Piedmont College Men’s Lacrosse Team is in its 2nd year of existence and several Florida high school recruits are making an impact on the team. Freshmen, Branson Mikell Midfield (Hagerty HS), Carter Jara LSM (Pope John Paul II HS) and Josh Schmitt LSM/D (Flemming Island HS) each have made a positive impact with the new lacrosse program. “Our national recruiting campaign has been successful over the past 2 years at Piedmont College”, Head Coach Pete Manderano states, “We are excited about our new recruits and Florida recruits have been very successful to our program. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and founded in 1897, Piedmont College is a comprehensive liberal arts institution and also offers a variety of career-oriented majors, including education, business and nursing. Total enrollment is approximately 2,800 students on campuses in Demerost and Athens, GA. Latest rankings from U.S. News shows Piedmont College again among state’s top colleges for 2013. Among the 134 regional universities in the 12 southern states, Piedmont took the 67th spot, tied with Valdosta State University. Only two private colleges in Georgia, Mercer and Brenau, were ranked higher. The Lions Lacrosse program has played 11 games this season and the Florida players have compiled impressive statistics, which include: Branson Mikell has started in 10 games and has posted 11 goals and 2 assists. Carter Jara, has started in all games has compiled 39 ground balls, 2 assists and has 9 caused turnovers. Josh Schmitt has played in 11 games sharing the LSM duties and has 9 ground balls. “Our primary focus on our recruiting prospects remain in the South and Florida is one of the top states we are focusing on”, states Coach Manderano. “We feel we have a perfect fit for the student looking for a private college setting with an emphasis on academics blended with athletics,” Coach continued. The Piedmont Coaching and Recruiting staff will be traveling through the South and attending numerous recruiting programs this summer and if you would like additional information about Piedmont, visit the website at www.piedmont.edu.