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Jeff Krstich (Oct. 18, 1947 – Jan. 20, 2008)

Jeff Krstich, family man, community leader and businessman passed away suddenly January 20, 2008 of a heart attack after playing lacrosse earlier in the day. He had been a senior executive in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and was most currently CEO on International Stem Cell Corp. A former Navy test pilot and veteran on Vietnam and Desert Storm, he earned a B.S. degree in engineering from the U.S.
Naval Academy.

Jeff’s passion for sports as a participant and coach, including lacrosse was a positive influence on many young people spanning from Texas to his current residence in Carlsbad. He was a devoted husband and father, a man of rich integrity and honor and will be deeply missed by all who loved him. He is survived by his wife Gwyn, father Walter, two sisters Nancy & Lauri, children Brian, Greg, Courtney, Jeffrey, & Garrett.

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Five years ago there probably wasn’t three San Diego athletes playing Div. 1 lacrosse. What makes that such an interesting fact is how quickly times have changed for graduated west coast lacrosse players striving to play at the highest amateur level the sport has to offer.

Consider two highly unpredictable situations in college D1 lacrosse today. Cornell University, a final four semi-finalist last season will have three San Diego players this year all hailing from Torrey Pines H.S. Nick Gradinger, a junior defenseman, begins his 3rd season for The Big Red, his second as a starter.

Goalie Jake Myers embarks on his second season after transferring from Syracuse. Jake is pencilled into start after sitting last year behind 1st team All American Matt Mconagle. Attackman Jon Luoto rounds out the trio beginning his first season on the active roster having transferred from the Naval Academy. All three young men excelled on the Torrey Pines state championship teams of 2003 & 04.

Another San Diego HS Lax story is unfolding as an unprecedented three high school all americans accepted scholarships to play for the Catamounts and coach Ryan Curtis. Attackman Geoff Worley, middie Parker Bunnell and defenseman Max Gradinger begin preperation for their freshman season in the cold, icy climate of Burlington,VT. All three hope to earn significant playing time after successful Fall workouts. Games against Duke and Virginia right out of the gate should get the immediate attention of these three Californians.

An impressive list of San Diego players sprinkled around the country is solid confirmation that West Coast lacrosse must be taken seriously now by college recruiters. Our count shows there will be at least 24 former San Diego HS players on D1 rosters for the 2008 season. The staff at TNT hopes they all have a great year!

  • Casey Hinchen La Costa Canyon - Soph.  Dartmouth,
  • Sean M La Costa Canyon - Jr. Syracuse,
  • Joe Coulter Westview - ?  Syracuse,
  • Cameron Zook LCC - Soph. Towson,
  • Jon Freeberg  Torrey Pines - Sr.Colgate,
  • Dave Edens Torrey Pines - Jr. Towson,
  • Connor Bird Torrey Pines - Freshman Denver, 
  • Matt Drenan, (pre season All American) Rancho Bernardo - Jr. Johns Hopkins,
  • Will Yeatman, (2007 Rookie of the year) Rancho Bernardo - Soph.  Notre Dame,
  • Travis Begay RB - Sr. UMBC,
  • Dustin Clark & Taylor Saint Poway - both freshmen at Leigh,
  • Scottie Bollert Bishops - freshman North Carolina,
  • Colby Rhodes Bishops - freshman Penn State,
  • Max Wygod Bishops - Sen. Duke, 
  • Alex Demopolous Avon Old Farms Prep - Soph. Denver,
  • Elliot Brown   Villanova,
  • Committed for “09 - Joey Hegener Torrey Pines - Penn,
  • CJ Smalls LCC - Villanova