One of my best friends in lacrosse passed away last week and while it is hard for me to really believe it happened, I cannot let his passing and my grief keep me from commenting on the whole game's loss while trying to keep mine personal.

Ken Galluccio was known to some as the European referee trainer and chief official at so many European events, including all of the E-Lacrosse Amsterdam and London tournaments.

Others knew Ken as a tireless advocate for European and German lacrosse, specifically at international lacrosse meetings and events.

Germans knew him as their patron saint of lacrosse. He supported every facet of German lacrosse. The Hamburg Lacrosse Club was truly his home. With help from Gilman and other generous organizations here in Baltimore, E-Lacrosse has been collecting used equipment and getting it into the hands of underserved German kids though Ken.

Ken was instrumental in mentoring the leaders of the Italian, Latvian and other national programs as well. He was a Long Island native who truly exported his love for the game. He was the best organizer the game could have wanted. He held so many ships together that his loss will be felt physically all over the game. But his smile and hugs and friendship are what most of us who knew him well will miss. His attention to others' needs and his ability to moderate conflicts will be dearly missed.

The Hamburg lacrosse site has posted a tribute to Ken. You can contribute to it as well if you knew him and feel the way I do or if you have a "Ken story" to share.

Ken chose to leave us and that makes it much harder to accept, but he was a 40 year-old man of complexity and an international intellectual. But that leaves the game reeling from two suicides this year. It just makes me wonder if we in lacrosse say often enough in those things that matter so much to our friends and peers, like "thank you," "great job," "you are appreciated" and "I love you."

Both men lost this year to their own hand were very special to a whole sub-community of lacrosse. I assume both knew that but perhaps we didn't say it enough.

Photo: Ken Galluccio (right) at the 2003 E-Lacrosse Amsterdam Tournament.

Posted by John Weaver at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Baltimore is set for another great lacrosse weekend. I'll be at the UNC-Lehigh game at St. Paul's on Saturday. Most of the lacrosse world will be focused on seventh-ranked Maryland vs. No. 12 Duke and third-ranked Johns Hopkins vs. No. 11 Princeton at the Face-Off Classic Saturday at M&T Stadium. UMBC has a hard game against Colgate on Saturday. McDaniel hosts Moravian and Salisbury hosts Widener. Stevenson, Towson, Navy and Loyola are all on the road.

On the women's side, Duke is at Maryland, Hopkins is at Princeton, Navy's at Longwood and Loyola is off. Denver is at Georgetown and Towson is at Mount St. Mary's on Sunday.

The game of the week is actually Friday night when Virginia travels to Syracuse to battle for No. 1. I am predicting that the UMBC-Colgate game will be more entertaining than both Face-Off Classic games. I think Hopkins and Maryland will please the home fans, and that if either Princeton or Duke win, a great upset will have been witnessed.

Have fun at the games!

Posted by John Weaver at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It is impossible to list the accomplishments of Jim Berkman during his tenure at Salisbury. Consecutive wins, appearances in NCAA tournaments, NCAA championships, conference titles and every other statistical category are dominated by this son of Watertown, N.Y. And his 21-year-old son, Kylor, a senior midfielder at Salisbury, is the reining National Player of the Year, while his daughter, Keli, is starting her collegiate career at Mount St. Mary’s. Jim was a superstar athlete at St. Lawrence and is still known to be the most competitive person on a pick-up basketball court or track on campus.

Editor's note: This Q&A was conducted before the season. The Sea Gulls defeated Scranton, 24-6, on Feb. 15, and beat Lynchburg, 18-6, on Feb. 21. They will face Wesley Wednesday at
home.

What’s your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Jim Berkman: Our attack is Jake Delillo, Mike Winter, Stephen Krasco and Matt Cannone. Our mids are Kylor Berkman, Mike Von Kamecke and Patrick Bonanno. The defense of Collin Tokosch, Kevin Maynard, Jeff Breeding and Connor Burgasser is anchored by Johnny Rodriguez in goal.

