Friars' 'Chew' takes bite out of opponents

By ERIC S. SMITH

When Matt Mackrides was born, his older brother had trouble pronouncing Matthew, and instead said ‘Mattchew’.
Well, the nickname “Chew” has stuck, but very few people in the lacrosse community have trouble pronouncing the name of the Malvern Prep standout.
On a team that had a total six All-State performers, and two All-Americans in Mackrides and Chris Layne, Chew stood out.
The senior tallied 51 goals and 28 assists while leading the Friars to a state semifinal appearance, and can now add to his accolades the title of 2008 Daily Local Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year.
“He was the reason our offense was as good as it was,” said Malvern head coach John McEvoy. “He is extremely talented, and made it easier for so many guys on the field to excel.”
The Friars won another Inter-Academic League championship this past season, the third in Mackrides’ career. But they fell short of winning another state title, something Chew accomplished in his sophomore year. Malvern’s final game of the 2008 campaign was a disappointing 4-3 loss to La Salle.
“Our first goal was to win the Inter-Ac, and we worked hard in the off-season to get that,” Mackrides said. “But next we focused on winning a state title. Unfortunately, we didn’t come out with a win against La Salle.”
While Malvern’s season came to an end that night, Mackrides was not finished playing. He set out to take on his next big challenge, which was playing for the U.S. under-19 national team in the World Championships in British Columbia, Canada.
Mackrides qualified for the team last summer, and he recently wrapped up the two-week tournament in which he netted 17 goals in seven games to help the United States win its sixth-straight world title.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” Mackrides said. “The talent at that level is never seen. Most of the guys have played in college a year and had that experience over me, but I really couldn’t ask for a better experience.”
Now Mackrides prepares for the next stage of lacrosse, which be at the college level at Penn Sate University. The Nittany Lions have an up-and-coming lacrosse program, but certainly not one of the top programs in the country. Yet after watching his brother Andrew play there for three years, and getting to know the program, Matt knew it was the right place for him.
“I’m comfortable there,” Mackrides said. “Plus, it’s closer to home, and I’ll get to play right away. I didn’t want to sit.”
Mackrides’ future is set, but McEvoy is unsure of what life without Chew will be like.
“I guess I’ll have to start coaching,” he jokingly said.
But you could hear just a hint of truth behind that laugh.
To contact staff writer Eric Smith, send an e-mail to esmith@dailylocal.com.

bout his business, the work ethic of a player can inspire those around him to give just a little bit more themselves.
This season, Great Valley’s Tom Rafetto was not only the statistical leader of the 15-5 Patriots, but he was the heart-and-soul of the entire Great Valley roster. Opposing pitchers and coaches knew late in the game where Rafetto was hitting in the order or when it was time to see the senior on the mound.
Rafetto’s stats were glorious as he hit .529 with 18 RBIs, four doubles, five triples and three home runs while scoring 19 runs. On the mound, Rafetto was the ace of a Patriots team that won the American Division of the Ches-Mont League and went to the semifinals of the Class AAA District 1 playoffs.
Rafetto was also 8-2 on the hill for Great Valley to go along with his offensive output.
It is for this all-around season that Tom Rafetto is the Daily Local News Player of the Year.
“Tom was a four-year starter for us,” Great Valley coach Matt Schultz said. “He started out as an outfielder then we moved him to third base and he also grew tremendously as a pitcher. He has an all-around game and he did whatever we asked of him.
“He would do anything to help the team win. He was not selfish and say he wanted to remain at one position. He worked very hard at getting better and to see him go from a thrower to a pitcher was something. He is just a great kid.”
Rafetto will play his collegiate ball at Penn State University-Altoona where he will also be asked to play more than one position, something the team player says is right up his alley.
“The coaches there told me that I would probably be playing the outfield,” Rafetto said. “But they also said they’ll work me into pitching situations when they needed me.
Whatever it takes I am willing to do. I just want to play,” he said.
Rafetto earned much respect around the Ches-Mont as Great Valley opened some of the old guard National Division teams eyes this season.
“Great Valley had a real good year, they may have been the best team in the Ches-Mont and that kid Rafetto did it all for them,” Coatesville’s Hal Ziegler said. “He hit the ball, threw the ball and did a lot of things for them.”
Ziegler’s assistant coach, Chad Ohar, was also impressed with the Great Valley leader.
“He is a great choice for player of the year,” Ohar said. “He is a real good player.”
While Great Valley enjoyed success this season, Schultz said that Rafetto should get much of the credit for the Patriots championship
“Tom just does whatever it takes to win,” Schultz said. “I was very fortunate to have him for all four years. To start as a freshman and sophomore will tell you what kind of player and kid he is.”
Those who watched Rafetto play saw a passion and a commitment to his craft and they also saw something not always seen on today’s athletic fields. They saw a selfless player who cared more about the team than his personal pursuits.
To contact staff writer Peter DiGiovanni send an e-mail to pdigiovanni@dailylocal.com