During Homecoming, current members of the Georgia Tech lacrosse club and alumni will gather as they do every year to celebrate their sport and play a friendly game.

This year has the added bonus of being the 40th anniversary of the team’s founding — sort of.

As club organizers and alumni are quick to point out, though the modern incarnation of the lacrosse club dates to 1971, the sport’s roots at Tech trace back much further, all the way to the 19th century establishment of lacrosse at the collegiate level.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, lacrosse is played on a 110-yard field with 10 players on each team. Players have short sticks with nets at the end of them, and they pass around a small ball, trying to score by throwing it into the opponent’s goal.

Lacrosse was played first by Native Americans along the East Coast. Ball Ground, Ga., is named after a Cherokee lacrosse field. One of the earliest universities to adopt lacrosse was Johns Hopkins, which first fielded a team in 1888. A PhD student at the time, John Crenshaw played on the 1893 Johns Hopkins team.

Originally from the South, Crenshaw later moved to Atlanta to head the modern languages department at Georgia Tech. He also established a lacrosse team at the school in 1924. By 1927, it had grown to be a substantial varsity sport. For the next season, Crenshaw scheduled games against several top Northeastern teams.

But when the Depression struck in the early 1930s, lacrosse was dropped as a varsity sport, presumably for financial reasons. Crenshaw worked for decades at Tech, and the 1941 Blueprint was dedicated to him. He died a year later.

That lore was unknown when the lacrosse club was reinstituted, as it turns out, in 1971 by a group of Tech students, according to a history of lacrosse at the Institute on the club’s Web site. The new club was formed largely by students from high schools in the Northeast, where lacrosse long has been popular.

The Tech club started out with only a three-game schedule and played on the football practice field in jerseys handed down from the football team. The next season featured six games. By the club’s third season, it had 10 games and 30 athletes, and its games were in Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Over the decades, the club has continued growing. By the 1980s, it was up to 45 team members. The club dominated its level, winning by as many as 25 goals in a game, according to its records. The Tech lacrosse team members and alumni helped establish a national organization for college lacrosse clubs in the 1990s, leading to the eventual creation of a national championship.

Over the past 15 years, the club’s leadership has come from Ken Lovic, who served as lacrosse head coach until retiring over the summer. Lovic has been the coordinator of sports clubs at Tech since 2007 and will continue in that role.

“Well, I still have a day job,” Lovic said. “I retired mostly for my wife. I owe it to her. The practices are late at night.”

Lovic grew up around Baltimore, a lacrosse hotbed, and played through high school. He first came to Tech for graduate school and happened upon a club practice. He asked if he could help and, quickly enough, was asked to coach.

During his time with the club, Lovic focused on improving both the play of the team and the quality of the club experience.

Tech holds lacrosse camps every summer to raise funds. Now club members can travel in buses instead of vans, and they no longer sleep five to a room in budget hotels on the road. Gone are the hand-me-down football jerseys. The club has equipment deals and sponsors.

Lovic calls it a “virtual varsity program,” but he stresses that despite the club’s growth, there’s no interest in moving to the NCAA level.

“Our goal is to provide what we can with what we have,” he said. “I love club sports. It’s sort of a different world.”

The club atmosphere allows players to focus more on school, Lovic said, occasionally to the detriment of the team when top players leave to study abroad or work at a co-op job.

One of Lovic’s favorite parts of coaching was seeing the friendships that grew among teammates. Even after players graduate, they stay in touch and will be in each other’s weddings, he said.

Those alumni usually continue to be involved with lacrosse as well. There are more than 200 active alumni in the Georgia Tech lacrosse alumni affinity group.

One of them is Ed Bernier, IE 99, who said he actually considered leaving the team his freshman year.

Bernier had played the sport since fifth grade and learned of Tech’s club at FASET. He became friends that first year with classmate Randy Rhoads, and the two kept each other motivated as the team struggled through a losing season.

“Randy died at the end of our freshman year in a tragic drowning accident,” Bernier said. “Losing a good friend like that was something that I’ll never forget, and it ultimately made me refocus on lacrosse.”

By 1997, the team had improved considerably and won its conference. Bernier recalled it as one of his favorite experiences from college. Now, more than a decade after he concluded his time on the team, Bernier remains an active alumnus.

