Jim Fulong
Patch.com
When Nick Coric returns home to Walnut Creek, he hopes to share happy memories of winning a third consecutive national championship.
He's spent the last four years about 2,900 miles east of northern California proving to be a steady, high-scoring contributor to a nationally prominent men's college lacrosse program.
Coric, a senior attacker, will be the starting lineup Saturday when his top-ranked C.W. Post Pioneers host third-ranked Mercyhurst (Pa.) College in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Tournament.
The Pioneers are the two-time reigning Division II champions and need two more victories to claim a three-peat.
"I think it is awesome," said Couic. "I think (a three-peat) is right there for us. It is ours to lose. We have a target on our backs and we have to answer the call."
Before the opening faceoff, Coric, a former standout at De La Salle High School in Concord, will repeat a personal habit.
"I have a little talk with myself; get in my little zone," he said. "I say make good passes, have quick feet and shoot hard to the back of the net. . . . I say a little prayer and I am ready to go."
Coric will also see his father, Angelo, before the game on the Post campus, about an hour's drive east of New York City. His father has often made the long flight from Walnut Creek to see Nick's games this spring.
Angelo Coric was present on May 7 when Nick was saluted on Senior Day.This week, Angelo is driving Nick's car cross county. His mother, SteVee, has also seen Nick's college games.
After being a two-time All-American at De La Salle and scoring a combined 100 goals his last two prep seasons, Nick enjoyed winning the 2007 North Coast Section title. Then he needed to decide where to play college ball.
He said he was advised not to try for a Division I program and looked to the East Coast for a strong Division II team. He said he visited four colleges on Long Island and he liked the C.W. Post coaches and campus the most.
"That's the biggest decision (of my life)," said Coric. "Leaving home. Branching out. My parents trust me. They raised me well enough to make my own decisions, My Mom was heartbroken when I said I wanted to go (to C.W. Post). I am glad I made the move. I've met a lot of good people, made some good friends."
Coric has accomplished sustained individual and team success.He's scored a combined 82 goals the last three seasons and helped build an overall 47-3 record.
"I think my quickness is my best attribute; my change of direction is very good," he said.
He often quarterbacks the offense from behind the cage, and is a quick dodger. This season, Couric is the Pioneers' second-leading scorer with 34 goals and a team-high 24 assists. He produced seven game-winning goals during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. As a junior, he distributed a team-high 27 assists.
His 2011 team (16-1 overall) shows a 9-0 home record, facing Mercyhurst (12-2).Recently he was named the East Coast Conference men's player of the week after he scored five goals and two assists in the final regular-season game.
"Nick has had some games that he has won by himself," said Post head coach John Jez. "He made an immediate impact on our program and he has developed his skills every year."
Coric, who attended Walnut Acres Elementary School, began playing lacrosse in the eighth grade. In his home town, he's also helped coach a youth team, the Walnut Creek Warriors, who played at Foothill Junior High. Nick's younger brother, Vincent, also played for Coach Bob O'Meara with the De La Salle Spartans. Another personal highlight for Nick? He graduated May 13 with a degree in business management.