Drew University Athletics

Mike Talarico C’01 came to Drew from one of the top high school programs in the state of New Jersey at the Peddie School in Hightstown N.J. He left Drew as one of the greatest lacrosse players in the program’s history.

Described by Head Coach Tom Leanos as an outstanding and deadly shooter, Talarico scored 189 goals and tallied 286 points in his four years in Madison. Leanos and his coaching staff were able to design plays and offenses around Mike that they couldn’t do with any other player to this day.

With Talarico’s scoring capabilities, the Drew men’s lacrosse team enjoyed one of the most successful four-year periods in 36 seasons of lacrosse in the forest. The Rangers tallied an overall record of 40-22 and claimed three consecutive ECAC Tournament Championships. The 1999 title proved to be extra special as Talarico claimed Tournament MVP honors after registering 17 points in two convincing wins over cross-street rival FDU and Merchant Marine.

Talarico was a four-time All-Conference selection at Drew, a feat accomplished by only one other player in school history. In just his sophomore year, Talarico set the school mark for points in a season with 79 and matched that total his senior season. He netted a career-high 56 goals and tallied 23 assists in his senior year. He was recognized as Drew’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2001.

Talarico’s best statistical performance came against Susquehanna his junior year. In an 18-1 dominating victory over the Crusaders, Talarico tied the school record with eight goals in one game.

Upon graduation, Talarico’s name was littered all over Drew’s record books. His 286 career points were second all-time, three shy of the school record held by teammate Dave DiRiso. He owned the career mark for points per game with 4.69 and was second all-time with 189 career goals. As a testament to his outstanding skills with the ball, Talarico finished with 97 career assists, good for the third most ever by a Drew lacrosse player.