“I like how the program keeps raising the bar,” he said. “We never had close to the amount of resources that the team does now, but the current players love the game as much as I do, and that is our common bond.”

One of the club’s recent star players is Mike Algozer, EE 07, an All-American during his Tech career. Algozer grew up playing the sport in his hometown of Northport, N.Y., on Long Island, and played in two state championships in high school.

“It was a big jump from high school in terms of the academic challenges, so it forced me to reassess my time management skills,” Algozer said. “After the first year I had found a great balance between club time and school time. The program is built on the fact that you are at Tech to succeed as a student first.”

Algozer said he and his teammates bonded in part over that shared challenge of succeeding in class and on the field. He remembered fondly how, while a senior, he led the team into a playoff game against Florida State, a top 10 team.

“We came out and played one of the best team games I’d been a part of in years, and we took a good-size lead into the fourth quarter,” he said. “Then they came back and closed the gap. But we picked each other up and finished the game, knocking them out of the playoffs and putting us into the next round.”

Algozer still keeps in close touch with those teammates, and they’ll meet for alumni weekends in Atlanta and go on trips across the country together. He also remains closely involved with the team. He stayed on to coach Tech’s defense for two years after graduating until moving to Southeast Asia.

Former club members are regulars at Tech’s games both at home and on the road, and they’ve contributed funding for scholarships and equipment, Lovic said.

Beyond that, they’ve helped build lacrosse as a sport in the South. Through their involvement with the youth and high school camps, the Tech club’s current and former members have helped develop young players. The summer camp has room for 350 campers and has sold out each of the past six years.

When lacrosse returned to Tech 40 years ago, there was no youth lacrosse in the region, Lovic said. In the past 14 years, high school lacrosse has grown from four varsity boys teams in Georgia to nearly 60 boys and girls programs. Several Tech alumni work as high school coaches and referees.

While so much of the focus of current and former club members is on the future of lacrosse both at Tech and in the South, they’re taking the time this fall to commemorate the anniversary of the second time lacrosse was founded at Tech.

In addition to the annual game between alumni and current members, the club will be inducting its first hall of fame class during Homecoming weekend.

Story publish with permission. Original can be found at http://gtalumnimag.com/?p=4650

Ann Arbor, Mich. – Former University of Michigan Men’s Lacrosse player Brekan Kohlitz has been signed by the Washington Stealth of the National Lacrosse League, North America’s professional indoor league.  Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kohlitz was a faceoff specialist for the Wolverines between 2005-2008, and was a 1st-Team All American in his final two years.  The 2008 MCLA Tournament MVP, Kohlitz compiled over a 70% faceoff win percentage over his career and set Michigan records for faceoff wins and ground balls.  In May of 2008 Kohlitz became the first MCLA player ever selected in the MLL (Major League Lacrosse) draft, and he spent that summer playing for the Washington Bayhawks.  Kohlitz will join the team in November for training camp before the start of the season.

According to John Paul, his former Head Coach at Michigan, Kohlitz will be a great compliment to the team, “We’re excited for Brekan.  He brings a lot to the table for an organization that is looking to win the possession battle, but more importantly the Stealth are gaining a great person who will give them everything he has.”

The NLL has thirteen teams playing in major markets throughout the United States and Canada.  Each team plays a 16-game schedule running from December to April followed by Lacrossethe Champion’s Cup playoffs in May.  The Stealth are coming off a 14-5 season in 2009-2010 and defeated the Toronto Rock by a score of 15-11 in late May to claim their the franchise’s first NLL Championship.  Set to begin their second season in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle-based squad has been in existence since 1999 when they began operation in Albany, N.Y. as the Albany Attack before moving to San Jose and taking on the Stealth moniker from 2004-2009.

Kohlitz knows he has a challenge ahead, but is confident in his abilities, “Transitioning to the indoor game will be an adjustment but I am prepared for the change.  Ultimately, facing off is facing off, and GM Doug Locker has the utmost faith in my abilities which I plan on proving correct.  Also, having grown up in ice arenas all over Michigan, I am acclimated to the playing area and the physical play of the indoor game.”

SENIOR YEAR – FULL VERSION from MCM PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Senior Year is the incredible true story of the Shoreham-Wading River 2002 NY State Champion High School lacrosse team. To be shot as a feature length movie in the Summer of 2011.

