UMass Lowell’s newly launched Division I program has quickly established a pipeline to one of the top programs in the nation’s No. 1 hotspot for lacrosse, the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tristate region.
Earlier this week, UMass Lowell secured its second verbal commitment from Suffolk (NY) power Sachem North in less than a week as Class of 2016 attackman/midfielder Dylan Rhatigan decided on the River Hawks, a decision first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
Sachem North 2015 midfielder William Russo verballed to UMass Lowell earlier last week.
The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Rhatigan is a lefty dodger who had a strong varsity season this past spring as a sophomore.
“He played midfield for us,” Sachem North coach Jason Mauro said. ” This summer we moved him to attack and he has really developed into an excellent attackman. He has a good feel for the game and plays hard.”
Dylan’s older brother, Kyle, was a starting attackman for D-II national champion Limestone this year as a sophomore.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Dylan on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
A great college coaching staff and great opportunity to help build and play in a new Division I lacrosse program.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I visited Maryland, Towson, Ohio State and Air Force.
What are your strengths as a player?
Dodging, feeding and playing a physical game
How would you describe your style of play?
My style of play is aggressive and I have a good field sense. I am a good dodger who likes to create offense for my teammates. I feel I can play both midfield and attack at the next level.
What areas of your game do you need to work on?
I need to work on is using my weak hand more and reading defenses better.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
I got introduced to lacrosse by my dad before I could even walk. I grew up on the sidelines of my dad’s lacrosse games. Other sports I have played are football, basketball, volleyball and I have wrestled.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I travel in the summer with my high school team, Sachem North.
The showcase events I have participated in are the Long Island lacrosse showcase Rising Sophomore & Rising Junior, Long Island All Star game at LI Lax Fest, Dixie 150 Lacrosse camp All Star and U15 Nationals in Florida with the Long Island Jesters
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank my parents for all of their support and putting in so much of their time driving me to practice, games, tournaments and visiting colleges.
I would like to thank my dad for making me the lacrosse player I am today and my brother Kyle for all his lax advise.
I would also like to thank Coach Mauro at Sachem North for helping me through the recruiting process.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Recruiting Rundown, Section 11
