Hall of Fame
Michael Friel took a chance on a new lacrosse program and helped take it to new heights.
The Ridley High School product was looking for a place to continue his playing career and Cabrini was the place for him. It was small, close to home, and, perhaps most importantly, gave him the chance to make his mark on a young program.
Friel made the most of his chance, totaling 185 career points, a mark that ranks 11th on the program’s career scoring list.
After posting 19 points as a freshman, Friel found his stride during a sophomore campaign that saw him pair 25 goal and 19 assists. As a junior, Friel amassed 67 points on 38 goals and 29 helpers, which at the time, was the second highest single season scoring total in program history.
Friel recorded 23 goals and 32 assists during his senior season and helped Cabrini win the Eastern College Athletic Conference championship, the first title in program history.
During his four years, Friel tallied 95 goals, 14th in program history, and 90 assists, sixth all-time, while his 4.04 points per contest rank fourth.
While the ECAC championship game was his final game in the Blue and White, it also marked a major step for the Cavaliers. With no conference trophy for which to play, the ECAC title marked the highest honor the team could achieve. It also helped establish a winning culture the program continues to carry today.
Friel’s success on the pitch also had a major effect on his development off the field. While he came to Cabrini as a self-described “lacrosse junkie” he developed a passion for the sport, which continues to burn to this day.
Friel’s passion for the game continued after the final whistle, as he moved to the Cabrini sideline for the 1999 season, the first under current head coach, Steve Colfer.
During his three seasons on Colfer’s staff, Friel developed his coaching philosophy, one that helped him land the head coaching job at Springfield High School.
His experience as a student-athlete also made him a better student and helped create a passion for the classroom, as evidenced by 10 years as an English teacher at his alma mater and his current position as Athletic Director at Radnor High School.
