Dec. 10, 2013
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Strong leadership usually is an essential part of any successful team and this season’s Notre Dame men’s lacrosse squad will look to seniors Jim Marlatt and Stephen O’Hara to set the tone for the upcoming campaign. Marlatt, a midfielder, and O’Hara, a defenseman, have been selected team captains for the 2014 season, which will be Notre Dame’s first as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“Both guys have played significant roles for us on the field and both have assumed significant roles for us off the field this fall,” says Notre Dame head coach Kevin Corrigan. “They are going to be the kind of leaders who involve a lot of others in the leadership of our team and I think that’s critically important. I like the tack that they’ve taken, which is to try and draw as many of their teammates into the leadership of the team as they can. I think that is going to benefit all of us.”
Marlatt (Clarksville, Md./River Hill) has earned All-America honors each of the last two seasons. Last season, he was Notre Dame’s leading midfield scorer as he tallied 20 goals and 12 assists in addition to picking up 43 ground balls en route to a third-team All-America citation. He notched five multiple-goal games, including a career-high five-goal effort in the 13-5 season-opening victory at Duke. Marlatt had two goals and one assist in the 13-12 overtime win at Denver.
Marlatt did not play during his freshman season due to an injury, but has had a major impact for the Irish over the last two seasons. He has played in 32 games on Notre Dame’s first midfield line and has compiled 39 goals and 24 assists. Marlatt earned first team all-BIG EAST honors in 2012 and 2013.
“Being voted a captain by my teammates and coaches is an unbelievable honor and something that I am extremely proud of,” says Marlatt. “However, being a captain is also a tremendous responsibility. Our teammates believe that Stephen and I can be the leaders of this team, and now it is our job to make that come true through hard work, disciple, and communication. Having been roommates for three years, I believe Stephen and I have a strong relationship that will help us hold each other accountable as we try to become the leaders this team needs to win a national championship.”
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O’Hara (West Chester, Pa./St. Joe’s Prep) has started every game over the last two seasons in Notre Dame’s close defense, which has been one of the best in the nation over that time. The Fighting Irish allowed just 8.31 goals per game last season. That mark ranked 10th nationally and the Irish were first in 2012 after notching a 6.31 goals-against average. O’Hara was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team last season.
“It really is an honor to be named a captain along with Jim,” says O’Hara. “I have had the privilege to play with a number of great leaders during my time at Notre Dame. I hope to take what I have learned from them and, in addition to the other seniors, help this team get better each day and be the best team we can be.”
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The Fighting Irish posted an 11-5 record last season and earned the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Championship. Notre Dame defeated five top-10 teams and concluded the regular season with the nation’s top RPI before advancing to the NCAA quarterfinals for the fourth straight season.
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