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Syracuse University’s second Class of 2020 tristate commitment comes from Suffolk County (NY) where Mount Sinai A/M Russell Maher has verballed to Syracuse, a decision was first reported by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.

A skilled lefty, the 6-foot, 160-pound Maher, a lefty, is an adept dodger who also has a strong and accurate shot.

He joins attackman Cameron Hay from two-time state champ Victor as SU’s two 2020 tristate commits.

SU also secured a 2020 verbal from beyond the tristate last week: mifielder Marshall McGuire from Oregon.

Now, here’s a Q&A with Russell on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
Besides being a top ten Lacrosse School with superior Academics, I wanted a school close enough so my family could attend the games.

I also wanted a college with  football and basketball.  When I visited, I loved the coaches and the campus. Syracuse checks all the boxes for me.

I’m proud to help continue and be apart of the winning tradition of Syracuse lacrosse.

What other schools were you considering?
I considered a number of schools, but my top choices besides Syracuse were Johns Hopkins, Air Force, and Rutgers.

I have visited so many colleges throughout my life playing in tournaments, as soon as I saw Syracuse I knew it was special. I immediately felt a connection with the coaches, and when I saw the Carrier Dome… that was it.

Have you decided what academic major you want to pursue?
I’m interested in Communication/Broadcasting/Sports Journalism.  Newhouse is the nation’s leading Communication School, very competitive.

I plan to keep up my grades in High school and attend Newhouse School of Communications.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My dodging enables me to break down the defense leading to assists. I play with my head up so I have the ability to dodge, feed or shoot.

My goal is to be a triple threat on the field.

What areas do you need to work on?
I am continually working on my right hand. Also I have a workout schedule which will enable me to get stronger faster and bigger in the next few years.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
My father, who played for Rutgers, bought me my first lacrosse stick when I was 3.  I have had a catch with my dad a few times a week since I was in first grade.

I also play football and basketball for my high school.

What travel team do you play on and what showcase events did you participate in?
I have been on Long Island Express since I was in second grade. I have made lifelong friends on my team, they are like brothers to me.

I attended Blackcard, Showtime and Jake Reed.

Any final thoughts and people you want to thank for helping you reach this point?
I would like to thank my Express coaches, Keith Wieczorek and John Seymour. The morals, character, lacrosse IQ, class and discipline they have taught me will last a lifetime.

Also, my Mount Sinai varsity coaches, Harold Drumm, Luke DaQuino,Mike Massari and Coach Bernatzky have inspired me to be my best and give 100 percent.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my mom, dad and sister for supporting me and traveling all spring/summer to my tournaments cheering me on and always being there for me.

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