UNE record book kind to Thomas brothers

BIDDEFORD — Dylan and Tyler Thomas are brothers.

That seems to be where most of their similarities end.

For example, Tyler isn’t shy about saying that Dylan has more success in the art of flirtation than he does.

“(Dylan’s) way with the women makes people wonder how we’re brothers,” Tyler said.

But when both are on a lacrosse field, records are broken. The duo, both attackers for the University of New England, are tied for the school’s all-time record in points with 148, both recently passing former record holder Sean Melnick, who had 145 points from 1999-2002.

Dylan is a senior, Tyler a junior. Unless something catastrophic happens, Tyler will be the eventual record holder. But at the end of the day, the top two points leaders in UNE history will be a Thomas. But neither are concerned about which Thomas will have the top spot on that list.

“I’m proud that (Tyler) is right up with me,” Dylan said. “He works hard. I love seeing him do well and I love to see the team do well. I don’t care who’s scoring the goals. We’re not really competitive with each other.”

On the lacrosse field, both are successful, but with differing styles, as explained by UNE head coach Jon Hunt.

“Dylan is very quick, very fast and has great hands, he’s kind of the quarterback out there, he sees the field really well,” Hunt said. “Tyler is a big, strong kid who shoots the heck out of the ball. That plays really well in terms of, Dylan can break down the defense and always finds Tyler, who can score from anywhere.”

The Nor’easters have had their share of ups and downs this year. UNE has a 6-6 record this season, with a 1-2 record in Commonwealth Coast Conference play, still battling with conference foes with five games remaining in the season.

“I feel the second half of the season, we’re really going to pick it up,” Dylan said. “The young guys will be more confident. We’ve been putting them into drills more often. Good things are to come.”

Dylan was the first to be recruited to UNE, but Tyler soon followed, tempted by the possibility of continuing to play lacrosse with his older brother. On the field, the two say they know exactly where the other will be.

“That’s just from playing all of our lives together and playing in the backyard together,” Dylan said. “I can see when he’s open, or he knows when I’m going to dodge. It’s just kind of a brother’s connection that’s awesome to have.”

The love of lacrosse goes back to their early childhood days growing up in Mount Pleasant, N.Y., one that was encouraged by their parents, Scott and Marie.

“When we used to get in trouble, Dad would always send us out in the yard with our sticks and we’d be out there until twelve at night, just shooting,” Tyler said.

Off the field, both of the Thomas brothers have different career plans. Tyler is a political science major (a conservative, for the record), with a deep appreciation for history. He’s also a volunteer fireman back home, a move inspired by the events of 9/11. Dylan and Tyler’s aunt, Laura Marchese, died in the World Trade Center attack.

“Our aunt was on the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center on 9/11,” Tyler said. “That’s why I got involved. I take a lot of pride in helping out and being a volunteer fire fighter.”

Dylan is a communications major, looking for a career in sports broadcasting.

“I’ll get whatever job I can get coming out of college,” Dylan said.

Their demeanor, both on and off the field, makes coaching an enjoyable experience for Hunt, not just with the Thomas brothers, but with the entire team.

“I’m very lucky that we have an unbelievable group of young men, that’s committed to taking this program to the next level, but on top of that, they’re good kids,” Hunt said. “My wife and I have them over for dinner to our house all the time. It takes a special group to invite 40 kids to your house for dinner.”

Though they don’t compete with each other, the two still have fights, on occasion, mostly to spark one another on the field.

“You don’t usually see it, but if one of us makes a mistake (on the field), we’re on each other,” Dylan said. “We don’t make it apparent when we’re on the field, but I’ll say something to him or he’ll say something to me, just to get me check or him in check and we go from there.”

It’s a formula that’s worked since the third grade for the duo. And in this case, it’s one for the record books.

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