SWR alum and independent filmmaker Michael Canzoniero (“Wedding Bros.”) will be directing.

This emotional documentary tells the story of the film in the participants own words. Please note: This film is for private use by the filmmakers and not for commercial exhibition in any way.

Run time: 45 minutes
Visit: www.senioryearmovie.com for more info.

For Immediate Release – University of St. Thomas Lacrosse

The University of St. Thomas lacrosse team has added two familiar names to its coaching staff for the 2010-2011 season. Joining the Tommies quest for a third straight MCLA Division II National Championship will be Colin Achenbach and Ian Gallagher.

Achenbach, an Apple Valley, Minnesota native, was a high school All-American in 2002 while playing for RAVE, a team comprised of players from three suburban high schools. Achenbach began his college career at Pace University, earning All-American honors in 2004 at attack. Achenbach then transferred to C.W. Post, where he was twice more named an All-American. After graduating from Post, Achenbach signed with the Philadelphia Barrage of the MLL and the New York Titans of the NLL. Achenbach currently is entering his fourth year with the Minnesota Swarm of the NLL.

Achenbach’s coaching career began in 2007 as a graduate assistant coach for C.W. Post. After returning to Minnesota in 2008, Achenbach continued to coach through Homegrown Lacrosse, a non-profit organization Achenbach co-founded in 2003 that is focused on the growth of the sport, primarily at the youth and high-school levels. Achenbach spent last year as an assistant coach for Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

“We are very excited to have Colin on our staff.  He has accomplished a lot as a player, and brings with him energy and instant credibility,” said Pete Moosbrugger, head coach of the Tommies.  “We think Colin will be a great asset in developing our young offensive talent.”

On the defensive side, the Tommies welcome Ian Gallagher to the team as the goalie coach and recruiting coordinator. Originally from Syracuse, N.Y., Gallagher attended Westhill High School, where he earned several honors as a player, including being named to the Section III All-Star team, All-Conference honors, and the 2003 team MVP. Gallagher played his college lacrosse for Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., where he was named the MAAC Conference Player of the Week in 2007, on his way to leading all of NCAA Division 1 in total saves, with 209.

Gallagher has been an assistant coach at the Blake School since 2008, where he helped lead the team to the 2008 state title. In addition, Gallagher was an assistant coach for the University of Minnesota lacrosse team from 2008-2009. Gallagher also works with Achenbach at Homegrown Lacrosse, where he serves as the Goalie Director at camps and clinics.

“Ian fills a position that we have been without for a few years,” noted Moosbrugger.  “While we have had good goalies the past few years, I look forward to where they can get with Ian’s help. I’m also very excited that Ian has accepted the recruiting coordinator role as well.  For UST to remain competitive for years to come, we needed someone to come on and take the ball and run with recruiting.”

With the new coaching additions and a talented group of freshman arriving on campus for orientation this week, the Tommies are excited to get the 2010-2011 campaign underway.  Tryouts commence on September 16th and they kick off their fall season in October at Carthage College.

By Tim Haslam

Following what turned out to be the most puzzling coaching move of the summer, Chapman has hired Dallas Hartley to replace Mike Wood as the Head Coach of the Panthers.

After being hired, Hartley began to get organized but was excited for the new challenge.

“There were many qualified candidates and it was an honor to be chosen,” said Harley. “I think the team was left in limbo for much of the summer waiting for a coach to be named and I wanted to reach out to them, introduce myself, and make the transition as smooth as possible.  After speaking with the players, it is apparent they are willing to to whatever it takes to keep the winning tradition alive.”

That winning tradition stems from former Head Coach Mike Wood. Wood was fired shortly after the National Tournament despite making it to the semi-finals.

Hartley began coaching as a graduate assistant at Sonoma State in 2001. He coached the Junior Varsity team at La Costa Canyon High School in 2002 and became the Varsity coach in 2003 until being hired as the Head Coach at Chapman. Hartley played Long Stick Midfield for San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, California and played college lacrosse at Sonoma State from 1997 to 2000.

Hartley stated that he has always wanted to coach at the college level.

“Chapman has one of the best lacrosse programs in the West,” said Hartley. “I grew up in Southern California and I don’t plan on leaving.  Chapman was the only college program that I would have left La Costa Canyon High School to coach at.”