Are there any battles going on for key positions?

Jim Berkman: The freshman Canonne is pushing the attack, giving us four solid attackmen.

How will the personality of the 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Jim Berkman: A little young at defense this year, and great depth at midfield.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Jim Berkman: Berkman’s a senior. He’s a leader in every way, by example and verbally. Tim O’Branski’s a senior. He’s the hardest worker on the team. And Maynard, another senior, gives us leadership at defense.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Jim Berkman: We need leadership at attack.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Jim Berkman: Canonne from the Long Island Empire Team, also [Sean] Hickey on attack. Sam Bradman’s a three-time [high school] All-American. Tim Lum at midfield, Evan Hockel at long stick midfield and Kyle Gallagher on faceoffs.

Who's your hardest shooter?

Jim Berkman: Vom Kamecke.

Best stick handler?

Jim Berkman: Berkman – shooter and handler with both hands.

Fastest middie?

Jim Berkman: Will Poletis.

Toughest D-man?

Jim Berkman: Maynard.

Unsung hero?

Jim Berkman: Ryan Finch is a faceoff man and all-around utility player.

Surprise player?

Jim Berkman: Winter on attack.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Jim Berkman: Midfield.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Jim Berkman: I’m involved with everything. Coach Dave Dobbins handles the offense, Ben Sandlin the defense and Nick Fiorentino works with the goalies.

How strong are your seniors?

Jim Berkman: It’s a good group led by reigning National Player of the Year, Kylor Berkman.

How mature is the 2009 team?

Jim Berkman: We have veterans at every position but the best freshman class in a long time is pushing for playing time.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Jim Berkman: Every game, but especially all NCAA tournament teams and ranked teams on our extremely competitive schedule.

Who's the coach you fear opposing the most?

Jim Berkman: I fear no one. I look forward to playing the best teams in the country and in the South Region.

Are there transfers that change the make-up of your 2009 team?

Jim Berkman: Matt Cowley, All-American, great all-around midfielder who is playing awesome at defense. Also, Johnny Rodriguez, a transfer from Limestone is a great addition in the cage. Kevin Finn from Stony Brook is a big athletic midfielder.

How strong is your conference (Capital Athletic Conference) in 2009?

Jim Berkman: We have two top-five rated teams in the country, and every team is vastly improved.

Do you like the NCAA tournament in New England?

Jim Berkman: It was great in Boston last year. I like the idea of spreading the excitement of the game around the country.

Would you like Baltimore, New Jersey, Denver or New England to host in the future?

Jim Berkman: As the game increases in popularity, it would be great to see it anywhere where the city would embrace the event.

What do you think of the stick rule change that is coming for 2010?

Jim Berkman: I don’t think it will change the game on sticks at all. The advances the players have made in this area will still make it difficult dislodge the ball.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Jim Berkman: Baltimore’s as strong as ever, but there are great players everywhere.

Where's the farthest you gone to get a recruit?

Jim Berkman: California and Florida.

Do you do a summer camp?

Jim Berkman: I have a small teaching camp in Salisbury and a team teaching camp in Atlanta.

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if he wants to play in college?

Jim Berkman: I like the team (high school or club) camp idea. A player’s strengths are highlighted by coaches trying to compete.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Jim Berkman: Yes, we are always looking for people who love to compete all the time!

Who were your influences in coaching?

Jim Berkman: Don Leet at St. Lawrence University, Hank Janczyk at Gettysburg and Matt Branski and Lou Kibling of Watertown High School.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Jim Berkman: Favorite.

Do your players see you as a friend, father figure, teacher or boss?

Jim Berkman: Hopefully all of these as their seasons and careers progress.

What's the most important trait of a great player?

Jim Berkman: A competitor, he wants to compete daily, wants to improve and constantly pursues his improvement.

Photo courtesy of Salisbury University.

