The Cabrini University men’s lacrosse team recorded a record-breaking season of “first-evers” this spring, which will culminate in the squad’s first national title game this Sunday, May 26, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. On their history-making path, the inaugural Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Champions upset second-ranked Salisbury University in the Cavaliers’ first-ever appearance in the NCAA Final Four.
Men’s lacrosse achieved another first on Tuesday, May 21, when University President Donald B. Taylor, PhD, conferred degrees on the team’s seniors in a special late afternoon Commencement ceremony on campus. While the rest of the Class of 2019 graduated May 19 during Cabrini’s official Commencement in the Nerney Field House at the Dixon Center, these student-athletes were spending the afternoon in Maryland preparing for their semifinal game victory.
The trade-off was worth it for this team.
Joined by joyous family and friends, eight members of the lacrosse team, clad in cap and gown, processed down the aisle—a much smaller aisle—in the Mansion Dining Room.
English Professor and Faculty Athletic Representative Seth Frechie, PhD, inspired the team and guests with his remarks.
“Stop, look, and listen every day and do everything to the best of your ability,” he said to the players. “Remain open to the world and to the unexpected possibilities each day presents.”
Thunderous applause erupted as each student was called to accept his diploma. Timothy Brooks, Cassius Christie, Kevin Delaney, Drew Hanna, Jordan Krug, Nick LaBanca, William Morgan, and Riley White received bachelor’s degrees. Nicholas Vass, who earned a master’s degree, was unable to attend the ceremony.
“As graduates of Cabrini University,” Frechie said, “you possess the unique education and ability to have an impact on all those unknowns, the nobodies whose lives touch ours and may be touched by us in return.”
Concluding the event, President Taylor acknowledged Head Coach and AEC Coach of the Year SteveColfer, and, turning to the graduates, said, “We congratulate you, we wish you the best, and on Monday, we’re going to be the No. 1 team in the country.”
For a team whose season has been marked by first-evers, a never-seen-before Commencement ceremony seemed perfectly fitting.
View all the photos from the ceremony here.
Cabrini men's lacrosse team will play Amherst College at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, May 26, at 4pm. Tickets are now available at TicketMaster. Also, Cabrini Lacrosse T-shirts and merchandise can be ordered on our Blue & White Store here.