Head coach Frank Fedorjaka anticipates that defense will be one of Bucknell’s greatest strengths in 2022. That’s because the Bison boast three upperclassman starters, headlined by 2020 Inside Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American Travis Talarico.
Talarico appears poised to make his senior year his best yet in the orange and blue. After spending his freshman campaign as a long-stick defensive midfielder, he shifted to defense as a sophomore and hasn’t looked back, starting all 14 of Bucknell’s games during the abbreviated 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 28 career games, the captain has logged 73 ground balls, 36 caused turnovers and an assist.
Travis is the leader of our defense,” Fedorjaka said. “He finds a way to get the ball on the ground, whether through sliding, take away checks or knocking passes down. He has great anticipation and a great understanding of our defensive schemes. He’s vocal and does a great job of directing our defense.”
Fedorjaka also has high expectations for senior Drew Wellington. A cerebral presence and solid ball handler, he has tallied 37 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers in 16 career games, 12 of which were starts.
Drew is another senior with a lot of starting experience,” Fedorjaka said. “He’s very smart and has good size. He knows our defense inside and out and plays within himself.”
Fedorjaka has been impressed with junior Andrew Stanzel, who made the shift from defensive midfielder last season. Based on his performance this fall, Fedorjaka expects him to start alongside Talarico and Wellington.
Andrew had a tremendous fall,” Fedorjaka said. “He Played in some games at the end of last season and has really taken off since then. He’s big, fast, physical and athletic. He could be our best cover guy. We believe He’ll have a breakout year.”
Hank Bethel will also be a key piece of the Bison’s defense. The junior, who can squat 500 pounds, has the ability to shut down any attackman who challenges him. His intensity, Fedorjaka noted, is unmatched.
Hank is the strongest guy on our team,” Fedorjaka said. “He’s a physically intimidating player who plays with an edge. He’s improved his understanding of our defense, and we definitely see him making an impact.”
Sophomore Duncan Hill made the most of his limited opportunities in 2021, most notably posting season-high totals in ground balls (2) and caused turnovers (1) against nationally ranked Lehigh. Fedorjaka believes that he will factor into Bucknell’s defensive rotation.
Duncan played a lot at the end of last season,” Fedorjaka said. “He’s a complete package in terms of size, speed and strength, and he also handles the ball well.”
Returnees: Hank Bethel, Duncan Hill, Andrew Stanzel, Travis Talarico, Drew Wellington
Newcomers: Mario Rinaldi, George Talarico
The Bison open their campaign on February 5 with an 11 a.m. game at Mercer. Their first home game is scheduled for February 19 against St. John's. Highlights of their 2022 schedule include a home tilt with Penn State on March 15 and a full compliment of eight Patriot League games for the first time since 2019.
Fedorjaka said that Bucknell, which features a deep roster with talent across all four classes, is poised to excel in both non-conference and Patriot League competition.
I’m really excited to coach this team," Fedorjaka said. “We have a senior class that provides not only talent but great leadership. Our seniors are surrounded by many other classes that have a lot of talent and play-making ability. We have really strong team chemistry. I’m looking forward to getting back to a normal schedule and working with this particular group of student-athletes. We’ll be tested by our non-conference schedule, and we’re looking forward to getting on the road and playing some good competition so that we’re ready for our Patriot League opponents.”
Photos by Noel Gyllenhaal, Brett Hosterman and Marc Hagemeier