May 24, 2006

Villanova, Pa. - Graduated seniors Matt Starker (Summit, N.J.) and Joe Canuso (Moorestown, N.J.) will be among 60 of the nation's top lacrosse players competing in the 2006 North/South Senior All-Star Game, sponsored by the USILA and STX Lacrosse. Villanova head coach Randy Marks will be co-coaching the Division I-II team with Tom Postel of C.W. Post.

Marks recently finished his 24th season at the helm of the Wildcats. He has coached all but one of the program's varsity years and has a career record of 179-152 (.541). He has guided his team into the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play-offs in each of the last four seasons and to the conference championship game in 2004.

"This game is fun to coach," said Marks. "And I couldn't be more excited for Matt and Joe, two great seniors. They are very deserving of this honor, and it's wonderful they get one more opportunity to play at Villanova."

Starker and Canuso are the 15th and 16th Villanova men's lacrosse players to have the honor of playing in the North/South game. Starker, a two-time All- CAA selection led the team in goals this year with 27 and also had seven assists for a team-best 34 points. He finished his career fifth all-time at Villanova in goals (92) and sixth all-time in points (125).

"It's an honor to be selected for the game and play with the best seniors in the country," noted Starker. "To have the game at Villanova and to be able to suit up to play one more game on my home field is special. I'll always remember it."

Canuso is perhaps the most decorated Wildcat in program history. He is a four-time All-CAA honoree as well as the league's Co-Rookie of the Year in 2003 and Co-Player of the Year in 2004. He finished among the top five goalies in the country his first three years in save percentage and goals-against average, and with his 177 saves this past season, took over first place all-time at Villanova with 672 saves for his career.

"I'm very excited to go," said Canuso. "It's nice to receive recognition and to get to see all the other good players. It'll be fun to play with Matt one more time, and it's sure to be great competition.