• Goucher women's coach Katie Trainor

• Hood College women's coach Molly Hesterberg

• Towson women's coach Missy Doherty

• Mount St. Mary's men's coach Tom Gravante

• St. Mary's men's coach Chris Hasbrouck

• McDaniel men's coach Matt Hatton

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Q&As
        

Katie Trainor is the women's lacrosse coach at Goucher College. In 2008 her squad was 6-10 overall, but 3-1 in-conference, losing to top-seeded Catholic, 21-10, in the Landmark Conference championship game. Her team placed five players on the 2008 All-Landmark Conference team. Trainor is from Rye, N.H., and played high school lacrosse at Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine. She played her college lacrosse at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, graduating in 2003. She was an assistant at Goucher for a year before taking the head coaching job in 2006. In her first two seasons, she led Goucher to the conference semifinals and the final.

Editor's note: This Q&A was conducted before the season.

How is the preseason progressing?

Katie Trainor: Our preseason is going very well so far. We’ve had to be somewhat flexible due to the winter weather that came with the start of our season. We’ve been working very hard to improve each day.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Katie Trainor: One of our main goals for our preseason is to get everyone on the same page. Goucher has a very long winter break (1 1/2 months) so when we get back we really have to make up for some lost time and get right into training for the season that lies ahead. Preseason is a time when we stress the fundamentals of the game, so as we move forward, all of the players have the same strong foundation to build upon.

Give us a rundown of your probable starting lineup for 2009.

Katie Trainor: At this point with only one week of practice, the starting positions are all up for grabs.

How will the personality of this 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Katie Trainor: We graduated three seniors from the 2008 team and while we will miss them dearly, a majority of our talent returns and the 2009 squad is as energetic, motivated, competitive and hard-working [as any] squad that I have coached.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Katie Trainor: Our team voted for senior tri-captains: Brittany Foster, Jenny Lucey and Marlo Tersigni. These three players represent the heart and soul of our team. They are great role models for their teammates and really embody the qualities of captains (dedication, enthusiasm, competitiveness, compassion, etc). They hold themselves and their teammates to high standards on and off the field and make sure that our team is accountable for everything we do.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Katie Trainor: I do not believe we have a biggest weakness. While we may have areas that need improvement, every team does. I believe that successful teams must continually seek to improve over the course of the season in order to reach goals and have success in tournament play.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Katie Trainor: I think our work ethic is definitely a strength. Our players work hard and push each other every day and it is exciting to see how much we have improved in only one week of preseason.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Katie Trainor: I am thankful to have two wonderful assistants! Stephanie Janice is our graduate assistant coach and she is involved in every aspect of the program (recruiting, scouting, player development, etc). She is a 2007 graduate of Johns Hopkins and is an energetic, knowledgeable coach who has so much to offer to our program. Our second assistant, Dan Branigan, is entering his second year with the program. While he primarily works with the goalkeepers, he also assists in practice planning, game management and player development. It is great to be surrounded by such enthusiastic coaches who work hard to see our team succeed.

How strong are your seniors?

Katie Trainor: The seniors are the core of the team. They have set the tone for our program since the day they stepped on this campus and they have just continued to grow as students, lacrosse players and young women. I couldn’t be more proud of everything they have accomplished up until now and I look forward to more great things from them this spring.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Katie Trainor: All of them. Each game is a big challenge as we are consistently playing strong and talented teams. We are playing some teams this year that we have not played recently and that is always fun. Obviously, league games are always challenging.

Who’s the coach you fear opposing the most?

Katie Trainor: I do not fear any opposing coach; rather, I respect them. We all work very hard to prepare and mentor our teams and it is not easy bringing together a group of 18-21 year olds!

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Katie Trainor: Very strong. Many of our Landmark Conference games in 2008 were decided by less than three goals. Each game was hard fought and displayed the level of talent that our programs have. I look forward for another great year of lacrosse in 2009.

Give us your feedback on any rules changes you think are good or bad for 2009.

Katie Trainor: I think the rule changes are fine. Rule changes always require an adjustment period for coaches, players and refs, but I am confident that these changes were made with the best intentions for the progress of our game. The stick-check rule this year will be interesting as the refs will now perform at least two stick checks per half. I will be interested to see how this affects the game during the season.

