WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Monmouth University head men’s lacrosse coach Brian Fisher announced that juniors Ryan Horsch (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Township) and Zach Johannes (Sparta, N.J./Pope John XXIII) have been named team captains for the 2014 season, the first in Hawks’ program history.
Monmouth Reveals 2014 Men’s Lacrosse Schedule.
“Both Ryan and Zach will do an excellent job leading our team into our first season of competition this spring,” stated Fisher. “Both of these young men have some collegiate experience which will benefit our team, but they also possess a strong work ethic and are committed to making our program better every day.”
Horsch, a transfer from Brookdale Community College, where he helped lead the Jersey Blues to consecutive Region 19 Championships, was honored as a two-time First-Team All-Region 19 defenseman. A 2013 team captain, Horsch was the Region 19 Tournament MVP and BCC team MVP last year. A three-year varsity letterwinner in lacrosse at Freehold Township High School, Horsch compiled over 200 ground balls, 75 take-aways, 10 goals and six assists in his career. As a senior captain, Horsch recorded a team-best 82 ground balls and 42 take-aways, while being named First-Team All-A North, First-Team All-Shore and first-team all-district. A two-time A-North Division Champion, Horsch played in the 2011 Conference Senior All-Star Game.
Johannes, a transfer from Franklin & Marshall, appeared in every game in his two seasons with the Diplomats, and was named the Freshman of the Year in 2012. A four-year varsity lacrosse player and three-year starter at Pope John XXIII, Johannes was a two-time team captain to registered 84 goals and 67 assists during his tenure. A two-time First-Team All-New Jersey Herald selection, Johannes was named First-Team All-Risk Division, First-Team All-NJAC and second-team all-state. Also a two-year member of the football team, Johannes was a safety and wide receiver on the Lions’ league championship team as a senior and posted an 11-0 league title season in 2008.
Fisher added, “With such a small group of upper classmen, it certainly is an honor for Zach and Ryan to be recognized by their teammates for their leadership both on and off the field this fall. Furthermore, I was encouraged by the support many of our upper classmen had received from their teammates.”
“I feel honored to be able to call myself a captain of this team and to lead our program into the spring for the first time,” noted Horsch. “Zach and I have the chance to set the bar for the future, not too many other people can say the same. It’s truly a special thing we are able to experience.”
“I am very excited to be named a captain of MU Lacrosse for our 2014 inaugural season,” said Johannes. “Being part of a new program, I hope to help set as strong foundation for future rosters to come. As a team, we have developed significantly though fall ball. I hope to contribute to our improvements by establishing a strong work ethic and a “family-like” atmosphere on the team.”
Monmouth opens competition this spring at UMBC on February 22, at 1:00 p.m.
