Tom Sykes transferred to Dowling in 1998 and made an immediate impact between the pipes. He tallied 405 saves in just two short years and compiled a 17-12 record.
In his first season as a Golden Lion, Tom totaled 237 saves and was 5th in save percentage for NCAA Division II and 4th in goals-against average. Sykes also totaled 28 saves in the conference match agains C.W. Post on March 18, 1998 resulting in an 8-14 loss. For his stellar season, Sykes was named to the USILA All-America Third Team.
As a senior in 1999, the returning All-American allowed 103 goals and had made 168 saves helping the Golden Lions to a winning season (10-6) and was ranked 10th in save percentage and 5th in goals against average.