Are there changes you’d like to see?

Katie Trainor: No major changes.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Katie Trainor: Maryland is a hotbed for talented lacrosse recruits and recruiting in this area continues to be very strong. With lacrosse exploding nationwide, the talent pool is starting to grow and we’re seeing athletic and talented players rise from coast to coast. It is nice that the recruiting is becoming more diverse and that players all across the country are getting the opportunity to play at the collegiate level.

Where’s the farthest you gone to get a recruit?

Katie Trainor: We have players from all over the country. While I did not get an opportunity to meet with them all in their hometowns, we have players from as far away as California, Maine and New Hampshire. Our campus is great because we attract students from all across the country. When it comes to recruiting, seriously interested student-athletes typically come to campus to visit, but my staff and I do actively go to recruiting tournaments and camps across the country.

How many camps should a kid play in during the summer if she wants to play in college?

Katie Trainor: I think that is a decision that a player should make with her parents. Obviously camps are expensive and you need to do your research as to what is the purpose of the camp. If you want to be seen by a certain coach or spend time on a specific campus, then you should go to a camp at that specific college if it is offered. I do not think that players need to be participating in camps all summer -- that is an expensive choice and I am a firm believer that the students these days need a bit more free time and fun in the summer. Too many are spending every waking minute of the summer being shuffled to and from lacrosse tournaments and camps, causing burnout.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Katie Trainor: Absolutely. I think that multi-sport high school athletes have a lot to offer. It’s important not to specialize too early as it promotes a higher burnout rate and also creates situations of muscle overuse. Single-sport athletes can get sick of the sport when they get to college. Participating in multiple sports in high school is a great way to increase one’s overall athleticism in an organized, competitive environment.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Katie Trainor: I have been lucky enough to have been coached by wonderful individuals in high school and in college. Heidi Godomsky, my coach at Colby, was a great resource and still is. My experiences at Colby were one of the reasons I wanted to stay involved in college lacrosse. Also at Colby, our assistant coach, Tom Austin, who was also the head football coach. While his primary sport was not women’s lacrosse, he was one of the more sincere, enthusiastic, positive and caring coaches I have ever had. My parents definitely also influenced my coaching style. Our program is a family and we hold ourselves to high standards, many of which I learned from my mom and dad. They always encouraged me to be the best student, athlete and person I could be and that is really something I try to stress to my girls. They have so many wonderful opportunities and they really should make the most out of them.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Katie Trainor: I try not to think about being an underdog or favorite because on any given day you have to go out there and compete at your best. I certainly never emphasize that with the team. More importantly, I stress that our team needs to focus on ourselves and our game so we are prepared to succeed in that big game.

Do your players see you as a friend, mother figure, teacher or boss?

Katie Trainor: Our program is like a family here on campus and it is important that they see the coaching staff as all of the above.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Katie Trainor: Personally I think it's competitiveness. If a player wants something bad enough, she will do whatever it takes to accomplish it.

• Hood College women's coach Molly Hesterberg

• Towson women's coach Missy Doherty

• Mount St. Mary's men's coach Tom Gravante

• St. Mary's men's coach Chris Hasbrouck

• McDaniel men's coach Matt Hatton

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As
        

Molly Hesterberg took on a tough assignment in 2008. She coached Hood College’s women's lacrosse team in their inaugural season in the Capital Athletic Conference. Her Blazers won four games, lost 12 and went 0-7 in the daunting CAC. Along the way, she garnered the praise of more than a few opposing coaches who think she’s on her way to leading Hood to a successful future.

Hesterberg is no stranger to success and hard work. She was a four-year starting defender and two-time captain at Western Connecticut State, winning four straight Little East Conference tournaments before graduating in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in justice and law administration. She went right into coaching and teaching, leading the Mercy High School lacrosse team in Middletown, Conn., working as a substitute teacher and tutor for Windsor Public School, as a youth worker for Plainville Group Home and volunteering as a coach in the Special Olympics while earning a master's degree in criminal justice at American International College.

