fax, V A) and Chris Warfield (Fair fax, VA) may also contribute.

MWC's midfield should be athletically strong in '97. According to Glaeser, athleticism was evident in the Eagles' improvement in ground-ball pickups and midfield defense. Glaeser looks for players to ease the graduation loss of two starters. At MWC, the midfield emphasis is for a complete player, one who rides, picks up ground balls, plays defense, and helps offensively when called upon. Several players could fit that bill. Junior Erik Viilu (Fairfax, VA), who transferred to MWC last year, is a strong face -off middie who has developed into an all-around player. Junior GregToney (Ellicott City, MD) is a heady player who plays tough defense and is an opportunist on offense. Senior tri-captain Jeremy Gagner (Kittery, ME) is an excellent groundball middie and is strong defensively. Sophs Gerrit Visscher (Clifton, NJ) and Ryan Anderson (Clinton, CT) are both excellent athletes with great potential; both are face -off candidates as well. Seniors Chuck Fult on (Stony Brook, NY) and Chris Donahue (Herndon, VA), juniors Todd Eckle (Cary, NC) and Mark Kelaher (Setauket, NY) and soph Chris Lanzillotta (Woodbridge, VA) are also in the mix. Freshmen to watch ar e Ryan Lynch (Northport, NY), Brian Carpenter (North Andover, MA), Chris Boyd (Montclair, VA), Rob Marchand (Gaithersburg, MD) and Justin Camarda (Austin, TX), an All -States election.

MWC has a promising, albeit inexperienced defense. The top three "long-poles" have graduated, which leaves those spot s up for grabs in '97. Of the returnees, junior John Schmauch (Huntington, NY) and senior Pat Lohmeyer (Newtown, CT) have the inside track based on experience. Sophs Dan Frye (Dyke, VA) and Dan Opiela (Charlottesville, VA) have shown potential, but need more game experience. A group of talented newcomers include Zach Law (Charlottesville, VA), a Hamilton College transfer who was an All-State player in high school, Ryan Wellner (E. Williston, NY), Josh Paterni (Ellicott City, MD), Aaron Shriber (Springfield, VA) and Matt Blarney (Woodbridge, VA).

In goal, sophomore Eric Gins (Potomac, MD) has the early edge, after posting solid marks in save percentage (.576) and goals-against average (12.35) in eight games. Senior Chris Boron (Ridgewood, NJ) should also push for time. Freshmen Church Hutton (Alexandria, VA) and Ali Jian (Great Falls, VA) could make this a lively competition for playing time.