Chapman was 16-3 last year and lost to Michigan in the semi-finals of the National Tournament.

Life can be challenging when you’re the new head lacrosse coach at a college or university. Then that must mean there’s a big challenge ahead for Tim Murray as he steps in at Grand Valley State University to replace former coach Murle Greer.

“The expectations are lofty at Grand Valley, but they deserve to be,” Murray said. “Coach Greer did a great job taking the program from point A to point B; but my job is to take the program from point B to point C.”

Murray, a graduate of Butler University where he played two years of varsity lacrosse before the program was cut, has definitely been given big shoes to fill with replacing Coach Greer. Greer led the Lakers to several CCLA and MCLA playoffs and also won the MCLA Coach of the Year award in 2008.

However, Murray has nothing but good things to say about his predecessor.

“I have nothing but respect and admiration for Coach Greer and everything he has done at Grand Valley. Every coach has their own style but maybe it was just time for a new style.”

This style had previously led Rockford High School (Mich.) – where Murray spent the last four years coaching – to success in the playoffs as well as sending several players to NCAA and MCLA lacrosse programs.

“The new position is somewhat bittersweet for me. I am somewhat sad to leave Rockford behind. The relationships I had with players and the families were amazing. That being said, I am extremely excited to be the coach at Grand Valley and create new relationships.”

Murray admits that the choice wasn’t an easy one.

“It definitely wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. I wasn’t seeking other positions but when I was approached by players, the more and more I thought about it the more and more it made sense.

I want to work to improve lacrosse in Michigan at all levels. I see no reason why Grand Valley can’t be a poster child for lacrosse in Michigan.”

The Grand Valley State program went 15-4 last season including CCLA and MCLA playoffs with their only losses coming to top-10 teams including; fellow Michigan programs Davenport University and the University of Dayton, as well as St. Johns University (Minn.) and MCLA DII National Champions University of St. Thomas (Minn.). Grand Valley did, however, beat Davenport and Dayton during the regular season.

For Murray the past success is nothing but exciting.

“I’m not taking over a team that has struggled to compete and struggled to win in recent history. I’m taking over a team where the future is right now.”

Murray’s staff will include two returning members from Greer’s old staff. Sean Blair, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach, will remain with the Lakers and Rob Harris will hold his position as goalie coach.

“Sean does a great job working with the kids and has great lacrosse knowledge,” Murray said. “And I can’t explain how much Rob does. He works with the goalies but I don’t want to call him just a goalie coach. He really does so much for the program that you don’t notice it. I’m really lucky to have these guys back.”

Murray will also bring Matt Gusky with him from Rockford High School. Gusky played at Michigan State University and was the midfielders coach at Rockford.

Well-staffed and well-prepared, Murray is ready to get going.

“Fall ball starts soon and everyone here is pretty excited to get on the field and start. We’re going to take things one day at a time and work on getting better every day. We can’t look too far ahead.”

Looking ahead for the Lakers is a rough road, though, with strong competition in the CCLA from Dayton, Davenport and Grove City. Murray, consistent with his optimistic attitude, only sees the tough competition as a positive.

“It’s something that I think is more of an advantage to us rather than a disadvantage. Having Davenport literally across town and Grove City and Dayton not far away forces us to practice and play with a sense of urgency. We know where we want to go and when we talk about it, we’re not talking about a far-off hypothetically situation – it’s right in our own backyard. We know we need to push ourselves and get better or we won’t even earn a chance to get to Denver for a chance to win the national championship.”

Murray knows that chance doesn’t come easily though.

“We’re gonna start competing on Day 1. I’d like to think that the one underlying characteristic of a practice I run is that it will be intense, up-tempo, fast paced and you better be ready to work. I want to run purposeful practices that are intense but should be fun and something lacrosse players will look forward to.”

Murray even gives a little heads-up/warning for his new team.

“When you show up, you need to show up ready to work and expecting your teammates are ready to work. When you strap that helmet on, you’re gonna work your ass off.”

Hopefully, high intense practices will help Murray accomplish his goals.

“I want to develop a championship caliber team on and off the field, I want to be able to continue to compete every year for a national championship, and I want to continue to develop the Grand Valley program into a sustainable program. I think those goals go hand-in-hand.

