By K.I. Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 2/14/12
Iona Prep (NY) junior midfield-FO specialist Mike Orefice has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Loyola University.
Mike Orefice ledger:
High School: Iona Prep, New Rochelle, 
NY
Graduation Year: 2014
Position: Midfield-FO Specialist
College Choice: Loyola
Club Affiliation: Redwater lacrosse
Major lacrosse honors, camps: Jake Reed Blue Chip, 3D Blue Chip, Ct. Super-Sophs, UNC Sophomore Camp, Blue Chip 225, Hofstra Blue and Gold, Lehigh Laxfest. #1 Sophomore FOGO 2012 season in the Cheap League. #2 Sophomore FOGO in the state, 2012 season. Number 10 Sophomore in the US. Took and won the most face-offs in the country at 274/427 and went 65% 2012 season.
What will you major in/Study? Mechanical Engineering
Why did you choose Loyola? “I’ve always liked the Baltimore, Md. area. The campus is beautiful, the student-to-faculty ratio, small classes and excellent academics all played a major role in my decision. The lacrosse program is outstanding. The team, coaches and facilities are top notch. I look forward to playing under Coach (Charley) Toomey and the other members of the Loyola coaching staff. Also, I am excited to play alongside friend and teammate Ross Schnitzer, who has also committed to Loyola.”
What is your HS team’s outlook for the season? “Our team is looking good this year. We have many returning players who bring a lot to the table. Transition and keeping the ball in our offense is the key to this year. That’s where I come in.”
Thank Yous: “I would like to thank all of my coaches, Rick Trizano of Iona Prep, Roy Colsey of Team Superstar, John Devito and Kyle Devito of Team Superstar, Joe Pash of the Eastchester Blue Devils, Justin Otto of Team TopSide, and Brian Dooley of Head, Heart and Hustle.
“I would also like to thank all of my teammates throughout the years as well as Alex Smith of the Bayhawks, Chris Eck of the Boston Canyons, John Ortolani of the Rochester Rattlers and Matt Schomburg of Fogo Lax.
“Finally, I thank my parents who have helped me each week, my younger brother Christopher for being my face-off partner at home and my Grandparents, all of whom pushed me to be a better player.”
Other schools considered: UNC, Fairfield, Villanova, Hofstra, Ohio State, Salisbury, Georgetown