Lax Welcomes 18 to Stellar 2012-13 Class

The Grand Canyon University lacrosse team today announced their recruiting class for the 2012-13 season, welcoming 18 athletes to the program in a number of positions.

The Antelopes added Zack Alexander, Dean Fairall, Payne Finley, Jason Klein and Eric Laub as attackers.

Alexander, from Estrella High School in Goodyear, Ariz., was third on his team in scoring with 21 goals and two assists. He also recorded a team-high 76 ground balls last season.

“Zack is a versatile player who will benefit greatly from a year in our strength and conditioning program,” said head coach Manny Rapkin.

Fairall hails from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, where he attended St. Francis Xavier. He is one of three Canadians heading to GCU for the upcoming year. Fairall had four goals and nine assists for the Junior A Edmonton Eclipse in five games so far this season.

“Dean is a solid left-hand attackman who can shoot the ball and will compliment current GCU attack man Carson Barton, his Junior A teammate.”

Finley joins the team from Coronado High School in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Payne is a shifty attackman who may see time as an inverted midfielder.”

Klein, who is one of three players joining the team from Kings Way in Camas, Wash., led the offense with 34 goals and 18 assists.

“Jason can dodge, shoot, and run on offense from behind the cage.”

Laub, the second of three additions to the squad from Arizona, attended Horizon High School in Scottsdale. He had 40 points during his senior campaign and earned Honorable Mention honors.

“Eric is good around the net and is another kid who will benefit from a regular strength and conditioning regimen.”

For the defense, the ‘Lopes have added Alex Garwood, Kevin McDonnell, Cody Maiocco and Kendrick Pleming.

Garwood also comes from Kings Way in Washington, where he served as team captain. He totaled 42 caused turnovers on the year and collected 63 ground balls en route to helping Kings Way beat undefeated and nationally ranked Issaquah to advance to the state semifinal game.

“Alex’s stats speak for themselves.”

McDonnell, from Tuscarora High School in Frederick, Maryland, helped lead his team to the first round of the playoffs and was named his squad’s Defenseman of the Year.

“Kevin is a hard worker who loves lacrosse,” said Rapkin. “He is our first Maryland recruit and has competed at the highest levels of the high school game.”

Maiocco, the third Arizona native, attended Boulder Creek High School in Anthem. He had 75 ground balls, two goals and two assists this past season. Maiocco helped Boulder Creek to the second round of the playoffs and earned team Defensive Player of the Year honors.

“Cody is a big, strong defenseman who will fit well into our physical style of play,”

Pleming, from Campbell High School in New Orleans, La., started every game for his team and was named Defensive Player of the Year for the last two seasons.

“Kendrick is a lacrosse player stuck inside a Division I football body.”

For the faceoff position, GCU has added Ronnie Hamwey and Kevin Pham.

Hamwey hails from Lancaster, Mass., where he attended Nashoba Regional. He won 70 percent of his face-offs this past season at Nashoba.

“Ron will have an opportunity to compete for the No. 1 faceoff spot.”

Pham was a three year varsity captain at San Rafael High School in California. He was the leading scorer with 43 goals and 27 assists, while winning 55 percent of his face-offs.

“We love Kevin’s versatility and size.”

Matt Friesen and Matt Muniz join the squad as goalies for the upcoming season.

Friesen, the third from Kings Way in Washington, posted a 49 save percentage last season.

“Matt is quick, smart and gives us the option of throwing a left hand keeper at our opponents.”

Muniz, from Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nev., was named First Team All-State this past season.

“Matt is a stopper who can run the defense.”

Nolan Garman is the lone long stick midfielder added by the ‘Lopes. From St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he contributed to the Saskatchewan team’s third place finish in last year’s Canadian Field Nationals.

“Nolan is a solid defenseman, handles the stick well in transition and plays with tremendous composure.”

Finally, the ‘Lopes added four midfielders, including Nick Castelli, Tim Mahaney, Graham Wiley and Ryan Vellek.

Castelli, from Catholic Central in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, had 17 points in a 13-game season for the Junior B Tier II Okotoks Mustangs. He also collected 10 goals and seven assists through eight games for the Tier I Calgary Chill.

“Nick is a left hander we need to fill that void on our midfield.”

Mahaney was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-County honoree in wrestling at Moorestown in Moorestown, N.J. He was also a Second Team All-County selection in football. Mahaney had four gals, six assists, 43 ground balls and nine caused turnovers last season.

“Tim is an awesome competitor who will bring intensity and athleticism to our defensive midfield unit. He has played at the highest level of high school lacrosse.”

Wiley, from Centennial, Colo., helped his Cherry Creek squad to the state championship and a No. 18 national ranking last season.

“Graham is another player from a nationally recognized program who practiced with and played against the best every day.”

Vellek, from Burlington High School in Burlington, Vermont, rounds out the recruiting class for 2012-13.

“Ryan was a high school quarterback and H-back who will add speed to the midfield.”

The ‘Lopes finished the 2011-12 season with a 15-2 overall record and went 5-1 in the SLC. They were ranked No. 7 in the final Division II after advancing to the second round of the MCLA Tournament.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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