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Syracuse University has picked up a huge summer-time surprise.
The Orange have secured the services of one of the top offensive players in college lacrosse. Nick Mariano, an attackman who led the Minuteman in scoring, decided to transfer to Syracuse, where he will have two years of eligibility, beginning with the 2016 season. The decision was first reported by Joe Lombardi on July 1 on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
The former Yorktown High School (NY) All-America was CAA Rookie of the Year in 2014 when he had a team-leading 29 goals and 39 points to go along with 10 assists (second-most on the team).
This past season, the 6-foot, 180-pound lefty had 22 goals and 20 assists for a team-best 42 points. He is No. 6 on Yorktown’s all-time scoring list with 176 goals, 82 assists and 268 points. He led Section 1 with 63 goals and 48 assists as a senior.
Mariano should thrive in head coach John Desko’s offense. Syracuse lost five of its top six scorers this past season, including two other transfers Kevin Rice (Marist) and Nick Galasso (North Carolina).
Mariano, who earned a spot on Yorktown’s varsity team as a freshman, committed to UMass in September of his junior year with the Huskers (2011). At the time, he considered the Orange as well as Hofstra, Delaware and Army before deciding on the Minutemen.
He will reunited with former Yorktown teammate Austin Fusco, a redshirt freshman defender, at Syracuse.
He is from a lacro
sse family that includes oldest brother Tom, the head coach at Pace University and former head coach at Sacred Heart.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Nick on his decision.
When did you decide to transfer and why?
I decided to transfer at the end of May. I discussed it with my parents and just thought it would be best for me.
What other colleges, in addition to Syracuse, were you looking at?
I was looking at Ohio State and Loyola.
When did you visit Syracuse and how did that go?
I visited Syracuse a couple weeks ago and right when I got there, I fell in love with it.
The coaches were amazing and the facilities they have are phenomenal.
What were some of the highlights and biggest memories from your two years at UMass?
The highlights of going to UMass were maturing as a person on and off the field. Also, meeting a great group of guys.
Are you looking forward to being teammates once again with Austin Fusco?
I am really looking forward to being teammates with Austin again. He’s a good friend of mine and he supported me the through this whole process and I can’t wait to step back on the field with him.
You were on the Vail Shootout championship team again this summer. What was that experience like?
Vail is an unbelievable experience. I was fortunate enough to play on two great teams the past two years with a great group of guys.
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