The Saint Joseph's men's lacrosse program will recognize its seniors leading up to the regular-season home finale against Wagner on Saturday, April 22. Midfielders Marcus Milione and Ray Vandegrift - who combined for three of SJU's seven goals at Delaware this year - reflect on their careers on Hawk Hill.
1. What is your favorite Saint Joseph's lacrosse memory?
Milione: My favorite memory would have to be seeing my parents after games.
Vandegrift: My favorite SJU lacrosse memory has to be my junior year vs. Penn. We had never beat Penn in the history of the program and the last two years had come pretty close to making the upset. The game was delayed about an hour due to weather and the environment in the locker room was great; people were dancing, joking around, and ultimately the team felt really great going into the game. Being tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the game went to overtime. We ended up winning and I just remember the atmosphere afterwards was unbelievable; we accomplished something that was never done in the history of the program. (Full release)
2. How would you like to be remembered as a member of the Saint Joseph's lacrosse team?
Milione: I'd like to be remembered as a teammate who came to work as hard as he could to do his job the right way.
Vandegrift: I would like to be remembered as a tough competitor and a good all-around teammate. Whether it was communicating in drills, pulling a younger guy aside and explaining things, or encouraging my teammates, I want to be remembered as someone who always did things the right way and without asking questions, to the fullest.
3. Describe the relationship of this senior class.
Milione: The senior class is one that came to SJU as underdogs and maintained that feeling.
Vandegrift: The dynamic of the senior class is really special. We came in with one of the biggest classes the program has ever seen and since day one, we have all been a really tight-knit group. We do everything together, from playing lacrosse to showering lol. Not being around these guys every day of the week is going to be tough come next year, and I am really going to miss it. My relationships with these guys are going to last a lifetime.
4. What will you miss the most about Saint Joseph's lacrosse?
Milione: Living together in Manayunk and getting to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't have gotten to experience.
Vandegrift: The one thing I am going to miss most is definitely my teammates, coaches, and all the other relationships I had the privilege of establishing over my four years here. There are very few people fortunate enough to do what we do every day.
5. What has being a member of the Saint Joseph's lacrosse program taught you?
Milione: In order to achieve a certain level of success, people will need to demonstrate commitment and discipline all while making sacrifices in other aspects of their lives.
Vandegrift: SJU lacrosse has ultimately taught me that success is an hourly, daily, monthly commitment. It isn't something that just happens or comes to you at one instant. You have to be disciplined to put the parts to the whole in everything you do.
6. What will you take out of your involvement with the Saint Joseph's lacrosse program moving forward?
Milione: The competitive nature and the hunger for success.
Vandegrift: I will take all of the relationships and memories I had the honor and privilege of making over the past four years. I can't thank my coaches, teammates, and everyone else involved with the organization enough for everything they have done. Being a Hawk is something I will proudly hold onto for the rest of my life.
Thank you to our seniors - The Hawk Will Never Die!
