Gwynedd-Mercy College Men's Lacrosse

Blase Cesarone was named Gwynedd Mercy University's Head Men's Lacrosse Coach prior to the 2022 season. He served for three season as an assistant coach, before taking on the interim head coaching role in Spring of 2021. In addition to previously serving as program's former Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the program, Cesarone, works for Victory Events Series as the Team Sales Manager and Recruiting Showcase Manager. Blase is responsible for running some of the largest boys recruiting events from Philadelphia to Texas. In Gwynedd Mercy University's first season under Coach Cesarone, the Griffins enjoyed an April-27 league win over Marymount University (W, 12-7 on Apr. 27) and a 14-9 Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Quarterfinal win over #3 Marywood University (Apr. 30). The victory positioned the Griffins for a semifinal versus eventual AEC Champion, Cabrini University (May 4). The Griffins finished the 2022 campaign  with a 5-12 overall record and a 2-4 AEC standing. In year two under Coach Cesarone, the Red and Gold enjoyed a 5-1 AEC record and garnering the #2 seed for the Atlantic East Conference Tournament. With a first round bye, the Griffins took on #3 Marymount University but would fall short 18-8 in the semifinal round. With the 5-1 AEC record and a 8-8 overall record Coach Cesarone garnered the 2024 AEC Coaching Staff of the Year award.  After enduring close early-season decisions versus Albright College (L, 15-16 on Feb. 22), Juniata College (L, 8-9 on Feb. 25), Southwestern University (L, 13-14 (OT) on Mar. 9), Nichols College (W, 10-9 (OT) on Mar. 15), and Delaware Valley University (L, 8-10 on Mar. 18), a battle-tested Gwynedd Mercy University won the first five games of their Atlantic East Conference (AEC) season. A 5-1 league record earned the Griffins the #2 seed in the 2023 AEC Men's Lacrosse Championship Tournament. All-AEC First Team selections followed for junior attack Jason Eide '24 (1st Team) and sophomore midfielder Ian Kish '25 (1st Team.), while freshman attack Gunnar Seaman '26 (2nd Team.) garnered All-AEC Second Team recognition for his contribution to the Griffins' 7-9 (5-1 AEC) finish. Before joining the Griffin staff, Blase was the head coach at Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, Pa. In 2017, he helped guide the Golden Panthers to their most successful season in program history earning them a spot in their first PAC Final Four, as well as notching their first district playoff win. In his three seasons at PJPII, the program set numerous school records including most wins in a season, first wins against many schools in the division, district appearances as well as district wins. During the summers, Blase coaches with Blackbear Lacrosse Club.  Blase was a four-year player and 2016 graduate of Gwynedd Mercy University majoring in Human Services. Initially a midfielder during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Cesarone was better suited as an attackman and found his role in the 2015 season scoring 28 goals and adding 6 assists. Cesarone's new role found him ranked among the career leaders in game-winning goals and played in the CSAC championship game in 2016.    Blase was a graduate of Daniel Boone High School where he was team captain and earned all-conference honors all four years.   Overall Conference Year W L W L Notes 2022 5 12 2 4 AEC Semifinals (#6) 2023 7 9 5 1 AEC Semifinals (#2) 2024 8 8 5 1 AEC Semifinals (#2) 2025 6 10 2 3 AEC Semifinals (#4) 2026 7 7 2 2 AEC Semifinals (#3), AEC Rookie of the Year (Gaines) Totals 33-46 (.417) 16-11 (.593)

McGoverns face off unit ranked 26th in Division III, with All American midfielder Tony McCraw  winning 65% of his draws, ranking him in 16th in the country. Goalie John Black had his best season to date under Coach McGoverns guidance, and finished seventh in Division III in goals against average (6.34 GAA), and 20th in save percentage at 61%. Coach McGoverns man down unit ranked 42nd in Division III with a kill rate of 79%. Prior to joining the Griffins, Paul was the defensive coordinator for Central Bucks East High School from 2010 to 2014. In 2010, CB East made it to the Pennsylvania State Semifinals before losing to the eventual state champion Conestoga. Since the 2010 season, CB East has maintained a 5.3 GAA. Before joining CB East, he was the head coach at Council Rock South High School from 2006 to 2010, and also has coached West Chester East High School to a state title in 1988. Coach McGovern is the for the Keystone games, and is also one of the founding partners in , a club team program in Bucks County. Paul was the captain of the 1986 and 1987 West Chester University Mens Lacrosse teams. The 1987 squad was ranked as high as 11th nationally, finishing the season ranked 17th in the nation among Division III schools. Paul was a close defenseman and face-off specialist until his senior year when he moved to long stick middie. He is a 1983 Lower Merion High School graduate, where he was captain of the football team, and was a starting close defenseman and face-off specialist with the lacrosse team. McGovern has a degree in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Personal Trainer with over 28 years of health and fitness experience. He began his career as an exercise physiologist working for Pat Croce and is now a Master Trainer. Paul was formerly Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Philadelphia Flyers. He has been the head trainer at some of the Philadelphia areas most serious health clubs and has worked with many celebrity athletes to improve their game. Coach McGovern lives in Doylestown, PA with his wife Virginia, his son, Sean, and daughter, Erin.  Paul McGovern