Left to right are William Sullivan, Brandon Schultheis and Drew Peters.

by Geneva Farber

Three Babylon boys, who earned a reputation as outstanding lacrosse players, are heading to the University of Notre Dame this fall. All three were described as good athletes, great students and young men with perseverance and determination.

The three, Drew Peters, William Sullivan and Brandon Schultheis have been friends since they were about five years old. The boys started out playing soccer together, then football, basketball and finally lacrosse. Peters and Schultheis began playing lacrosse in elementary school while Sullivan began in seventh grade.

As members of the Babylon varsity lacrosse team in the eighth grade, the boys were younger than most of the other boys, but quickly became a part of the very successful team.

"At the time, the boys were already disciplined and physically ready," said Babylon High School Lacrosse Coach Steve Edmond. "They made great role models on the team, leading the way, while assuming tremendous responsibility. You couldn’t ask for better guys on the team."

Sullivan eventually transferred to Chaminade High School after eighth grade, but continued to be active in lacrosse and to pursue the dreams that Peters and Schultheis were following as well.

"Drew and Brandon are very rare," said Sullivan. "I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what school you go to, but how hard you push yourself."

After a few years of facing each other on the field as competitors, the boys will once again be on the same team again—this time part of Notre Dame’s lacrosse team.

"I am extremely excited for him," said Peters’ mother Sharon, who described all three boys as good kids. "This is a phenomenal opportunity and we are very proud of him."

Peters and Schultheis have both received athletic scholarships to the University, while Sullivan was given an official visit in which the school paid for his trip there in hopes of recruiting him. Aside from concentrating on the team this fall, Schultheis plans to major in business management, while Peters and Sullivan are initially studying liberal arts.

"I’m a bit undecided about what I want to do, so I decided liberal arts would be the best route at this time," said Peters. "I’m considering teaching later on."

Like many young men and women, leaving the familiarity and comfort of home and going off to college can be a scary experience. While Sullivan is used to traveling and having his school be a distance from home, he is not at all nervous about leaving yet the others have mixed feelings.

"I’m both excited and nervous about leaving," said Schultheis. "Right now I’m just training hard and getting ready for the season in fall."

Peters, who is currently lifeguarding at a local camp, says he will miss his parents and his friends and the security of knowing they’re close by should he need them.

Their former coach says they’ll all do just fine.

"I think they’re all going to be very successful," said Edmond.

"Academically, school work was always a priority for them and they took their grades very seriously. Sports only fell into line. They are great kids and will do great at Notre Dame."