Marist Presence Leads North To All-Star Game Win
MAAC Sports
RADNOR, Pennsylvania - Led by Marist Head Coach Keegan Wilkinson, assistant coaches Mike Gongas and Ethan Fox, as well as offensive firepower from Joseph Radin at attack, the North squad prevailed against the South, 17-13, in the 75th United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association All-Star Game on May 27.
Both sides featured the top graduating players in Divisions I and II. The North team had players from schools in the Northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New England area, while the South squad drew its competitors from schools from other states such as Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina. Some South players hailed from programs in the District of Columbia and the Midwest.
The North never trailed in the contest, holding on to a 7-6 lead at halftime. Playing in the final game of his collegiate career, Radin netted all four of his goals in the third quarter and spurred a 4-1 run that put the North in front 14-8. He picked up a natural hat trick when he scored with 34 seconds left in the third quarter.
"Being able to play with such great players and ending my career with Coach Wilkinson, Mike Gongas, and Ethan Fox, three guys who helped me so much on and off the field, was a fitting end to my career," Radin said. "I owe so much to them and getting to share that experience with them was a really cool way to wrap it up."
Wilkinson was announced as Head Coach for the North squad just two weeks ago and put together its roster from positional rankings.
"It was a real honor to work with some of the nation's best players tonight," Wilkinson said. "To be able to coach tonight with my assistants, Mike Gongas and Ethan Fox, and to have one last opportunity to coach Joe Radin was really special. We were all honored for the opportunity to be a part of the 75th North-South Game and are very grateful to the USILA."
The Red Foxes finished their 2016 season with a 9-7 overall record that included 4-2 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. Marist competed in the conference championship game for the third straight season. Radin ended his Marist career as the program's all-time leading scorer with 166 goals. He was also the first Red Fox chosen in the Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft when the Charlotte Hounds picked him up.