The 1972 Boston State College Men's Lacrosse team became thefirst lax unit from the school to advance to the United StatesIntercollegiate Lacrosse Association National Tournament. TheWarriors' only loss heading into the tournament was a tough 9-8defeat to Springfield College, but the tournament bid was historicfor the school. "This has to be the greatest thrill of my life,"said 26-year old second-year Head Coach Gordie Webb at the time."It's a great reward for the kids, who have worked so hard for achance like this." Boston State would fall to Adelphi University inthe first round of the tournament in Long Island, NY. The Warriorsfinished with an 11-2 mark, including a nine-game winning streak,with wins over such programs as Boston College, Holy Cross andTufts University. The team's defense was suffocating, allowing fouror fewer goals in all but three contests, while allowing just 4.2scores per game. Senior attackman Frank Morgan and fellowco-captain junior midfielder Bill Rafuse were both named All-NewEngland as well as Colonial League All-Stars, while Colonial LeagueAll-Star freshman goalie John Yeager anchored the defense with a.790 save percentage. Senior defender Frank Kelly also earnedAll-New England status for a team, whose margin of victory was justunder seven goals per game. Members of the team included Webb,assistant coach Pat Greatorex, Charlie Ahern, Pete Banis, MikeBottiglio, Mike Browne, Jim Caffelle, Jim Collins, Bob Connors, JoeCurley, Leo Dawson, John DeYeso, Bill Fleming, Pat Fullerton, GlennHarrington, Steve Harris, Frank Kelly, Tom Kelly, Jim Kent, SteveKoenig, John MacLean, Jack Manning, Frank McCabe, Joe McCarthy,Gerry McClellan, Jim McLean, Bill McCormack, John Miles, Morgan,Rafuse, Jim Russell, Charlie Smith, Jay Sullivan, Jim Tighe, MikeVenezia, Lou Verocchi, Yeager and Richie Young.
