Aquinas College has never had a Colorado player on its lacrosse roster. That will change next year with a double-dose of Colemans.
Durango High School seniors and twin brothers Conner and Dillon Coleman signed National Letters of Intent with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to play men’s lacrosse for the Saints.
“Conner and Dillon are going to come in and work hard,” Aquinas head coach Doug Seites said in a news release. “They both have a lot of potential, and we are excited to see them continue to grow as lacrosse players before they arrive on campus next fall.”
Aquinas assistant coach Dan Patrone added his enthusiasm about the Colemans’ athletic ability, versatility and competitiveness. Both are talented defenders who can also swing up as long-stick midfielders.
The brothers both said they never envisioned playing in Michigan but are excited to get the opportunity to play further east where lacrosse is a major sport.
They also credited playing on club teams such as Altitude Stickness, Fellowship Lacrosse Colorado and Rams Lacrosse Club for getting a chance to be seen by college coaches at tournaments in Chicago, Denver, Florida and Las Vegas. The Coleman family said that helped the boys gain 25 college offers before deciding on Aquinas.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to go to college and learn and be able to play the sport I love,” Conner said. “Since I started playing, it was something I wanted to do.”
The Colemans began playing lacrosse in fourth grade and started getting more competitive in eighth grade. They’ve been part of a Durango High School program growing each year and seeing continued success under head coach John Robinette.
Dillon was named the Demons’ defensive MVP last year, and both have earned CHSAA Academic All-State honorable mention awards.
They are looking forward to joining a small team at an NAIA school. That will provide more playing time as well as the chance to play on a squad that encourages teamwork.
“It’s still competitive, but they don’t have guys who are super cocky about themselves,” Dillon said. “It’s a good group of guys who care about the team and building a strong mentality around that.”
The brothers will share a dorm room and continue to be a tough defensive duo. They look forward to finishing their senior high school seasons and getting to work with the Saints. “We play really well together, and it would’ve been weird going to a different school without each other,” Dillon said. “We have a good connection, and it shows on the field.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
