College coaches often suggest that they are happy when they find lacrosse players who excel in more than one sport. Two of the top players in Section Five this year have made their future college coaches smile. Mike Messina from Aquinas, who was named MVP at the NYS football champion-ships last fall will honor his verbal commitment to Syracuse. Zach Reed, from Bath-Haverling, who was named MVP in his fall Sectional tournament in soccer last fall has honored his verbal commitment and will attend Hobart next year.

Both players have had a close, off-season relationship and each credit their association with Rochester legend, Tim Soudan, with inspiration and in helping them to recognize their potential. Mike Messina said, "I credit Coach Soudan for much of my success. He opened my eyes to many things about the game" and Zach Reed "wanted to acknowledge Tim Soudan, whose passion for the sport has inspired him to love the game as well."

Bath senior Zach Reed recently gathered with family and close friends to celebrate the signing of a commitment letter to play lacrosse next year at Hobart College.

His soccer career came to an end last fall after winning four Section Five championships and after he was named the MVP of the Sectional Tournament and as a member of the All State Team. "My experiences in soccer have taught me to compete in intense, high-level contests deep into the post season by making the quarterfinals of states three of those four years. The pressure situations of OT's and shootouts will serve me well in the future and at the next level."

Zach credits the elevation of his game to participating on club teams like the Rochester Blaze and FCA and competing on the Western Empire State Team, Adidas All-American Team and the National FCA Team. He has compiled 272 (120g/152a) total points with his senior year still to come. His success last summer on the Empire State Games and in the Adidas Tournament created a lot of interest by college coaches but he continued to honor his verbal commitment, given in December of his junior year.

"I chose Hobart because I felt that I can accomplish both my academic and athletic expectations all in one place. I liked the size [and] I had an instant connection with the coaches and just knew it was a perfect fit for me. The new stadium and locker rooms were also appealing, not to mention their schedule which includes some of the top teams in the country."

When asked about his game, Reed said, "I believe that my dodging and stick skills are my strengths, along with my ability to see the field. I have been working on my shot on the run and lifting in the off season."

When asked about the celebration, Zach wanted to acknowledge Tim Soudan, whose passion for the sport has inspired him to love the game as well. He also thanked coaches Mike Riorden, Greg Scott, Ken DiDomineck, Jerry Severino, his parents, supportive friends and teammates.