Nationals Activate Steve Ianzito
July 26, 2013 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
The Hamilton Nationals added some more "Orange" to their lineup with the activation of former Syracuse midfielder Steve Ianzito (EYE-an-zee-toe). The defensive midfielder is the sixth former Syracuse Orange lacrosse player now on the Nationals' roster.
"I get to play with players that I have played with before like Sid (Smith), Cody (Jamieson), Jeremy (Thompson), Amo (Josh Amidon) and (Stephen) Keogh," he said. "It's just the next step after playing at Syracuse."
Ianzito will make his Major League Lacrosse debut Saturday for the Nationals. Hamilton hosts the Boston Cannons at 7:00 p.m. at Ron Joyce Stadium. The Nationals can secure their third playoff berth in team history with a win or a Charlotte loss.
Ianzito appeared in 66 games for the Orange and notched seven goals, eight assists and 65 ground balls. In May, he played in the NCAA Division I National Championship Game against Duke University. The Clay, NY native completed his collegiate career on May 27th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. He settled for a second-place finish in 2013, falling 16-10 to the Blue Devils that afternoon. As a senior, Ianzito ranked third on Syracuse in ground balls with 45 in 20 games, and collected a career-high five in the NCAA title game against Duke.
After ending his college career, the undrafted midfielder knew it was only a matter of time before he would get a call from one of the nine MLL teams. That team was the second-place Hamilton Nationals, who acquired him in the July MLL Waiver Draft. The former SU captain will make his debut in a game that could send the Nationals back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2011 season.
"I will have a chance to show what I can do. I am excited and a little nervous," he said. "Ever since the National Championship Game, I have been ready to go. I figured someone would pick me and I am thankful that Hamilton has given me the opportunity."
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 26, 2013
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