DENVER — The University of Denver men’s lacrosse program will welcome 15 freshmen and a transfer to the 2017 roster, head coach Bill Tierney announced on Friday. The incoming class includes midfielders Alec Barnes (Regis Jesuit) and Mike Pryor (Mullen).
Barnes, who will wear No. 5, was a 2016 U.S. Lacrosse All-America selection, a three-year lacrosse midfielder and two-year running back at Regis Jesuit. Pryor, who will wear No. 29, was also a dual-sport athlete in high school. He was a was a two-time MVP lacrosse MVP and a three-time all-conference selection. The First Team All-Colorado selection was also a U.S. Lacrosse All-America pick and a three-time all-conference linebacker.
With the addition of Barnes and Pryor, the Pios roster includes 11 in-state players. Jaden Franklin (Kent Denver), Colton Jackson (Rock Canyon), Dylan Johnson (Cherry Creek), Matt Jones (Kent Denver), Colton McCaffery (Chapparal), Nick Phillips (Mullen), Zach Runberg (Arapahoe), Brian Wegner (Regis Jesuit) and David Winsor (Northfield Mount Hermon via Boulder) also hail from Colorado.
The incoming class (including Barnes and Pryor) includes players from 12 different states and Ontario, Canada. Colorado, New Jersey and Texas topped the list with two players each. “This time of year always brings great excitement as we introduce our new players to our veterans and begin to assimilate them into our Denver Lacrosse culture,” Tierney said. “We have great talent returning and the addition of this group will make us a viable contender for the BIG EAST and NCAA Championships. The Class of 2020 is well balanced and has athletes who can compete for significant playing time at every position. Most importantly, almost every one of these young men was a captain of his team, is an outstanding student and a proven winner.”
