Sports

McGann-Mercy lacrosse makes a major league hire

Thomas Palasek during his senior season at Rocky Point High School in 2008. (Credit: Robert O'Rourk file)
Thomas Palasek during his senior season at Rocky Point High School in 2008. (Credit: Robert O’Rourk file)

One of the best high school lacrosse players in Suffolk County history — a current professional with the New York Lizards — is coaching the Bishop McGann Mercy team this season, the school announced Saturday. 

Thomas Palasek, 24, a 2008 graduate of Rocky Point High School where he won a state title his All-American senior year, will be on the sideline when the team opens its season at home against Center Moriches March 25.

“We are excited to welcome Tom to Mercy and give our student athletes the opportunity to benefit from his youth, enthusiasm, knowledge of lacrosse and his experience in playing at the highest competitive level of the sport,” McGann-Mercy athletic director Paul Mastronardi said in a statement.

Principal Carl Semmler said the hire is in line with the school’s mission of improving its athletic program.

“We hope that additions to our coaching staff, such as Mr. Palasek, in response to the increased interest in lacrosse here at Mercy and on the East end of Long Island, will move us one step closer to fulfilling our vision of bringing our athletic program to the next level,” he said.

Palasek was a Major League Lacrosse All-Star in 2013 and an All-Big East player at Syracuse in 2011. He began his college career at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.

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