There’s nothing magical I’m going to say to make them a better team or make them more accomplished lacrosse players. There are no secrets to having success in lacrosse other than going out there and working hard.”

It all means that the Lakers can expect a winning attitude for the man at the helm when the first whistle blows during fall practice.

Perhaps most importantly, this provides Grand Valley with the opportunity of a fresh start.

“When I arrived here, the slate was wiped clean for players; which can be both good and bad. If you were a starter last year, that doesn’t matter to me. You need to prove yourself worthy. I have no pretense thoughts on these players. These players can be the lacrosse players they want to be.”

For Murray, that means one thing.

“I don’t think there’s a program in the nation that says ‘Let’s be runner up this year’. Everyone wants to be champion.”

Michigan starts it’s three peat at a pro football stadium that doesn’t exist anymore.  
See Con Bro Martin in diapers. 
See Jason Lamb’s perfect hair. 
Instant, and I mean instant, MCLA classic between the Ducks and Rams.

Get your old school DVD’s for 7 bucks each before they become OLD school in the CollegeLAX Shop.

2008 MCLA Division 1 Championship: Michigan vs. Chapman
2008 MCLA Division 2 Championship: Westminster vs. Grand Valley State
2008 MCLA Division 1 Semifinal 1: Michigan vs. BYU
2008 MCLA Division 1 Semifinal 2: Chapman vs. Arizona State
2007 MCLA Division 1 Championship: BYU vs. Oregon
2007 MCLA Division 2 Championship: Montana vs. St. John’s
2007 MCLA Division 1 Semifinal 1: BYU vs. UCSB
2007 MCLA Division 1 Semifinal 2: Oregon vs. Colorado State

Get your old school DVD’s for 7 bucks each before they become OLD school in the CollegeLAX Shop.

The NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee is proposing a single 30-second count once teams gain possession to advance the ball into the attack area.

Meeting Monday through Wednesday, the committee recommended the single count to simplify the number of time requirements (counts) that officials use during a game and enhance the flow of the game.

Previously, teams had 20 seconds to advance the ball to the midfield line and then 10 seconds to reach the attack area. Once entering the attack area, teams had to re-establish possession in the attack area every 10 seconds. That requirement would be eliminated if the proposal is approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel.

“The committee felt it was important to simplify the counts in the game as a way to improve the flow of play,” said Brian Voelker, chair of the committee and coach at Drexel. “By moving to one count, we will eliminate the constant need to step into the attack area and instead allow teams to fully concentrate on running their offense. We believe we have accomplished this without drastically changing our game.”

The committee also voted to add a mechanic for officials to better implement a stall warning when the ball is outside the attack area.

Officials may now signal and vocalize “get it in” when the ball is outside of the attack area and the offense is not making an effort to attack the goal. Previously, only the “keep it in” signal was in place, which required the team to be in the attack area.

In other action, the committee addressed concerns about faceoffs with a series of recommendations, among which concern the illegal use of hands.

To get the ball in play faster, the committee approved a proposal dealing with clamping the ball or stick. Players who clamp the ball will be required to get the ball in play quickly.

Additionally, pinning or holding the opponent’s cross in any manner will be penalized with a technical foul. The other team will be awarded possession of the ball.

Finally, the committee added the “set” call to the officials’ mechanics to eliminate “rolling starts.”

“The committee was challenged to clean up this phase of the game without changing the nature of the faceoff,” said Voelker. “The feedback the committee received indicated the need to limit illegal actions, to get the ball in play quickly and to eliminate the rolling start.”

Contact With The Head

Members also addressed student-athlete safety, a continued point of concern for all playing rules committees. The committee proposed a separate rule dealing with targeting the head and neck. The penalty for a violation of this rule will be a one-, two- or three-minute non-releasable penalty.

“While we have had rules in the past to cover head and neck contact, the committee felt it was important to separate this rule to emphasize the safety of our student-athletes,” Voelker said.

The committee’s proposals will be sent to the membership for comment and be reviewed by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to meet via conference call September 8.

Discuss on CollegeLAX here

By Tim Haslam

David Malcolm has been hired as the new Head Coach at Marquette University.

Malcolm starting playing lacrosse in Lake Forest, Illinois and played in the MCLA for the University of Montana in 2004 through 2007.

