DENVER - The University of Denver men's lacrosse team announced that seniors Dillon Roy (Denver, Colo.), Nick Gradinger (Del Mar, Calif.), Deke Jackson (Boise, Idaho) and Charley Dickenson (Dallas, Texas) will serve as captains of for 2010 season.

"In our first year together, it is important to have good senior leadership, on and off the field," said head coach Bill Tierney. "Our four captains have been instrumental in helping their teammates adjust to new coaches, strategies and expectations. Not only do we expect them to lead the team on the field, but they also bear the burden of carrying our new team to a level never before seen by Denver men's lacrosse, through their positive actions in the locker room and away from Peter Barton Stadium." 

A Great Western Lacrosse League First Team Selection the last two season, Roy has started in all but one game for the Pioneers during his three seasons. A staple in the Pioneer defense, Roy has scooped up 113 ground balls and caused 51 turnovers during his career at DU.

"Dillon has been our captain since the day I accepted the job at Denver," Tierney said. "He is of high integrity, his work effort is unmatched on the field, and and his passion for DU Lacrosse is contagious."  

An All-Ivy League Team Selection at Cornell, Gradinger comes to DU with a wealth of defensive talent and leadership. During the 2008, Gradinger saw action in 13 games making 10 starts.

"Nick arrived from Cornell as a graduate student with a year of eligibility left," Tierney said. "From his first step into the locker room, he has been a knowledgeable, vocal leader. His experience at Cornell has prepared him to help our young players succeed as they face the rigors of being a Division 1 student-athlete." 

Seeing action in 36 games over his three years with the Pioneers, Jackson has served as a consistent contributor both on and off the field. As the only DI lacrosse player to come from the State of Idaho, Jackson has played a solid role in the Pioneers' midfield core.

"Deke is a great role model for his teammates in their efforts to understand how important it is to come to practice and work hard everyday," Tierney said.

Last season, Dickenson appeared in 14 games for the Pioneers, leading the team with 36 points on 14 goals and 22 assists. He finished the season ranked 16th in the nation for his 1.57 apg average, and his 22 assists ranked him sixth on DU's all-time single season list.

"Charley has been an integral player for the Pioneers for four years," Tierney said. "He can shoot, pass and run with the best in Division 1 lacrosse." 

- PIONEERS -