A large group of McQuaid Jesuit High School students received hall passes so they could show up to congratulate senior defenseman Josh Swartzman at a ceremony to honor his appointment to the Air Force Academy this morning. Although players attending service academies do not sign Nation Letters of Intent, the selection of appointees are so keen that players moving on to the Division I teams are often celebrated for their achievement. The education, estimated as worth $414,000, as McQuaid Jesuit Athletic Director David Spiehler noted in his opening remarks, is a commitment both by the student and the Academy as they choose the future leaders in our armed services.

Head Coach Dan James spoke to the assembly, congratulating Josh on his appointment and acknowledging the extra practice time and the efforts that Josh (and his brother Isaac) have made to their own improvements in the game. "It takes a very special young man to decide to attend the United States Air Force Academy, but to also receive an appointment. Less than ten percent of applicants receive that appointment letter so it is truly an honor." Reading from Josh's appointment letter, Coach James continued, "You will be joining a select group of our nation's finest young people as you take this challenging and rewarding step in becoming a professional Air Force Officer."

Service runs deep in the Swartzman family. Josh's father, Howard, is a retired naval Senior Chief and his mother, Peggy, is an army Colonel currently serving in Afghanistan. Although she was missing from the ceremony, Josh's father and brother were both beaming and ready for photographs.

Josh says that he looked at a number of schools before seeking an appointment to the Air Force Academy. "I looked at Sienna, Sacred Heart, Dartmouth, Brown, Albany and West Point. I found a home at the Air Force Academy."

A three year Varsity player, the first team GRALL defenseman has played off-season with the Blaze Rising Junior team, and has played on the Adidas Underclassmen All-American Syracuse team. Last summer he was played in the Under Armour Underclassmen Elite Stars Lacrosse Tournament.

Looking forward, Swartzman is excited about is senior year with the Knights. "I think our defense will be stronger this season. Offensively we're going to need to have a good year from [A/M] Joe Hanna [28g-9a in 2012]. He is good player, an underrated player, and I believe he can put a lot in the nets. Luc [Bailey] and I and the rest of the seniors need to pull our team together. I'm looking for a good season."

He will be joining a at least two of Section Five players at the Academy net fall. James Burke and Alex Kober, both current sophomores from Pittsford, will be waiting for his arrival. He will just miss Webster Thomas former goalie, Austin Fox, who is scheduled to graduate this spring.    More photographs in the Gallery.