Malcolm knows the ups and downs of the MCLA after having played his freshman year on a team with only 15 players. However, his senior year had a 35 man roster that won the MCLA Division II National Championship.

Malcolm started coaching in 2009 at Middleton High School in Wisconsin.

“I love coaching and have so much fun with it,” said Malcolm. “Being named the Head Coach at Marquette University is very exciting for me and I am very honored and excited to begin the season. One of the many things that I am looking forward to this season is getting to travel again. I enjoyed traveling across the Pacific Northwest with the team in College. This time I get to travel around the Midwest as a coach with a great group of players.”

Although Marquette was 5-11 last year, Coach Malcolm has a lot of faith in his new team.

“I believe that we have a talented group of players that are capable of having a winning season and I think the focus is going to be on staying healthy,” said Malcolm.

Malcolm started REALacrosse.com and has been running clinics and youth camps.

“I love this sport and I am grateful for all that it has allowed me to do in my life,” said Malcolm.

The players at Marquette are excited to have a new coach who is familiar with the MCLA.

“I think the thing that stands out most is just his willingness to help our team. He seems driven and determined to help us achieve our goal of taking that next step and building our program after our season last year,” said Marquette Team President, Mitch Nemmers.

For Immediate Release – BYU Lacrosse

PROVO, Utah – The BYU Men’s Lacrosse team announced their captains for the upcoming season Tuesday Night. The group of 5 captains is lead by Senior Midfielders Tyler Monteath (Columbine High School, CO) and Brian Mathay (Heritage High School, CO). Joining Monteath and Mathay are Juniors Ted Ferrin (Olympus High School, UT), Drew Shumway (Bingham High School, UT), and Jared Houghton (Denver University).

Monteath returns to the Cougars this year after spending two years on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission. In his last season of action, Monteath helped lead the Cougars to their third National Championship in 2007. He earned First Team All-Conference and First Team All-America honors during the championship run.  He was also First Team All-American his sophomore year in 2006.  Monteath, who returned from Scotland last January, has spent the last 6 months getting his legs and skills back after a two year layoff.

“I’ve been waiting for the past three years to finish out my lacrosse career and now I have the opportunity to do it as one of the captains.” said Monteath.  ”I’m so excited for this next year and am willing to do whatever it takes to help this team win its fourth National Championship.”

Monteath looks to provide a wealth of talent and skill to the first line midfield. He has gained a reputation as an all-around playmaker, not only scoring goals, but opening up shots for teammates.

“We are excited to have Tyler back on the team with us this year, said Head Coach Matt Schneck.  Even though Tyler had just returned home from his mission, he would have been a significant contributor on our team this past season had we decided to let him play.  We wanted Tyler’s senior year to be the best it could be, one with impact and dominance, so we prepared and saved him for this year.”

Mathay will be joining Monteath at the midfield, as he returns for his Senior season after starting for the Cougars his previous 3 years. Bumping around from defensive midfielder to offensive midfielder during his time at BYU, Mathay has proven to be one of the most versatile players on the Cougars roster.  Mathay has the distinction of being only the second non-LDS player to captain the Cougar lacrosse team.

“Brian has earned this opportunity to be a captain by not only how he plays on the field, but also because how he lives his life off the field, said Schneck.  Brian is respected by his teammates, is rarely outworked and leads by example.”

Mathay brings a wealth of leadership and an attitude of hard work and hustle to the 2011 Cougars.

“I am very humbled to be chosen as a captain of such a fine group of young men,” said Mathay.  ”I am looking forward to walking alongside each of my teammates and pushing the team to reach its potential.”

Ferrin is the only returning Captain out of the group, as he returns for his Junior year, and second year as Captain. Ferrin lead the Cougars on and off the field last year as he returned for his sophomore year after spending two years in Croatia as part of his LDS mission. Ferrin played most of the season hampered by a shoulder injury sustained in the first game of the year. He looks to come back fresh and healthy this fall to take the reigns of the Cougar offense.

“BYU Lacrosse has a great tradition of excellence both on and off the field, said Ferrin.  It’s an honor to be selected as a captain this year and help continue this tradition and help lead the team to even greater accomplishments.”

