On March 12, the 2020 Monmouth University men's lacrosse season was cut short two days prior to the start of conference play due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected millions of people around the world. At that point, the program's seven seniors were uncertain what their individual lacrosse futures held.

Now, that future has become a little more clear for the seniors who began their careers by winning the 2017 MAAC Championship.

"Some of those final conversations with all of our seniors around returning for the fifth year was bitter sweet to say the least," head coach Brian Fisher said. "Without question, the staff and I are excited to have those four seniors return to play out their fifth year and are grateful for the support of President Leahy, Dr. McNeil and all of our academic team for helping to make the fifth year a reality for these guys."  
 
"On the other hand it was also sad to have to say good bye to Eamon, Mike and Brad knowing that their lacrosse careers were over.  It was difficult knowing that they would not be with us next year, but, upon reflection, we are extremely proud of all that those guys have accomplished. Eamon fought back two years in a row from significant injuries to get back to the field this spring. 'Hi Arc Mike' will be missed as he has grown so much during his four years with us and been a force between the pipes each day in practice, and Brad had already locked up a position with his preferred job prior to graduation."

One of the school's top players on attack during his career, Eamon Campbell made his decision to make the 2020 season his final one at Monmouth. Campbell started all six games as a fifth-year senior after returning from two separate Achilles injuries that cost him a majority of his previous two seasons. The lefty was an All-Rookie Team selection in 2016 and a key piece on the 2017 champions who earned All-Tournament Team honors. Campbell graduated ranked fourth in program history in points (74), third in assists (30) and second in man-up goals (9).

"I've done it all on the field," Campbell said. "I came back from two full Achilles ruptures and played, which many people cannot say. I don't have a definitive answer to my job yet, I could join the union or pursue a career in business, depending on which is a better route financially."

"I would have loved to come back because I felt like I was getting my step back and our team was starting to click. However, it is time to put on my big boy pants and start focusing on my future. Monmouth lacrosse helped me grow and become a man in so many ways. I played at one of the best high schools in the country and I came into Monmouth with an abundance of self-confidence. Once I broke out of my shell and started to embrace the people in our lacrosse program, it changed my life. During my career I have dealt with personal issues and my teammates were always there to support me, which speaks to the culture at Monmouth. I'll definitely miss it, but I'm ready to start my next chapter."

Brad Meister was part of the Hawks' title winning team in 2017 and earned a spot on the MAAC All-Academic Team twice during his career. He has a job opportunity lined up with Medtronic, the world leader in the medical device industry, and will begin working as an Associate Clinical Specialist in the Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure department in its South Jersey territory. Last summer, Meister completed an internship with Penumbra Inc., another medical device company in Alameda, CA.

"I think about my teammates all the time," Meister added. "A piece of me will always be part of the Monmouth men's lacrosse program. A day doesn't go by when I don't think about the feeling of walking into our locker room, seeing my 50 best friends and getting after it … even conditioning. I wouldn't change a thing and am grateful for my experience because it has shaped who I am today."

Reserve goalie Mike Yanovitch played in six games during his career and owns a .600 career save percentage in cage for the Hawks. He played in two games during the 2017 MAAC Championship campaign and graduated this May with a degree in Communication and concentration in Radio and Television. Yanovitch recently completed an internship in Monmouth's marketing and promotions department and is pursing job opportunities in radio and sports.

"Playing lacrosse at Monmouth was the best decision I ever made," Yanovitch said. "I made life-long friendships with my teammates and as much as I wanted to return, it was time to move on an begin life in the adult world. Looking back over the last four years, winning the MAAC Championship as a freshman has to be the greatest experience of my lacrosse career."

Coming back for a fifth year is assistant team captain Zach Clemente. He is in the top ten in Monmouth history in career points and goals and has started 23 games over the last three seasons.

"After talking with my coaches, family and the other seniors, I have decided to return next year with an extra season of eligibility, Clemente stated. "I could not pass up the opportunity to have an extra year playing the game I love with the people I love. The last few years at Monmouth have been great. Being part of the 2017 Championship team, building relationships on and off the field and competing every day is something I couldn't walk away from. I am grateful for the opportunity to come back and hopefully add another ring to the collection in 2021."

One of two senior assistant captains, Conor Tuturice has started 18 straight games on defense over the last two seasons and will return for 2021. Tuturice graduated with a 3.3 GPA as a Health Studies major and was accepted into Monmouth's graduate school program where he will pursue a Master of Business Administration degree.

"I am returning to play another season to finish what we started," Tuturice said. "It was not easy walking away from the game when the season was canceled. If there was any chance to come back to Monmouth for one last season, I knew I would take it because of the strong bond I have with my teammates. The opportunity to pursue my MBA also made my decision much easier."

Alongside Tuturice in 2021 will be another familiar defensive standout, Dillon Smart. He has played in 37 career games, including 24 starts and led Monmouth with 20 ground balls this season. Smart was a 2020 MAAC All-Academic Team selection and ranks in the career top-10 in ground balls (80) and caused turnovers (30).

"I am returning for my fifth year," Smart added. "I don't think it was a fair ending to our senior year and want the opportunity to end it the right way."

Monmouth's all-time leader in man-up goals, Anthony Sardo will return to the Hawks for a final season in 2021. He became the 10^th player in program history to reach the 25 career goal mark and has two-career game-winning goals.

"After a lot of thought and talking with my family and coaches, I have decided to return to play in 2021," Sardo said. "I am so glad to have the opportunity to play the game I love with my best friends. When I look back on my career, the best part of it was winning a championship in 2017 and I want nothing more than to add another one in 2021."

Monmouth's incoming recruiting class will be announced later this summer. Hear from head coach Brian Fisher this Thursday evening, May 28, as he will be the featured guest on Hawk Talk at 7 p.m. on Facebook.com/MonmouthHawks