​Many of the Class of 2013 athletes decided to make the jump to collegiate athletics, with several exhibiting strong performances, just as they did for the Blue Devils. Here are some of the notable performances by WHS alumni this past season.

Playing in 17 out of 24 games as a freshman, Freer and the William Smith Herons captured the NCAA Division III National Championship this past December.

Said Freer: “As a team, we had a difficult start. We were a young team and were just getting to know each other.”

According to Freer, the team lost its first game and went undefeated the rest of the season on its way to the Final Four in San Antonio, TX.

After William Smith gained a two-goal lead in the championship, Freer said: “Right then and there everyone just knew, wow, we can really do this. We are going to win this. It was truly incredible and I’m grateful to have been able to have that experience and share it with those people.”

Christian Burgdorf:
University of Denver: Lacrosse

As a freshman, Burgdorf has quickly developed into a strong defenseman for the University of Denver lacrosse team. Although losing to Duke in the national semifinal, the Pioneers reached the Final Four this past Saturday thanks in part to Burgdorf’s physical play. Burgdorf has also received the honor of USILA All-America Honorable Mention.

According to Burgdorf, his goals for next season are to win a national championship and the Big East for the second year in a row.

Said Burgdorf, “Managing my time between athletics, academics and my social life was pretty difficult at first, but I’ve learned to deal with all of them.”

Brad Lankler:
Franklin & Marshall College: Golf

Lankler started for the Franklin & Marshall golf team this past fall and spring, and performed delivered several strong performances as a freshman.

According to godiplomats.com, Lankler averaged a 75.5 through 17 tournaments for the Diplomats.

Lankler captured the Centennial Conference championship as an individual by shooting 10 over par in a three-day tournament.  He also led the team with a 75 at the National Championship, with the Diplomats ultimately missing the cut.

Said Lankler: “I came into the season just trying to make the starting lineup but became the number one player by the end of the fall.  I was able to exceed all the expectations I had made for myself.”

Even more honors arrived for Lankler following his Centennial Conference victory, including Conference Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.