By Chris Goldberg
LILacrosseNews.com, Posted 1/3/12

Manhasset sophomore defenseman Benny Borgognone has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Fairfield University.

Benny Borgognone log:

Benny Borgognone

High school: Manhasset High School

Graduation year: 2014

Position: Defense

College choice: Fairfield University

All in the family: Senior brother Frank (LSM) signed with Fairfield in the fall.

Club affiliation: Long Island Express

Major lacrosse honors: Nassau/Suffolk Long Island Lacrosse Showcase, Jake Reed’s Nike Blue Chip, All-Star Team at Top 205, Head of the Class Combine, Brine Shootout, Tri-State

What will you major in/study: Business

Why did you choose school: “Fairfield has always been my dream school ever since I was younger. In my meeting with Coach (Andy) Copelan I was amazed about how much he knew about me both academically and athletically. I had a sense that I could become a part of the program committed to excellence. Coach Copelan, Coach Kevin Conry, Coach Tony Vallance and Coach Andy Whitley really made me feel comfortable and had me very excited about the opportunity to play lacrosse at Fairfield. I immediately knew that this was a team with coaches that I could play my heart out for. The moment I walked out of Coach Copelan’s office I knew that I wanted to be a Stag.

“On top of all this, Fairfield is a great academic school and I am confident that I will have a great future after I graduate. My brother, Frank, also had a huge impact on my decision. He will be playing for the Stags this coming fall. I am really looking forward to winning a National Championship with my brother. I also like the fact that Fairfield is a Jesuit University filled with a tradition of mind, heart and spirit.”

Outlook for your high school team: “For this 2012 season I believe that we have an experienced team with great chemistry and if we keep working hard with our great coaches, we have all the tools to complete our goal of going undefeated. I believe with hard work there is no limit on how great a team we can become.”

Other comments: “I would like to thank my family; they were very supportive during this entire process and supported my final decision entirely. I would like to thank my high school coaches, Coach Bill Cherry and Coach William Luzzi. I would also like to thank both of my coaches from Express, Coach Jack Moran and Coach Gene Isnardi, for all their time and dedication on and off the lacrosse field. I would also like to thank God for always watching over me.”

Other schools considered: Hofstra, Penn, Johns Hopkins, Yale, Princeton, Army, Villanova, Duke

Tags: Manhasset