After moving to Baltimore, she served as a juvenile caseworker for the Choice Program and worked as a forensic service coordinator for the developmentally disabled at Service Coordination, Inc. She is engaged to be married to Marvin Evans in October and lives in Parkville.

Editor's note: This Q&A was conducted before the season. Since then, Hood recorded its first-ever CAC win, a 14-13 victory over Wesley. In its second game of the year, Hood fell to No. 3 Salisbury, 21-0.

How is the preseason progressing?

Molly Hesterberg: Much better than last year. We have some real good talented athletes. Last year we only had 13 girls and we're facing the toughest conference in the nation. We have built our program since last year and every year we can only get better. This preseason we are getting in much better shape and are getting stronger!

Give us a preview of your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Molly Hesterberg: On offense, our best players are Kelsey Blackwell, Jen Graham and Britney Colandreo. At midfield, we’ll feature Brandy Noel, Kati Vu, Lauren Perzan, Maria Moss and Sarah Balukoff. Our defense is led by Julia Banks, Jayme Frost and Abby Dyjack. In goal, it’s still a toss up! We have two goalies fighting for a starting spot.

How will the personality of the 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Molly Hesterberg: Fortunately, we only lost two players last year -- a goalie and a field player. We pretty much have our whole squad back with [an] additional six recruits. We are stronger then last year, and like I've stated, we are building [a program]. We are a young team, mostly freshmen, sophomores and juniors. We have a lot of time left with these players and have room to improve each year. We just have to be patient.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Molly Hesterberg: Brandy Noel, Britney Colandreo, Sarah Balukoff, and Lauren Perzan. They lead by example. They contribute both on and off the field. Brandy was our MVP last year and pushes the team on the field. Sarah, Lauren and Brit are new captains this year.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Molly Hesterberg: Kati Vu from Baltimore and Julia Banks from Francis Scott Key. Both [will be] huge contributors for us this year. Banks is a defender who is loud and sees the field well. She was all-conference in high school. Kati is a middie who has speed and toughness and a good shot. These girls will impress you this year and the years to come!

Who's your hardest shooter?

Molly Hesterberg: Kelsey Blackwell.

Best stick handler?

Molly Hesterberg: Brandy Noel.

Fastest middie?

Molly Hesterberg: Kati Vu.

Toughest D?

Molly Hesterberg: Jayme Frost [and] Julia Banks.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Molly Hesterberg: We have a stronger defense this year, we have a solid starting lineup and also key players coming off the bench. We didn't have that last year. My players last year had to stick it out the whole game with no subs! We couldn't even risk having an injury because we'd be man-down. My first season with this team we only won four games. I am looking to improve our wins every year. We are much stronger, faster, and more aggressive than last year. Once again, our conference is tough but the teams we play can only make our squad better.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Molly Hesterberg: Kelly Buikus will be working with the defense and helping out with recruiting. Tammy Butler will be assisting with the goalies.

How strong are your seniors?

Molly Hesterberg: Strong. I only have one though -- Brit Colandreo. She has really matured as a lacrosse player and sees the field much better.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season?

Molly Hesterberg: Wesley (our opening game) and Shenandoah (out of conference). We lost to them in triple overtime and lost by one last season.

Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Molly Hesterberg: We are a young program and new to the CAC. It’s our second season in the conference. We play [the] top-ranked teams in the nation. Salisbury and St. Mary’s will be our toughest challenges. I'm glad we get to play such great teams. It will only make us better as a program.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Molly Hesterberg: Our conference is VERY strong!

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Molly Hesterberg: Very strong. I enjoy recruiting in the Baltimore area.

Where's the farthest you gone to get a recruit?

Molly Hesterberg: Connecticut -- my home state!

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if she wants to play in college?

Molly Hesterberg: At least two.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Molly Hesterberg: Yes! I love having basketball players! Great defenders!

