Providence Head Lacrosse Coach Chris Burdick announced that eleven prospects have signed letters of intent to play lacrosse at Providence College.

"We are very excited about the direction our program is heading and are confident that this class will make a major impact toward our progress," Burdick said, who led Providence College to it's first ever trip to the NCAA tournament by virtue of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's (MAAC) automatic bid in 2004.

Showing a national recruiting commitment by the coaching staff, the class of 2009 includes prospects from nine states and stretches as far west as Ohio and as far south as Georgia and Florida.

"Our recruiting reflects Providence College's strength as a national institution where the message of our commitment to academic excellence is facilitated in great part to our supportive alumni and the success of the Men's Basketball program," Burdick stated.

Signing with the Friars are attackers Bobby Labadini (Lawrence Academy, Westford, Mass.) and Brad Sieniawski (St. Ignatius High School, Litchfield, Ohio). At midfield, the Friars signed Alex Cronstien (Lawrenceville School, New York, N.Y.), Evan Hicks (Lovett School, Atlanta, Ga.), Ryan Nagy (Southington High School, Plantsville, Conn.), Dan Ryan (Seton Hall Prep, Chatham, NJ), Andrew Solarz (West Chester East High School, Malvern, Pa.), and Joseph Watkins (Oak Hall School, Ocala, Fla.). At defense, Ryan Hussey (Bishop Guertin, Derry, N.H.), Chris O'Keefe (St. Charles Prep, Upper Arlington, Ohio), and John Tunney (Xaverian Brothers High School, Westwood, Mass.) have all returned their commitments.

Coached by Brian Kuser, attacker Bobby Labadini was selected captain of the Lawrence Academy lacrosse team for 2005 season. As a junior, he finished second in scoring with 25 goals and 20 assists. A three-sport athlete in high school, Labadini was selected as a Blue Chip 225 Lacrosse All-Star in 2004 and a Top Gun Prep-School Camp All-Star in 2003. Labadini was chosen to play for Jeff Coulson with the Mass Elite and IAS Select Teams.

"We were very impressed with Bobby at the Friar Elite Camp this summer," Burdick said. "Bobby has sound shooting mechanics and good first step quickness, making him a solid threat to score off the dodge."

Brad Sieniawski was named St. Ignatius' Offensive Player of the Year in 2004 with team highs in assist and points under coach Brian Hamp. Sieniawski was named All-Ohio First-Team Honorable Mention and was named to the All-Greater Cleveland Conference and All-Midwest Conference Teams.

"Brad is a very serious and competitive young man who will be a welcomed addition to our attack," Burdick commented. "He has good skill and quickness, and he impressed our coaches at Friar Elite Camp with his commitment to detail and ability to learn at an advanced pace."

Alex Cronstien has accumulated 24 goals and 10 assist while playing one season at Poly Prep before transferring to the Lawrenceville School (NJ), under the guidance of Coach Fitzpatrick. A three time member of the New York City Empire State Games team coached by Ken Cook, Alex was named Offensive MVP of the team in 2004 after scoring 15 points during the tournament.

"Alex is just starting to find himself as a lacrosse player," Burdick stated. "He has developed into an effective shooter on the run and will be a solid addition to our midfield."

Coached by Friar alum Dave Feroleto and former UNC assistant Jim Buczek, Evan Hicks scored 38 goals and added 11 assists in two years as a starter helping Lovett to the 2004 Georgia State Championship. Hicks was named to the All-State Second Team and was a Team Georgia representative at Champ Camp.

"Evan is very serious about the game and is a versatile player who can score and take face offs. He brings a new tradition to our program as our first recruit from the Atlanta area," Burdick said.

Coached by Jim Warnock, Ryan Nagy was an All-Conference selection in 2004 and was a Connecticut Super Junior All-Star. As a member of the N.E.D. team, Nagy led the way to the Hotbeds Lacrosse Camp Championship this past summer in Delaware.

"Ryan has great speed and an ability to shoot on the move," Burdick said. "His athleticism and competitiveness will lead him to be an impact player in the MAAC as a freshman."

Coached by Andrew DeCicco, Dan Ryan is a two-time captain and has amassed 45 goals and 30 assists over his career at Seton Hall Prep, leading his team to the New Jersey Group IV State Championship before falling to eventual State Champion Delbarton in the Tournament of Champions. Dan joins his older brother Brendan at Providence College where father Ken was a four year letter winner in soccer.

"Dan has a gift in the way he sees things develop on the lacrosse field," Burdick stated. "His play making skills will be a welcomed addition to our program."

Coached by Jon Heisman, Andrew Solarz is East's leading returning scorer. Coming off an 11 goal and 5 assist campaign in 2004, Solarz helped his team achieve an undefeated regular season and an 18-1 overall record that culminated in the Suburban League Championship title. Solarz was selected to the Chester County Keystone State team and had a strong showing at the Top 205 Lacrosse Camp.

"Andrew uses a good mix of size and skill to create opportunities for his teammates while possessing the option to score for himself. His style fits very well into our offensive scheme," said Burdick.

Coached by Jeff Rant, Joseph Watkins brings great size and athletic ability to the Friar midfield. As a freshman at the Oak Hall School, Watkins made the Florida First Coast All-Star team and was named First Team All-District as a junior. A very successful camp circuit saw Watkins named All-Star at the All-American, Dixie Top 150, and Run and Shoot Lacrosse Camps. The four-time team captain was named Most Valuable Player of his team this past season.

"Joe has extremely good size and strength and will be a major force in the MAAC at the face off position," Burdick commented. "With his high school captainship experience, we look for him to bring great leadership to our program."

Coached by Chris Cameron, Ryan Hussey brings great physical ability to the Friar defense. An All-State performer in lacrosse and football, Hussey collected 75 ground balls and was named captain for his junior and senior years. Hussey is a two-time Merrimack Valley First-Team selection and an All-Star at both New England Premiere Showcase and the Peak 200 Lacrosse Camp.

"Ryan is a very strong athlete and is coming off an outstanding football career," Burdick noted. "We look for him to be a physical presents in our defense while maintaining the athletic ability to play a cover role."

Now under the direction of Coach Bill Taylor, Chris O'Keefe adds size and range to the Friar defense. A starting wide receiver in football, O'Keefe possesses uncommon speed for a larger player. In lacrosse he was named to First-Team All-State as a long stick midfielder for Coach Steve Dusseau.

"I was able to coach Chris at the Top 205 camp this summer and found that he could run with the best of them," Burdick said. "He has the ability to hunt the ball which will be welcomed in our style of defensive play."

Yet another outstanding football and lacrosse crossover, John Tunney collected over 100 ground balls as a junior and assisted on fifteen scores while adding three goals. Tunney was named to the All-Catholic Conference First Team and was named Honorable Mention All-Star by the Daily Transcript.

"John has a desire to be successful coupled with a big frame and very good speed. His ability to run will allow us to press out more defensively. We will look for him to impact our program right away," Burdick said.

Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Keith Loftis notes that, "This class is balanced, very athletic and will bring great leadership as well as citizenship to the Providence College community."

Burdick adds, "We look forward to working with these outstanding and talented young men as they pursue their personal, academic, and athletic future at Providence College."