POTSDAM, N.Y.—Over 30 former Bears attended the SUNY Potsdam men's lacrosse annual alumni game on Saturday, Sept. 24. Despite a spirited effort, the alumni fell to the current team, 20-4.

Juniors Steve Tupper (Canton, N.Y./Hugh C. Williams) and Pat Mahar (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker) led the current Bears' attack with three goals apiece. Senior Peter Pike (Watertown, N.Y./General Brown) contributed two goals and two assists, senior Ryan Paparella (Whitesboro, N.Y./Whitesboro) finished with a goal and two assists, and sophomore Rob Kunz notched a goal and three assists.

Defensively, Potsdam was led by 2011 SUNYAC Player of the Year Rashaun Durden (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville East) and sophomore Jeff Love (Watertown, N.Y./Immaculate Heart). Senior Jason Falk (Pittsford, N.Y./Pittsford Sutherland), juniors Brady Fremont (Syracuse, N.Y./West Genesee) and Bobby Morris (Liverpool, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy), and sophomore Matt Donovan (Oswego, N.Y./Oswego) also played a part in shutting down the alumni.

In goal, junior Stephan Sloma (Niskayuna, N.Y./Niskayuna), senior Mike Quinlan (Buffalo, N.Y./Williamsville South), and sophomore Ryan Doyle combined to stonewall the alumni offense.

Bears Head Coach Rick Berkman was happy with the turnout.

“Alumni weekend was a great success for the program,” said Berkman. “It's a great time of year when the alumni get to catch up with old friends and see how talented the new guys are. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of alumni coming back to campus to participate in the festivities and share their memories as former athletes.”

Last season's SUNYAC Runners-Up open the 2012 season when the Bears face Mt. St. Joseph in Orlando on March 13.