Shumway returns to the Cougars after taking a medical redshirt last season after a broken finger and operation turned into an infection, which eventually ended his season.  It was a tough blow for the Cougars at the time, but Shumway is back and ready to lead the Cougars forward in 2011.

“I am very excited for this upcoming season, said Shumway.  I know that as we come together as a team, our potential is incredible.”

Shumway has shown his diversity as a player during his time at BYU. Coming in as an attackman, he was the most productive attackman for the Cougars in 2006. After serving a mission he returned and made the switch to midfielder, tallying 36 points during his sophomore year. Shumway will return to his natural position this year and, along side Ferrin, lead the Cougar attack.

“Teddy and Drew will be an incredible 1-2 punch on our starting attack line said Assistant Coach Jordan Harris.  They both bring strengths and diversity that will make the team stronger.”

Houghton brought a new style to the BYU Lacrosse team last year in his first season as Cougar. As a Freshman Houghton, along with his twin brother Jacob, played for Division 1 Denver University. After serving a mission Houghton made the decision to transfer to Brigham Young to finish his lacrosse and school career. Houghton was able to create physical mismatches for the Cougars based on his size, and was able to post a 30 point season on the first midfield. Houghton continually pushes teammates, drawing from his experience at Denver, to bring the team to the highest possible level.

“Jared brings a unique perspective to the team, said Schneck.  He’s passionate about the game and his effort.  He expects great things from himself in order to expect great things from his teammates.”

Houghton will look the contribute again on the first midfield line, being a part of one of the strongest Cougar midfield lines in recent history.

“I am excited for this opportunity, said Houghton.  Our team has a tremendous amount of desire to perform and succeed.  I want to build off the new traditions and great foundation that was built this past season.”

2011 brings a new tradition the BYU Lacrosse team. Each of the junior captains will be assigned an “area of emphasis” in which they will be expected to ensure the highest standards are maintained.  With each assignment tailored fit to the strength of each captain each important aspect of the BYU Lacrosse Team will be overseen with close detail. Junior Captains will report to the Senior Captains who in turn will report directly to Coach Schneck.

“We will continue to grow stronger as a team, said Schneck.  Last year provided a wealth of learning experiences that will be build upon to become a more cohesive and unified team.  These stellar captains will help make that happen.”

The Cougars kick off their fall season on August 30. Follow the Cougar Lacrosse team from the official website (www.BYULacrosse.com), facebook (Facebook.com/BYULacrosse), or twitter (www.twitter.com/BYULacrosse).

Long time Head Coach of the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, Rob Graff, has stepped down after 17 years at the helm of the Bulldogs.

Graff led the 2010 Bulldogs to a 13-3 overall record and went undefeated in the UMLL. The Bulldogs made it to the quarterfinals of the 2010 MCLA National Tournament before losing to Chapman.

“A lot of factors led to this decision,” said Graff. “After each season I would take two to three weeks and decided if I was willing to invest myself and my family into another year. This year, my son and daughter are playing on competitive hockey and lacrosse teams which means they are getting busier and busier. My two younger kids hardly see me because I am with my older kids or with Duluth. I needed and wanted to give more time to my family and I am really excited about that.”

Another factor for Graff stepping down is the quality of his assistants. Graff leaves the program in the hands of assistant, Frank Clark. Clark has been with the Bulldogs for 9 seasons.

“It’s his time,” said Graff about Clark. “He’s ready to be in charge. When I invited Frank to join the program, I told him he would be my successor. I told him it would take a long time but that he was the one I was looking for.”

“It’s an honor to be the Head Coach,” said Clark. “To know that I have the confidence of Rob means a lot to me.”

“The third factor deals with the administrative side of the game,” said Graff. “We have a new Chancellor, we had openings for new bids for equipment and travel and it was the right time for Frank to put his stamp on the program. This was all part of the plan.”

Both Graff and Clark expressed how excited they are for the future of Minnesota-Duluth lacrosse.

“I just think you’re going to see great things from UMD lacrosse in the years to come,” said Graff. “I am really excited for this program to take it to the next step. I’ve been honored to be a part of it. I’ve been honored by the sacrifices the players have made. I’ve been honored by the sacrifices my wife has made and the sacrifices my kids have made. Now it’s my turn to be there for them.”

By Tim Haslam

Appalachian State has hired Blaine Patrick to take the helm of the Mountaineers for the 2010-2011 season.