Who were your influences in coaching?

Molly Hesterberg: Denna Grasso, my college coach, and Geno Auriemma, (the women's basketball coach) at UConn.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Molly Hesterberg: Tough one! I love when the underdogs come back, though.

Do your players see you as a friend, mother figure, teacher or boss?

Molly Hesterberg: Hopefully a teacher, mother figure and counselor! I get to hear all their problems!

What's the most important trait of a great player?

Molly Hesterberg: Passion and heart!

• Towson women's coach Missy Doherty

• Mount St. Mary's men's coach Tom Gravante

• St. Mary's men's coach Chris Hasbrouck

• McDaniel men's coach Matt Hatton

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As
        

On TV this weekend:

Johns Hopkins vs. Siena, Friday, 6 p.m., ESPNU
Georgetown at Maryland, Saturday, 1 p.m., ESPNU
Towson at Loyola, Saturday, 1 p.m., WMAR

You can also go see Rutgers at UMBC at 1 p.m. Saturday and Virginia women at Loyola at 3:30 p.m., after the men's game. That's a nice doubleheader if you are up for the cold weather and an all-day lacrosse experience. Also, Stevenson hosts Widener at 12 p.m. on Saturday.

The Maryland-Georgetown game is a hot one. I think I like Maryland in this one. I want to like Maryland a lot this year and even pick them far into the tournament, but they have to live up to some serious expectations consistently to sell me. I definitely like UNC over Navy, but that one is traditionally an overtime game. Too bad it's down in Chapel Hill or I'd recommend checking it out. Navy's D is super and its offense is as patient as ever. I can also see UNC stumbling here, but they are the better team on paper. Towson-Loyola will be tight and a great Baltimore rivalry. I will be at the Rutgers-UMBC game filming for E-Lacrosse. I think UMBC might be too strong for the Scarlet Knights this year but we'll see.

Posted by John Weaver at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Missy Doherty's Towson Tigers have played in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament in four of the past five seasons, won two conference championships and went to the NCAA tournament twice over the past four years. In 2008, Doherty and her team had a record-setting season with a 13-6 record and a conference title.

Doherty was an assistant at Princeton for the 2002 and 2003 NCAA championship seasons after coaching at Brown and Vanderbilt. She’s a 1997 graduate of the University of Maryland, where she helped the Terrapins win three NCAA titles. At Maryland, the teams she played on compiled a 68-2 record, including an NCAA-record 50-game winning streak.

Towson will open the regular season March 1 at Mount St. Mary's.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Missy Doherty: We want to finalize our defensive and offensive programs, and continue to improve fitness and stick work.

Are there any battles going on for key positions?

Missy Doherty: We have three great goalies, and only one spot. So this is a really important decision. But we have great athletes all over our team so each position is really being contested.

How will the personality of the 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Missy Doherty: We have a lot of leadership coming back. We are also coming in as defending CAA champions, so this puts a little extra pressure on us every game.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Missy Doherty: We have incredible captains. Hillary Fratzke, Britt Woodfield and Julie Ondrako. They are great people, players, and role models for our younger athletes. We are looking forward to having their leadership back on the field this year.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team, or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Missy Doherty: I think we have to make an effort not to take any team for granted. We have a tough schedule, so we have to focus on each team and be ready to bring our best to each game.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Missy Doherty: We have Jackie LaMonica on attack who is a fast and talented attacker. Also, one of our goalies, Mary Teeters, is a freshman competing for an attacking position.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

Missy Doherty: Nikki Marcinik.

Best stick handler?

Missy Doherty: Lauren McAfee.

Fastest middie?

Missy Doherty: Fratzke.

Toughest defender?

Missy Doherty: Megan Mullis.

Unsung hero?

Missy Doherty: Woodfield.

Surprise player?

