Chen to Wear Cal's No. 4

by Ned Webster

BERKELEY, Calif. -- University of California-Berkeley senior defenseman Josh Chen was chosen to wear the Doug Sciutto Memorial No. 4 jersey for the 2019 season.

The No. 4 tradition is in memory of former Cal lacrosse captain Doug Sciutto, who died tragically on Sept. 8, 1990 trying to save his fraternity brothers from a house fire. At the time of his death, Sciutto's number was retired, but with the blessing of his father, Bob, it was un-retired in 2016 in an effort to better remember and celebrate Sciutto's legacy.

The No. 4 is worn each year by the senior who, over his three-plus year college career, has best demonstrated Sciutto's qualities of courage, commitment and selflessness, while dominating all aspects of the Cal lacrosse experience.

"It's a struggle to summon appropriate words to describe Josh Chen," said Cal coach Ned Webster. "For starters, I'd trust my life with him. Pretty bold statement, but I don't flinch at it. He's just an incredibly kind and reliable young man whose work ethic is off the charts and whose teammates absolutely love him and respect him."

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Former Notre Dame defenseman William Young has been added to the Cal staff and will be working on the defensive side of the ball.

"A lot of coaches look for the star player to add to their staff because they somehow believe they have all the answers," Webster said. "While Will was a contributor for one of the top defenses in the country at Notre Dame, he was also in the enviable position to learn opposing ACC and Top 10 defenses over his career for scout team purposes, which broadens his understanding much more so than the starters who only focused on their own. Will is an excellent communicator and it's obvious the Bears have taken to his energy, IQ and positive nature."

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Joining Chen as captains of the 2019 edition of the Golden Bears is a trio of juniors.

Goalie Nick Beattie, defenseman Finnian Meagher and attackman Jake Pistotnik will be tasked with guiding a team that boasts eight returning starters and its eight top scorers this spring.