RINDGE, N.H. (December 26, 2008) - Franklin Pierce University and fourth-year head coach Kevin Pezanowski are pleased to announce the first early decision National Letter of Intent (NLI) signee in the history of the men's lacrosse program.

Pennsbury High School product Benjamin McDannell made program history on two fronts when he signed an NLI during the early signing period to signal his decision to attend Franklin Pierce to play men's lacrosse beginning in 2010. McDannell is also the first member of the Pennsbury boy's lacrosse program to ever sign an NLI when he recently signed to join Franklin Pierce.

McDannell, a standout defender for Pennsbury, helped the Falcons capture the Suburban One League National Conference title in 2006. He was named a member of the Bucks County Courier Times Gold Team in 2008, also earning first team League All-Star honors after collecting second team accolades in 2007. Named team captain for 2009, McDannell has been named Most Outstanding Defender two years running for Falcons head coach Dean Curtis, who played for Pezanowski during his days as a full-time assistant coach at The Ohio State University.

McDannell has earned club experience for the Lower Bucks Lacrosse Club, Hot Wings LAX, Arrowhead Lacrosse U19 Select and Penn Premier U19 Select.

McDannell is the son of Earl and Pam McDannell of Morrisville, Pa. He will enroll at the University for the Fall 2009 semester.