Patrick started playing lacrosse in Annapolis, Maryland at the age of 8 and went to Severn School in Severna Park. Patrick was progressing well through the program before he was benched his senior season because of a coaches personal decision to play another attackmen in his place. Patrick spent the majority of his senior year standing high upon the bench watching the highest level of high school lacrosse from an insiders perspective.

“I know without a doubt that everything I learned, watched, and absorbed Senior year is the real foundation from which my coaching knowledge was built,” said Patrick.

“I chose to play club lacrosse at the University of Florida because it offered the opportunity to play lacrosse at a highly competitive level, while also getting to experience everything that college has to offer,” said Patrick. “This was the best decision I could have made. Playing in the MCLA provides the best opportunity for the student athlete to travel and play teams across the country, and have an opportunity to compete for a National Championship every year. In my senior year I helped lead my team to the National Tournament in Texas in 2007.”

Patrick has worked on the tournament staff for two of the last three National Tournaments and was an instrumental part in the game operations in 2010.

“Lacrosse has always been a complete passion in my life, and I have found a way to be involved in every aspect of the game,” said Patrick. “This dedication to learning more about the game, as well as an opportunity to play with, and against some of the best players in the world gives me an incredible database of knowledge to draw from as a coach.”

Patrick contacted team President, Matt Youngblood, after seeing a job posting on a forum website.

“The interview process was extremely professional,” said Patrick. “Matt and I had several lacrosse and life philosophy conversations over the phone as we began to for our relationship. I submitted my responses to a very appropriate and well thought out coaching survey, and finally made my way to Boone for the one and only face to face interview.”

Patrick left the interview knowing that not only was he the perfect fit for the needs of their program, but that Appalachian State was the perfect fit for his life. Shortly after, Patrick was hired.

“What stuck out about Blaine was that his email’s introduction was focused on where we as a program were looking to grow,” said Youngblood. “He said ‘I am looking to take over an MCLA program’ and ‘I plan to be coaching in the MCLA tourney soon, and SELC’s is a must!’. Those statements are ambitious, but to be honest that’s exactly what we are working for.”

Patrick is excited to develop athletes with athletic and lacrosse talent.

“I am also excited to set our primary and clear cut goal for the season as winning the SELC DII championship, and earning our place in the National Tournament,” said Patrick.

Appalachian State was 4-6 last year and only lost two seniors to graduation.

By Sonny Pieper. Photos by Dave Adams

Mid nineties temperatures with a pleasant 85% humidity could not dampen the spirits of numerous SELC Alumni who traveled to Atlanta this past weekend for some lacrosse fun, on and off the field.

Auburn nipped Florida (aka “Team Oasis”) to win the 2010 edition of the SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC) Alumni Tournament in Decatur, Georgia this past weekend.

The Fighting Mountaineer Irish Tigers scored the game winner one minute into the 1st overtime period after rebuffing multiple Gator opportunities down the final two minutes and the first part of the overtime.

Team Peach State (combination of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw State players) took care of Central Florida in the 3rd Place Championship Game ensuring everyone participant got a trophy or certificate of achievement.

Following the Saturday games, activities resumed at Hole in the Wall in Buckhead. Rumor has it that someone’s head lost the battle with the Dance Floor.

UCF won the 2010 Jort Trophy for best looking uniform. The Citrus Astronaut logo was definitely a hit and the shorts were money.

Florida’s “Gym, Tan, Lax” tank tops were a close second. If only Snookie was there, it would have clinched it for the Gators.

Much appreciate for those who traveled by car from Central Florida and points south. Hope everyone got home safely by car or by plane.

Thanks are in order to Ken Lovic for setting up/breaking down the fields and hosting the entire weekend. And thanks to Dave Adams for shooting his wonderful pics all weekend long in the brutal conditions.

Plans are already being made for the 2011 tournament in early August back in Atlanta. (Putting out the all points bulletin now for Florida State, Tennessee, Clemson, Virginia Tech to field an alumni squad next season.) However, please leave the Smirnoff’s Ice at home.

Click here for more Dave Adams photos from this past weekend’s tournament in Atlanta.

Martin, the former MCLA All-America player from Chapman University, had 3 goals and 1 assist in the game.