Surrounded by tradition-rich lacrosse neighbors such as Yorktown, Lakeland/Panas, John Jay and Mahopac, Somers was a relative latecomer to the game.
The Tuskers, after all, didn’t launch a varsity team until 1996.
But since then, Somers has vaulted to prominence as one of the premier programs in the region.
One of the keys to that rise has a recurring theme: athleticism.
In fact, it can be argued that the arrival of the winningest football coach in Section 1 history, Tony DeMatteo, to Somers in 2000 has helped the Tuskers’ rise in lacrosse.
During a run of four straight sectional titles from 2000-03, Somers has featured many players who also excelled in lacrosse, highlighted by its 2003 team that beat Manhasset in the state semifinals. Ditto for the Tuskers’ sectional title teams in 2006 and ’09.
One of the latest such players is senior Anthony Lombardo. Lombardo, who is bound for Binghamton University, was named all-state in football earlier this week. He was a two-way starter at quarterback and linebacker.
In lax, Lombardo is one of the most physical and athletic midfielders around. He is expected to once again take the majority of the Tuskers’ faceoffs.
Here’s Anthony’s perspective on the 2011 season.
What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
I’ve been working out five times a week in my weight room at home. I run (sled, treadmill, plyos, long distance, sprints) and jump rope four times a week. I shoot and throw on the wall twice a week in my backyard. Also, the team has captains’ practices once a week and plays in the Brewster Indoor League.
How does your schedule look, including scrimmages, and what games are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the Red/Gray Classic, which is a scrimmage at Somers (on March 26). This year it includes 10 teams. In the past years this scrimmage has included top teams from the tri-state area. During the regular season, we have two games at West Point (against Carthage and Cold Spring Harbor), which I’m very excited to play in. We are all very excited to play John Jay again because of the three losses against them, including one in the section championship game.
What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
There are going to be a lot of new faces for our team this year and many surprises but there are two players in my mind that are going to be very big surprises. Robby Cegielski and Chris Rios are both senior midfielders. Robby is fast and has a good lacrosse IQ. He also has very good stick skills. Chris is fast as well and is very competitive with a great shot. Kieran Donohue will have an even better year than he had last year.
What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
Our strength will be in our defense and goalie positions. Our closed D will consist of the Schurr brothers (Eddie and Kevin) and Matt Cirieco. We return our starting defensive midfield line with Matt Dalton at long stick and Rob Mendoza and Jack Ahearn at short stick. Other defenders who will be seeing time will be Brian Jordan and David Cordes.
How do you view the race in Section 1 Class B and who do you think the contending teams will be?
This year, Class B will be even more competitive than last year with the addition of Yorktown and Rye. It’s going to be a very tough race for the section championship between Somers, Rye, Yorktown and John Jay.
* For background info on Anthony, click here.
Somers 2011 schedule
Scrimmages
March 23, Wed. – @ Bronxville, Four teams, 4 p.m.
March 26, Sat. – Red/Grey Classic @ Somers, 10 teams, 8 a.m.
March 28, Mon. – White Plains @ Somers, 4:30 p.m.
March 29, Tues. – Greenwich CT @ Somers, 4:30 p.m.
Regular season
April 1, Fri. – Iona Prep, Away, 5 p.m.
April 2, Sat. – Arlington, Away, TBD
April 6, Wed. – Ridgefield, Home 6 p.m.
April 9, Sat. – New Canaan, Home 6 p.m.
April 12, Tue. – Rye, Away, 5:30 p.m.
April 14, Thu. – Mahopac, Away, 4:30 p.m.
April 16, Sat. – Niskayuna, Away, 3 p.m.
April 19, Tue. – Carthage @ West Point TBD
April 21, Thu. – Cold Spring @ West Point TBD
April 26, Tue. – Brewster, Home, 4:30 p.m.
April 28, Thu. – Put Valley, Away, 4:30 p.m.
May 3, Tue. – Yorktown, Away, 7:30 p.m.
May 5, Thu. – Hen Hud, Away, 4:30 p.m.
May 10, Tue. – Greeley, Home, 5 p.m.
May 12, Thu. – John Jay, Home, 5 p.m.
May 14, Sat. – Lake/Panas, Away, 7:30 p.m.
* For schedules for teams from throughout the region, be sure to check out the “Schedules galore” thread, and scroll down to the comments portion for the most recently released schedules.
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Posted In: Player's perspective, Section 1
This is like I said in the past about these coaches. lets see what you do when it is really your team. Lew took over for somers coaches who astablished something and then lew won with there talent. Same goes for JJ lets see Schurr do it with his talent when the Daniello senior class leaves.
On top of being a two sport standout, Anthony “mr somers” Lombardo, plays the field like a beast
Well done Anthony. Congrats on all state for football and have a great senior year in lax!
Former Jayster, it’s not a coaches talent. This isnt college. They didnt recruit anyone. They take who they’re given. The coach before Lew was given those players, and was the coach before Jay. What they do with those players is what matters.
I beg to differ I always say its the coach that grooms the program and teaches his philosophy, techniques etc.
Just like if coach sav was not the coach of jj kevin drew would of never played lax, coach sav recruited him to play and if kevin never played jj never beats huntington
Jay Beat huntington because the bratton boys egos were to big,he doesnt take that shot with 59 seconds left they dont win.
Nice job Lombardo
Good job Ant!
Well done Anthony, we look forward to watching you play this season. Best of luck.
driven by rage, Lombardo has become one of the most feared members of this section. with somers lax now his team he will continue in his pursuit of madness as he did in football this year. Go Somers!
Yeh Lombardooo
Somers always has good athletes and football playing laxers especially. Anthony is the latest example along with several other middies and attackmen
Good job Anthony. Keep up the hard work!
Anthony will have a large impact on faceoffs.
What’s wrong with JJ people and their inability to give credit and praise to other schools? Last time I checked they did not have a monopoly on this game, and yet, many of their fans cannot help but look down their noses at everyone else. It is trite at this point.
Somers is a formidable program and will compete well just as Lew’s Westrock program has become a model of success in the area. His results are indesputable and he will have his team ready to play.
Play hard, play well, have fun.
Get after it Anthony!
Have a great year Anthony!