Army West Point Athletics
Surdick Earns Defender of the Year Distinction
April 29, 2019 | Men's Lacrosse
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – After a standout senior season, Johnny Surdick was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year highlighting the Army men's lacrosse team's postseason accolades.
Surdick also achieved First Team All-Patriot League recognition, while freshman Brendan Nichtern, junior Matt Manown, junior Tom Rigney and senior AJ Barretto received second team honors.
The Major Awards and All-League teams were voted on by the nine Patriot League head coaches who could not vote for their student-athletes or themselves.
"Johnny has been a dominant force in our defense throughout his career," said head coach Joe Alberici. "Few programs ask more of a defenseman than we did of John. We asked him to play wing on faceoff on top of guarding the opposing team's top threat in the midfield or at close defense, and typically with little support. He is very deserving of this latest accolade and I couldn't be prouder."
Surdick is a three-time All-Patriot League First Team selection and a two-time Preseason Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year.
Surdick ranks amongst Army's greats on defense in the team's 102-year history. The Odenton, Md., native leads the team with 53 ground balls averaging 3.79 per game. He ranks sixth nationally in caused turnovers per game (2.21). The senior captain helped anchor Army's defense which allowed just 8.93 goals per game ranking third in the country.
In conference-only contests, Surdick averages 4.00 ground balls each game and causes 2.38 turnovers a game. In his career, Surdick has amassed 166 ground balls and 98 caused turnovers.
Nichtern, who shattered the freshman record books this season, has earned Second Team All-Patriot League Honors.
Nichtern has been the anchor of the Black Knights' offensive tempo this season with big games against ranked opponents. In his collegiate debut, Nichtern scored the game-winning goal against then-ranked 18/19 Massachusetts. To top that performance, the Massapequa, N.Y., native netted the game-winner when the Cadets topped then-ranked 8/10 Rutgers.
This season, Nichtern has set new standards at Army for freshmen scoring to include points (58) and assists (34).
Nichtern has 39 assists on the season, which puts him in a tie with Tim Pearson '02 for fifth all-time in single-season helpers. He passed Army Hall of Famer Tom Cafaro '71 and Tom Sheckells '65, whom each had 34 and 35 in a single season, respectively. He also passed Cole Johnson '17, Jeff Bryan '04 and Jeremy Boltus '10, and they each had 38 in a single season.
Nichtern climbed up the single season points list as well and is now in a tie for 10th with 63 points this season. He passed Steve Heller '93, who put up 58 points in 1993 and 59 points in 1991.
Nichtern also jumped Army Hall of Famer Bob Miser '60, who had 59 points in 1960. He climbed over Scott Finlay '78 who had 60 points in 1997 and John Glesener's 61 points in 2013. Nichtern has tallied at least one point in all 14 games this year.
"In my 14 years at Army, few if any plebes have had the type of impact than Brendan has had in our program," said Alberici. "The points, goals and assists tell one side of the story, and on the other side are the clutch moments where he has continuously delivered for us. We look forward to the next three years with him."
Manown earned his first postseason accolade as he received a second team nod. The Saunderstown, R.I., native was the Black Knights' top midfielder this year with 10 multi-point games. Manown ranks fourth on the team in scoring with 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points, a new season-high.
The midfielder has also contributed 25 ground balls and caused two turnovers. Manown's standout season was highlighted by his overtime game-winner over Navy.
"Matt is a do-all midfielder," commented Alberici. "He is tremendous on the defensive end in ground balls and on the offensive end with his constant production. He was very consistent and came up big for us in clutch moments."
Rigney stepped into a starting defensive role for Army this season after playing in eight games prior to his junior year. A key player in the Black Knights' transition game, Rigney produced a season-high 38 ground balls averaging 2.71 per game.
Rigney, who hails from Nokesville, Va., caused eight turnovers and contributed two assists on transition. This is his first postseason honor. The junior helped anchor Army's defense which allowed just 8.93 goals per game ranking third in the country.
"I am so happy for this honor for Tom," said Alberici. "Some may overlook him, but anyone inside the program can see how consistently he handles his matchups week in and week out. Tom has been so reliable in the clearing and transition game for us. He had a breakout year and is so deserving of this honor."
For the second time in his career, Barretto earned second team recognition. Barretto is having an outstanding season in net with an 8.93 goals against average to rank third nationally and tops in the Patriot League.
Barretto's .570 save percentage is the seventh-best in college lacrosse. The senior set new career-highs this season in saves (19) and ground balls (5), both against Holy Cross.
He backs the defense that allowed just 8.93 goals per game, which is third in the country. The Darlington, Md., is third on the team in ground balls with 34. He averages 2.43 per game.
This season, Barretto reached double-digit victories with 10 for the second time in his career with the other coming in 2017 when he earned 12.
Throughout his career, Barretto has made 529 saves and ranks fifth all-time in Army's record books. The senior jumped ahead of Joel Portuese '88 (510), Dominik Nogic '02 (503) and Army Hall of Famer Jack Rust '49 (491) in the second half of the season.
