Drew University Athletics

Of his first time at Drew Stefan Zorich recalls, “I never thought I would attend college so close to home but I loved the campus … the College in The Forest. It had a real sense of place. At my interview for acceptance, I will never forget pulling open the doors of Mead Hall and the impression it made on me.”

During those first visits to campus, he recalls the changing landscape of the sport. “I remember the turf field was just under construction, Gov. Thomas H. Kean was coming in as the next president and the passion of Coach Leanos made me feel like Drew was on the rise.”

Coach Leanos, Zorich recalled, had a “contagious spirit and love of the game that really drove the team and had a significant impact on me.”

The size of the university and the team fostered a true sense of camaraderie. In hindsight, Zorich admits that early on he had an “unbalanced passion” for lacrosse during his time at Drew. There were a few others who shared a similar passion for the sport, such as classmates David Newman, Reid Tratenberg, Tim McGrath, Aarol Borden, Matt Fredrick, Jason Karnes, and a year later Alex Previdi and Mike Clark. “The teams Drew was playing then in the MAC were often nationally ranked – Gettysburg, Franklin & Marshall, Montclair State, Washington College – so we had tough competition.”  All of the teammates were very good friends and they prepared and played together in the off-season. Zorich still keeps in contact with his former roommate and teammate, Reid Tratenberg, C’93.

Zorich served as team captain for two seasons during one of the most successful eras in Drew men’s lacrosse history, claiming two Middle Atlantic Conference East Championships and an ECAC-Metro Championship in 1993. He was a two-time Second Team MAC All-Star and a First Team selection his senior year. Leading the Rangers in scoring in both his junior and senior seasons, he capped off his time in Madison with the program’s second All-American Honorable Mention in 1993. He also was selected as an alternate in the 1993 North-South All-Star Game.

Zorich states that he learned difficult lessons at Drew. Being a student-athlete taught him discipline and time management, skills which have been important to his success. Drew taught him the balance one needs to be successful. “When you neglect things, it shows,” imparts Zorich. “I wasn’t the best athlete, but a lot of practice and a good work ethic allowed me to excel above my natural abilities.”  Zorich credits Drew with giving him the experience that allowed him to do just that.