THROGGS NECK, NY – The Maritime College men's lacrosse program has a tradition where each year, one player is given the honor of wearing number 99 in memory of John Swaine, a beloved member of the 1986 championship team who died in the 9/11 attacks.  The selected player follows Swaine's example as a leader both on and off the field.  In 2026, senior Nick Spista (White Plains, NY) will be number 99 for the Privateers.

"There's nobody more deserving of this honor," Head Coach Justin Manjares said about Spista.  "He exemplifies everything we're about both on and off the field, and I can't think of anyone better to carry on such a special tradition.  A two-sport athlete (Spista also plays football) and true leader in every sense of the word, he's a tremendous ambassador for our school and our program."

Spista was a First Team All-Skyline selection as a short-stick defensive midfielder last season, when he played in all 16 games and ranked second on the team with 48 ground balls.  Spista also finished second on the squad with 14 caused turnovers while contributing six points on two goals and four assists.  For his career, he's appeared in 53 contests and collected 90 ground balls to go along with 24 caused turnovers.

Previously No. 32, Spista was presented with the jersey by Connor Tomich, last year's No. 99, after a practice last week.  He joins Patrick Schnell (2024), Christian Vera (2023), Kyle Orton (2022) and Bryan Keegan (2021) in following a tradition that began with Danny Connell in 2020.

"I am incredibly blessed to carry on the tradition of wearing number 99 in honor of John Swaine," Spista said.  "I am proud to represent my teammates, my family, and Maritime lacrosse through his legacy."

Swaine wore No. 99 throughout his Maritime career.  On 9/11, he lost his life while working for Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center.  Swaine is remembered as a great teammate, husband and father, and his lasting legacy on the men's lacrosse program will continue to be honored annually by having one player wear the jersey number in his honor each season.