30 Over 30


33 NICKY POLANCO


Chesapeake Bayhawks BRIAN


SPALLINA 36


Nicky Polanco and Brian Spallina are a package deal. It’s hard to think of them separately. Both blue-collar defensemen went to Hofstra, although they just missed playing together. They live four houses away from each other on Long Island. Spallina’s kids call Polanco “Uncle Nicky.”


After uniting with Lizards, Polanco and Spallina have been with the Chesapeake Bayhawks since 2012. They are a physically demanding and punishing duo. Spallina is the MLL’s all-time leader in penalty minutes, nearly doubling the fi eld with 156 and counting at press time. Polanco is slightly less nasty, but still ranks No. 2. Spallina, drafted 70th overall in the inaugural MLL draft, is one of just two players to play in every MLL season since the league’s inception. He also has won more championships (six) than any player in MLL history. “Brian is somebody who’s got a broken jaw wired shut, and he’s still working out,” said Joe Spallina, the Lizards coach and Brian’s brother.


Polanco is enjoying his best season in years. Through eight games, he had 21 ground balls — only fi ve less than his total from last season — to go with two goals and an assist.


“They love the game,” Bayhawks coach Dave Cottle said. “They hate losing, but love playing on the team.” — P.S.


30 LACROSSE MAGAZINE August 2014>> A Publication of US Lacrosse


©BILL DANIELEWSKI


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