As Denver men’s lacrosse embarks on its conquest to reclaim the national title, the class of 2016 finish out their collegiate lacrosse careers and embrace their final moments amidst an exceptional program. Originally a staggering class of 17 players, it has tapered down to nine over the span of four years, including the addition of three transfers. The senior class will graduate one goalie, one attackman, two defenders and five midfielders.
Despite the size adjustments, this core group of seniors evolved alongside the program and instilled the level of excellence and discipline expected as a Denver lacrosse player.
“The landscape of our class has changed, but the program is rooted in [us] how it is,” senior goalie Joey Gigantiello (Shamong, New Jersey) said. “We’ve all grown and matured a lot. It’s been a great learning experience full of life lessons as well as getting better at lacrosse.”
Gigantiello serves as one of Denver’s back-up goalies. In his senior campaign, Gigantiello has seen action in five games, logging 35:18 minutes, making seven saves, relinquishing six goals, for a goals against average of 10.20 and a save percentage of .538.
Denver will lose a prominent playmaker as senior captain, Jack Bobzien, closes out his collegiate career. A Colorado local (Littleton, Colorado), Bobzien transferred back to his home state following his freshman year, where he played at Hartford University. Bobzien’s leadership and selflessness will leave a hole to fill within the attack. In his senior season, Bobzien has registered 40 points (22 goals, 18 assists) and 21 ground balls.
Pat Karole and Jack Pruitt will leave two absences for Denver’s defense upon their departure. Karole (Glen Ridge, New Jersey), played and started in every game last season, and continued this season until he suffered a hand injury requiring surgery. Currently on the mend, Karole made his debut in the BIG EAST conference championship game on Saturday, May 7. During his nine appearances this season, Karole has picked up 20 ground balls. Pruitt (Sammamish, Washington) has played in all 14 games of his senior season, tallying one assist and two ground balls.
The five midfielders include Joe Bano, Chris Hampton, Bryce Parietti, Christian Thomas and Colin Woolford. From Dublin, Ohio, Bano recorded nine ground balls in his 15 appearances during the 2016 season. Hampton (Bethesda, Maryland) has played in 14 games, earning three points (including his first two career goals) as well as 16 ground balls and one faceoff win. Parietti (Centennial, Colorado) transferred from High Point University back to his home state after his freshman season. In 12 appearances, Parietti logged six points (three goals and three assists) and one ground ball. Christian Thomas (Highlands Ranch, Colorado) has played in all 15 games so far, picking up six ground balls. Woolford (Norwalk, Connecticut) transferred to Denver from Syracuse University. Woolford has played in all 15 games, scoring 10 goals and securing five ground balls.
While the nine seniors developed genuine friendships on and off the field, the players’ relationships with the coaching staff has evolved throughout the years. Entering college, the legacy of Coach Tierney and the expectation to maintain the program’s excellence is no meager transition.
“I think dealing with Coach Tierney your freshman year is really intimidating,” Karole said. “He likes to yell and scream a lot, but if he’s yelling and screaming at you, you have to remember that he loves you and he’s doing it because he’s trying to make you better. You come in and feel like the baby of the team and now you’re the senior leaders. It definitely is a different relationship with the coaching staff. “
With time, the seniors established their roles within the team and gained confidence representing the program to create close relationships with the coaches.
“I know that down the road, ten years from now, if I need something and I call them, they [coaching staff] will help me out,” Gigantiello said.
As the national tournament approaches, reclaiming the national title is just a component of the final ride for the senior class, who are cherishing their numbered days as student-athletes.
“It’s been the best thing ever,” Gigantiello said. “Every day, just getting to hang out with your best friends for a couple of hours. Nothing else bothers you, it’s just lacrosse for two, three hours a day with your best friends. Winning the National Championship is great, but it’s the other times together that I’m going to remember forever.”