"AJ has been unbelievable for us," added Alberici. "As a four-year starter for our program without missing a game, this season has been the greatest in his storied career. Time and time again AJ came up with huge saves, but what is equally as impressive is his athleticism and intelligence in the defensive end. He has played a pivotal role in our clearing game and directing our defense."
The Black Knights continue their season on Tuesday in the Patriot League Quarterfinals. Army hosts Holy Cross at 3 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at this link.
2019 Men's Lacrosse All-Patriot League and Major Awards
Offensive Player of the Year – Pat Spencer, Loyola Maryland, Sr., A
Defensive Player of the Year – Johnny Surdick, Army West Point, Sr., D
Faceoff Specialist of the Year – Conor Gaffney, Lehigh, Jr., FO
Goalkeeper of the Year – Jacob Stover, Loyola Maryland, Sr., GK
Rookie of the Year – Chase Scanlan, Loyola Maryland, Fr., M
The William Lawson Coach of the Year – Charley Toomey, Loyola Maryland
First Team
James Burr, Boston University, Sr., A
Chris Gray, Boston University, So., A
Kevin Lindley, Loyola Maryland, So., A
Pat Spencer, Loyola Maryland, Sr., A
Brendan Homire, Boston University, Sr., M
Chase Scanlan, Loyola Maryland, Fr., M
Greyson Torain, Navy, Sr., M
Ryan Wade, Navy, Sr., M
Johnny Surdick, Army West Point, Sr., D
Quintin Germain, Boston University, Sr., D
Matt Farrell, Holy Cross, Sr., D
Craig Chick, Lehigh, Sr., D
Conor Gaffney, Lehigh, Jr., FO
Jacob Stover, Loyola Maryland, Sr., GK
Ryan McNulty, Loyola Maryland, Jr., LSM
Will Blumenberg, Colgate, Sr., SSDM
Second Team
Brendan Nichtern, Army West Point, Fr., A
Will Yorke, Bucknell, Jr., A
Kevin Kodzis, Holy Cross, Jr., A
Lucas Spence, Lehigh, Sr., A
Matt Manown, Army West Point, Jr., M
Griffin Brown, Colgate, Jr., M
Sean Mullaney, Holy Cross, Jr., M
Andrew Eichelberger, Lehigh, Jr., M
Tom Rigney, Army West Point, Jr., D
Bryant Boswell, Bucknell, So., D
Conor Shears, Bucknell, Jr., D
Cam Wyers, Loyola Maryland, Fr., D
Dan O'Connell, Holy Cross, Jr., FO
AJ Barretto, Army West Point, Sr., GK
Teddy Leggett, Lehigh, So., LSM
Christian McHugh, Lehigh, Jr., SSDM
Surdick also achieved First Team All-Patriot League recognition, while freshman Brendan Nichtern, junior Matt Manown, junior Tom Rigney and senior AJ Barretto received second team honors.
The Major Awards and All-League teams were voted on by the nine Patriot League head coaches who could not vote for their student-athletes or themselves.
"Johnny has been a dominant force in our defense throughout his career," said head coach Joe Alberici. "Few programs ask more of a defenseman than we did of John. We asked him to play wing on faceoff on top of guarding the opposing team's top threat in the midfield or at close defense, and typically with little support. He is very deserving of this latest accolade and I couldn't be prouder."
Surdick is a three-time All-Patriot League First Team selection and a two-time Preseason Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year.
Surdick ranks amongst Army's greats on defense in the team's 102-year history. The Odenton, Md., native leads the team with 53 ground balls averaging 3.79 per game. He ranks sixth nationally in caused turnovers per game (2.21). The senior captain helped anchor Army's defense which allowed just 8.93 goals per game ranking third in the country.
In conference-only contests, Surdick averages 4.00 ground balls each game and causes 2.38 turnovers a game. In his career, Surdick has amassed 166 ground balls and 98 caused turnovers.
Nichtern, who shattered the freshman record books this season, has earned Second Team All-Patriot League Honors.
Nichtern has been the anchor of the Black Knights' offensive tempo this season with big games against ranked opponents. In his collegiate debut, Nichtern scored the game-winning goal against then-ranked 18/19 Massachusetts. To top that performance, the Massapequa, N.Y., native netted the game-winner when the Cadets topped then-ranked 8/10 Rutgers.
This season, Nichtern has set new standards at Army for freshmen scoring to include points (58) and assists (34).
Nichtern has 39 assists on the season, which puts him in a tie with Tim Pearson '02 for fifth all-time in single-season helpers. He passed Army Hall of Famer Tom Cafaro '71 and Tom Sheckells '65, whom each had 34 and 35 in a single season, respectively. He also passed Cole Johnson '17, Jeff Bryan '04 and Jeremy Boltus '10, and they each had 38 in a single season.
Nichtern climbed up the single season points list as well and is now in a tie for 10th with 63 points this season. He passed Steve Heller '93, who put up 58 points in 1993 and 59 points in 1991.
Nichtern also jumped Army Hall of Famer Bob Miser '60, who had 59 points in 1960. He climbed over Scott Finlay '78 who had 60 points in 1997 and John Glesener's 61 points in 2013. Nichtern has tallied at least one point in all 14 games this year.
