Golden Eagle Basketball Taking the Next Step Forward
St. Joseph's Looks to Build on Momentum in 2003-2004

Patchogue, NY – When John Mateyko took the reigns of the St. Joseph's Men's Basketball program two years ago he knew that it may take a while to improve the team. Now, thanks to slow and steady progress he is in command of a contending team that can play with the best in the Skyline Conference. The Golden Eagles have steadily improved under his watch and they plan to build on momentum from last season in 2003-2004.

The team finished one game below.500 in 2002-2003 at 12-13 a vast improvement from 9-17 in 2001-2002. For the Golden Eagles it was only the second time in the past 15 years that they have reached double-digit wins and it was their most wins since 99-00. SJC now plans on expanding on that recent success and make an impact with a core group of young veterans. Facing possibly its toughest schedule ever, with many regionally ranked opponents, the Golden Eagles have their work cut out for them.

Bolstering the Golden Eagles hopes are two significant wins over Skyline opponents last season. They defeated Kings Point for the first time in 10 years and beat Manhattanville for the first in six.

Leading the charge for the latest version of the Golden Eagles is senior captain Steven Drury. The 6'3" forward from Bellmore (Bellmore JFK HS) led the squad in points scored (14.3) and rebounds (7.92) and is poised to make his mark on the inside once again. Drury was named to the Skyline Conference All-Star 2nd Team in 2003.

Expected to play a big role is senior guard Ryan Schneider (Floral Park/St. Mary's HS), who won the Skyline Conference Player of the Week award for his performance in the victory over Kings Point. Schneider, a former assistant coach for the Kings Pont Women's Basketball team, posted 10.3 points per game last season and really emerged as a dangerous and consistent force in the offense.

Captains Dan Kuftack (Selden/Newfield HS) and Tim Trava (Patchogue/ Patchogue- Medford HS) are also being counted on to step up their play in their senior seasons. Trava, SJC's star soccer player and NCAA scoring leader, was the spark plug last season, often coming off the bench to give the team some scoring punch.

A big contribution is also expected from returning junior forward Ryan Baumbach of Bethpage (Holy Trinity HS). The 6'5" Baumbach averaged 6.76 points and 7 rebounds last season and should spend most of his minutes beside Drury at the forward spot.

Two newcomers that Coach Mateyko will integrate into the squad are sophomore guard Richie Henderson and junior forward Mike Massa (St. James/Smithtown HS). Henderson will serve as the team's point guard after transferring from Dominican College. Massa joins the Golden Eagles after transferring from York College.

Mateyko also foresees sophomore guard Chris Hannsgen (West Islip/West Islip HS), developing into a consistent offensive force. Also returning are developing 6'8" center Matt McKee (Mt. Sinai/Mt. Sinai HS) and guard Pat Eagan (Stewart Manor/ St. Mary's HS).

For more information on the St. Joseph's College Athletic Program, contact Frank Flandina, Sports Information Director, at (631) 447–3352 or