2007 Bulldog Lacrosse Season Preview: Building The Brand
A brand is not just a concept, it's an identity. For
Bryant University lacrosse, 2007 is about building that brand
name. Success can certainly have something to do with
that. But it's not just the number of wins and conference
titles a program wins, instead it's about creating an identity of
what is means to be a student-athlete and member of the Bryant
University men's lacrosse team.
Success is nothing new to Bryant lacrosse. The program, which
has never had a losing season since its first year in 1999, has
been ranked in the top-10 year in and year out. And while
there is excitement surrounding the program since the hiring of
Mike Pressler in August of 2006, the new coach is creating a new
culture around the program.
"The athletes are truly students first," said the first-year coach
as he looks ahead to the new season. "It's about how we can
conduct ourselves as gentlemen both on and off the field and
understand what a privilege it is to play lacrosse at Bryant
University."
For 27 letterwinners returning from last year's team that went 11-5
and earned another top-10 national ranking, it's been an off-season
of excitement and hard work to prepare for the opportunities that
exist in 2007.
"I am very pleased with our player's attitude and the effort they
have given from Day One," added Pressler. "They have been terrific
to myself and my staff and have welcomed our philosophy with open
arms and for that I am grateful."
While the quantity of veterans back this spring (seven starters
return) look good on paper, the Bulldogs will have plenty of youth
and depth questions heading into the new year.
"In all my years of coaching, I have never had under 40 players so
coming into the season with 37, I am concerned with our depth,"
said Pressler. "Our first group is solid at each position, but the
gap between experience and newcomers is a concern of mine. We
have only two seniors on the roster, but the leadership that Bryan
Molk and Corey MacDougall bring, it doesn't get any better than to
have those two as our team leaders."
The Schedule
During his 16 seasons at Duke University, Coach Pressler
compiled a 153-82 record and in addition to a 100-percent
graduation rate, the Blue Devils won three ACC Conference titles
and earned 10 NCAA playoff berths. Bryant has never qualified
for the NCAA tournament in six seasons. While the move to
Division II may be an adjustment for Pressler, the coach is quick
to point out the opportunity Bryant has to make some history.
Bryant's 2007 schedule features seven teams ranked in the top-10
Division II preseason poll, including national champion and
conference foe Le Moyne College.
"I mentioned to our team that if we were to have NCAA and
postseason aspirations, the strength of schedule is the No. 1
criteria for selection to the NCAA tournament. Now, with that said,
you have to win a few of those games, but the opportunity is
there. In all my stops as a coach, I have never had a
schedule with seven top-10 teams. Our work is certainly cut
out for us."
"In the Northeast-10, Le Moyne is the standard in the Division II
world. They are second to no one and having them at home
(March 24) will be an exciting day in Bulldog Stadium.
Merrimack is another top-10 team, one that beat us twice last year,
and the rest of the conference is new and improved."
The Attack
Coaches are quick to point out that the best thing about freshmen
is the following year when they are sophomores. Case in
point, the Bulldogs have three starting freshmen in Kevin
Hoagland, Matt McKeefrey and
Bryan Kauffman that combined for 76 goals last
year up front, back this year for their second year.
"Those three have solidified their roles as attackers," said
Pressler. They are back with a tremendous year of experience
under their belt and all three are different types of players, but
they all compliment each other. Kauffman is the complete,
heady-type of player that makes great decisions. McKeefrey is
a tough, hard-nosed player, an excellent one-on-one dodger and
great rider. Hoagland has a great nose for the goal and has a nose
for the hardest, accurate shooters. He is a player that can play at
any level."
It will be a battle between Brent Stoothoff,
Hofstra transfer Peter Kaspar and Brian
Giroux to earn a spot as the fourth player with the first
group, while Alex Mackenzie, Jeffrey
Keady, and James Bridgeman will round out
the attack.
The Midfield
Veterans dominate this position for the Bulldogs with three seniors
and two starting juniors back looking to set the tempo
offensively. Molk, a co-captain,
played in all 16 games last year, registering eight goals and
dishing out 10 assists.
"Molk has great experience and nose for the ball."
They'll be joined by Jim Long who solidified his
position with strong play during the fall season and is a player
that Pressler refers to as "the complete midfielder."
A strong balance of experience and young talent will battle it out
for the second and third group including veterans Jesse
Rose and Zach Rosenow. Corey
Crosbie, Alex Pfau, Matt
Tyburski and Matt McAllister are expected
to be in the mix as well. Watch for freshmen Brad
Burton, Ryan Tibbitts and the physical
Bryant Armitrano to make an immediate impact as
well.
Face-Off
One of the biggest impacts last year was the play of
talented freshman . One of the best freshman face-off
specialists in the conference last year, Hennessey won 65 percent
of his face-offs and earned first team all-conference and first
team all-American honors. But unlike last year, where
Hennessey's play caught most off-guard, this year will be a little
different.
"Our only returning All-American is a sophomore," said
Pressler. "Only this year, he won't be sneaking up on
anyone. They all know that Andrew is a proven commodity and
will game-plan for him. We are aware of that. His effort and
determination is going to have to go to another level to enjoy the
same success he enjoyed a year ago."
Defensive Midfield
While the coaching staff has yet to determine if they
utilize defensive middies this season, the Bulldogs won't be
without experience. Vince Zorskas will be
the go-to-guy as a defensive stopper, one that will likely plenty
of playing time.
"Vince was a dominant pole last year. We don't have a lot of depth
back there and Vince has to be a workhorse.
Close Defense
Along with the attack unity, the other position solidified
entering the season is the last line of defense. Co-Captain
Corey MacDougall, Sean Pasley and
Grady Moore are experience defenders with
tremendous talent. Matt Murnane, Joe
Cottiletta and Michael Eagan give the
team solid depth while freshmen Joe Recker,
Scott Dolce and David Alleva are
excellent backups.
"MacDougall, Pasley are great stick players almost as quick
attackmen, while Moore is a veteran guy. Nobody plays harder
than Grady Moore."
GOALKEEPER
Though the team has a returning starter in Michael
Kennedy back this season, not to mention a veteran in
Brad Burkhardt and talented newcomer
Daniel Schloss, the position is wide open.
Coach Pressler expects a healthy battle as all three look to earn
the right to start in the opener vs. Adelphi.
"We want the job to be determined on the field," said
Pressler. "Our starting goalie has yet to be determined and I
want that to be determined by what we see during our
scrimmages."
"We have to be stoppers in the cage, but our commitment to the
transition game, the up-tempo game, and that starts with
goaltending. Clearing ability and outlet skills is something
we practice as much as anybody, any team I have ever had.
That is how we want to play. The goalie has to quarterback a
defense, and not just become a great stopper, but has to trigger
the outlet pass in transition."
"If we want to score in the teens, and do it against the big boys,
you do it by playing the full field."