"In my 14 years at Army, few if any plebes have had the type of impact than Brendan has had in our program," said Alberici. "The points, goals and assists tell one side of the story, and on the other side are the clutch moments where he has continuously delivered for us. We look forward to the next three years with him."
Manown earned his first postseason accolade as he received a second team nod. The Saunderstown, R.I., native was the Black Knights' top midfielder this year with 10 multi-point games. Manown ranks fourth on the team in scoring with 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points, a new season-high.
The midfielder has also contributed 25 ground balls and caused two turnovers. Manown's standout season was highlighted by his overtime game-winner over Navy.
"Matt is a do-all midfielder," commented Alberici. "He is tremendous on the defensive end in ground balls and on the offensive end with his constant production. He was very consistent and came up big for us in clutch moments."
Rigney stepped into a starting defensive role for Army this season after playing in eight games prior to his junior year. A key player in the Black Knights' transition game, Rigney produced a season-high 38 ground balls averaging 2.71 per game.
Rigney, who hails from Nokesville, Va., caused eight turnovers and contributed two assists on transition. This is his first postseason honor. The junior helped anchor Army's defense which allowed just 8.93 goals per game ranking third in the country.
"I am so happy for this honor for Tom," said Alberici. "Some may overlook him, but anyone inside the program can see how consistently he handles his matchups week in and week out. Tom has been so reliable in the clearing and transition game for us. He had a breakout year and is so deserving of this honor."
For the second time in his career, Barretto earned second team recognition. Barretto is having an outstanding season in net with an 8.93 goals against average to rank third nationally and tops in the Patriot League.
Barretto's .570 save percentage is the seventh-best in college lacrosse. The senior set new career-highs this season in saves (19) and ground balls (5), both against Holy Cross.
He backs the defense that allowed just 8.93 goals per game, which is third in the country. The Darlington, Md., is third on the team in ground balls with 34. He averages 2.43 per game.
This season, Barretto reached double-digit victories with 10 for the second time in his career with the other coming in 2017 when he earned 12.
Throughout his career, Barretto has made 529 saves and ranks fifth all-time in Army's record books. The senior jumped ahead of Joel Portuese '88 (510), Dominik Nogic '02 (503) and Army Hall of Famer Jack Rust '49 (491) in the second half of the season.
"AJ has been unbelievable for us," added Alberici. "As a four-year starter for our program without missing a game, this season has been the greatest in his storied career. Time and time again AJ came up with huge saves, but what is equally as impressive is his athleticism and intelligence in the defensive end. He has played a pivotal role in our clearing game and directing our defense."
The Black Knights continue their season on Tuesday in the Patriot League Quarterfinals. Army hosts Holy Cross at 3 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at this link.
2019 Men's Lacrosse All-Patriot League and Major Awards
Offensive Player of the Year – Pat Spencer, Loyola Maryland, Sr., A
Defensive Player of the Year – Johnny Surdick, Army West Point, Sr., D
Faceoff Specialist of the Year – Conor Gaffney, Lehigh, Jr., FO
Goalkeeper of the Year – Jacob Stover, Loyola Maryland, Sr., GK
Rookie of the Year – Chase Scanlan, Loyola Maryland, Fr., M
The William Lawson Coach of the Year – Charley Toomey, Loyola Maryland
First Team
James Burr, Boston University, Sr., A
Chris Gray, Boston University, So., A
Kevin Lindley, Loyola Maryland, So., A
Pat Spencer, Loyola Maryland, Sr., A
Brendan Homire, Boston University, Sr., M
Chase Scanlan, Loyola Maryland, Fr., M
Greyson Torain, Navy, Sr., M
Ryan Wade, Navy, Sr., M
Johnny Surdick, Army West Point, Sr., D
Quintin Germain, Boston University, Sr., D
Matt Farrell, Holy Cross, Sr., D
Craig Chick, Lehigh, Sr., D
Conor Gaffney, Lehigh, Jr., FO
Jacob Stover, Loyola Maryland, Sr., GK
Ryan McNulty, Loyola Maryland, Jr., LSM
Will Blumenberg, Colgate, Sr., SSDM
Second Team
Brendan Nichtern, Army West Point, Fr., A
Will Yorke, Bucknell, Jr., A
Kevin Kodzis, Holy Cross, Jr., A
Lucas Spence, Lehigh, Sr., A
Matt Manown, Army West Point, Jr., M
Griffin Brown, Colgate, Jr., M
Sean Mullaney, Holy Cross, Jr., M
Andrew Eichelberger, Lehigh, Jr., M
Tom Rigney, Army West Point, Jr., D
Bryant Boswell, Bucknell, So., D
Conor Shears, Bucknell, Jr., D
Cam Wyers, Loyola Maryland, Fr., D
Dan O'Connell, Holy Cross, Jr., FO
AJ Barretto, Army West Point, Sr., GK
Teddy Leggett, Lehigh, So., LSM
Christian McHugh, Lehigh, Jr., SSDM
Players Mentioned
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