Manhattan Men’s Lacrosse Unveils Coaching Staff


RIVERDALE, N.Y. – First year Manhattan men’s lacrosse coach Steve Manitta announced the addition of four to his staff on Wednesday. Matt Nealis, Sal Marinello, John Lade and Charlie Cipriano will join Manitta for the 2013 spring season.

Nealis, who spent the last two years as Manitta’s assistant at Mercy College, is no stranger to the Jaspers program. A four year player at Mount Saint Mary’s, Nealis helped lead his squad to a 2010 MAAC Championship in his senior year. During his playing time, he was a two-time All-First Team member and played in the 2010 North-South Senior All-Star Game. As a coach, Nealis coached the “man-down” unit at Mercy to the highest kill percentage (89.7%) in Division II in 2011.

“Matt has done an incredible job on the defensive end of the field for the past two seasons,” said Manitta. “He’s a grinder, loves film, and will be a huge part of this new beginning here at Manhattan College.”

A very knowledgeable lacrosse mind, Marinello has worked as a personal coach to many players in a career that spans over four decades.

“Coach Marinello has had success working with a diverse population with particular success developing athletes from the youth level through college age,” noted Manitta. “He has trained state champs, all-state and all-county performers in a variety of sports, as well as professional and college scholarship athletes. A lot of my success as a coach has come with Sal by my side. We’re lucky to have him.”

Marinello had served as Mercy Lacrosse’s Athletic Development Coach since 2009 and has contributed to Yahoo Sports Radio’s “Steve Czaban Show”.

Both Lade and Cipriano join the Jaspers staff after completing stellar collegiate careers of their own. Lade, a graduate assistant with Manitta, graduated from Syracuse University in 2011 and was one of the top defenseman in the nation. He was a three time All-American and earned Division I Defenseman of the Year honors as a senior. Upon graduation, he continued his playing career in Major League Lacrosse with the Boston Cannons as well as the Rochester Rattlers.

“John will no doubt continue his tremendous lacrosse success on this staff,” says Manitta, who coached against Lade when he was in high school. “He’s one of the most decorated defensive players that has played this game and a quality individual. Our guys will enjoy being around him and his contagious enthusiasm.”

Cipriano, a 2012 graduate of Fairfield University, will be Manitta’s special assistant at Manhattan after he ended his college career. The Long Island native was the two time ECAC Goalkeeper of the Year and was named first team All-Conference and All-Tournament as both a junior and senior with the Stags. The 2012 All-American also holds the New York State High School record for career saves. He has continued his playing career on the professional level with the Denver Outlaws of the MLL.

“It’s such a bonus to have someone here with Charlie’s credentials is going to make such a big difference for the Jaspers,” praised Manitta. “He’s currently playing at the highest level for a reason and will bring so much to the staff.”

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