Yorktown has been a big topic of discussion here of late.
For starters, Yorktown completed its 2012 schedule. As usual, it is among the most competitive of any high school team from sea to shining sea.
The Huskers have also had several recent college commitments, bringing their total number of future collegiate players to 14.
And counting.
Among them is Eric Cooley.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Cooley, a defenseman, is headed to Rutgers.
Also a football standout, he was honored last week at the 39th annual Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Golden Dozen Dinner at the Westchester Country Club.
But with his football career now complete, Cooley is focused firmly on lacrosse.
Now, let’s get his perspectives on his senior season.
What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
I’ve been lifting and speed training a lot. I want to become a better player than I was last year so I’ve been working very hard this offseason.
How does your schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
Our schedule, like every year, is very competitive and one of the toughest around. We believe to be the best, you have to beat the best and that’s why we play such good teams such as Chaminade, St. Anthony’s, Smithtown West, Darien, etc.
I’m looking forward to these tough games but also to the Murph (Charlie Murphy) Cup (vs. Lakeland/Panas) and John Jay. It’s always fun playing in those games because there is so much rich tradition in each program. These are all big games but we are not looking past anybody this year.
What player or players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
I think everybody knows about (Conor) Gately, (Nick) Mariano, Frankie Fusco, Austin Fusco and (Trevor) Koelsch, but what goes unseen about these guys is their incredible offseason work ethic and determination to be better, so I think that they will continue to impress people.
We have a core group of seniors this year, including Brian Quigley, Nick Johnson, Joey Sialiano, Fitim and Gzim Lajqi, Joey Raniolo, Vin McLiverty and Hunter Palancia that I believe are going to step up and surprise some people with the skill they each possess.
Some young guys to look out for are Connor Vercruysse, who started as a sophomore on the varsity football team as a linebacker and fullback, and Brian Prestreau. They are both physical forces and have some serious talent. Danny Manning and Luke Palmadesso are both explosive players and can create some transition for us from the face off X.
What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
I think our chemistry is what is going to take us far this year. We have talent, but its the fact that each one of us is ready to work and excited to be playing with each other that is going to take us far this season.
How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
The section is always competitive, but I expect to win. I have no idea who some of the contending teams will be this year because they seem to change every year and somebody always upsets someone else.
* For more info on Eric, check out his player profile by clicking here.
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Posted In: Player's perspective, Section 1
Way to go Big E!! Keep working hard and stay focused on the prize!! ( a 7th state title for the Huskers)