Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photos By eric zitz

Skartsiaris nationally recognized

By mike cady

mjcady@vwc.edu

crosse team hosted Old Dominion Athletic Conference rival Roanoke College and won 15-12. Not only was this a huge win for the Marlins but also a huge game for senior goalie Tom Skartsiaris. He recorded a career high 27 saves en route to victory. Not to mention, Skartsiaris received Div. III Nike Player of the Week honors from InsideLacrosse.com, a Web site, magazine and TV show.

“It wasn’t as hard as you think because of our solid defense and attack,” said Skartsiaris of his performance.

Modest and successful, Skartsiaris has been a huge contributor to the accomplishments of the Virginia Wesleyan lacrosse team for the past three seasons. Furthermore, he has been ranked as one of the nation’s best goalkeepers since his debut as a sophomore. Skartsiaris’ impact on the team is evident on the field but also significant off the field.

“Skartsiaris has a huge impact on our team,” said VWC men’s lacrosse assistant coach Luke Reilly.

“He is a leader that brings a lot of intensity to the game.”

Senior captain David Gill agrees that Skartsiaris shows leadership.

“Guys look up to Skartsiaris,” said Gill.

Many athletes have pre-game rituals or routines to help them prepare games. Skartsiaris has one of his own.

“I go to Wawa, make sure I am wearing my Nassau Community College shorts under my game shorts, get taped up, listen to music and get a good warm up in,” he said.

This routine seems to be working for him and his team.

According to Reilly, some of Skartsiaris’ best qualities are his skills.

“He is quick,” said Reilly, “knowledgeable of the game and makes everybody else around him play better.”

Senior teammate Bart Christy agrees with Reilly.

“Tommy pumps our team up by being a vocal leader on the field,” he said.

Sparked by Skartsiaris’ performance against Roanoke, the VWC men’s lacrosse team went on to beat another ODAC rival, Hampden-Sydney, 9-7 where Skartsiaris had 10 saves.

“I have high hopes that we will win the rest of our games this season and continue the streak into the ODACs,” said Skartsiaris.