Missy Doherty: Jess Dunn.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Missy Doherty: We have a lot of leadership returning, especially in key positions. We have a great camaraderie among the team, and we are looking forward to the challenge of defending our title.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Missy Doherty: Sonia LaMonica, who is currently a member of the Australian national team, will compete in Prague in the World Cup this summer. She is our offensive coordinator and has helped improve our team's stickwork. Katie Doolittle heads up our defense, and Harry Alford, a former Maryland goalkeeper, is helping out with our goalies.

How strong are your seniors?

Missy Doherty: Four of our seniors have been starters since their freshman year. And all of our seniors contributed greatly to our success last year and they will continue to do so.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Missy Doherty: We have a tough schedule, but I love it. In March, we compete against some of our local rivals like Johns Hopkins and Loyola. Then, in April, our CAA battle begins, which is a mini-season in itself. Every game on our schedule this year is going to be a challenge, but this is the best time of the year for the players and coaches.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Missy Doherty: We are extremely strong. We always have two to four teams in the top 20, so you can be guaranteed a great game [in] every CAA matchup.

What’s your funniest recruiting story?

Missy Doherty: I don't like blueberries, and for a home visit one mother made a fantastic blueberry pie. I sat there and ate it -- and I'm sure it was very good to the blueberry lover -- but it was tough for me to get through it.

Give us your feedback on any rules changes you think are good or bad for 2009.

Missy Doherty: I like all of our rule changes. I'm on the rules committee!

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Missy Doherty: Maryland/Baltimore has always been the strongest area to recruit from. It has been great to see the talent grow and get better every year.

Where’s the farthest you have gone to get a recruit?

Missy Doherty: We have an athlete from Ohio, and a few from the Syracuse area.

Do you do a summer camp?

Missy Doherty: Yes! July 14-17. For more information, e-mail me at mdoherty@towson.edu.

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if she wants to play in college?

Missy Doherty: If she has a particular school she is interested in, going to camp is a great way of getting to know the players, coaches and school. I would say one or two camps, as well as competing on a summer club team. I just started coaching a club team, so if any youth players are interested, please contact me!

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Missy Doherty: Yes, you can learn a lot by playing other sports!

Who were your influences in coaching?

Missy Doherty: My teammates at Maryland were actually very encouraging and supportive when I mentioned to them I might want to get into coaching. Also, Gary Gait was one of my coaches and was a great influence.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Missy Doherty: Underdog.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Missy Doherty: Work ethic and speed.

• Mount St. Mary's men's coach Tom Gravante

• St. Mary's men's coach Chris Hasbrouck

• McDaniel men's coach Matt Hatton

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 9:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As
        

Tom Gravante is from Camillus, N.Y., where he starred at the fabled West Genesee High School. He was recruited to Hobart by Dave Urick, and they proceeded to win four of Hobart’s 12 straight Division III titles. Gravante is entering his 14th season as the head coach at Mount St. Mary's. He’s a three-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, a Howdy Myers Man of the Year and a Hobart Hall of Fame member. He was one of the best college lacrosse players I ever saw.

Gravante lives in Frederick with his wife of nine years, Nicole, six-year-old son, T.J. and three-year-old daughter, Gabby.

Mount St. Mary's will scrimmage at Gettysburg Sunday before opening the regular season Feb. 24 at Virginia.

What are your goals for the start of the 2009 season?

Tom Gravante: To prepare this team for the Feb. 24 opener vs. No. 2 U.Va. It’s very important to get them "game ready" to play from that day forward.

Give us a preview of your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Tom Gravante: On attack, we may start three freshmen: Jon Lefferts, Cody Lehrer and Mike Adkins. At midfield, we’ll have Geery Grant, Jake Willertz and Kyle Yates. The defense of Brendan Flanagan, Russell Moncure and Matt Nealis will be backed by goalkeeper T.C. DiBartolo.

How will the personality of this team differ from the 2008 squad?

Tom Gravante: The senior leadership is better, yielding an overall better team personality. They are more passionate and their willingness to be "coaching receptive" is tremendous.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Tom Gravante: Geery Grant, Brendan Flanagan, Shaun Moran and Matt Nealis. These young men are able to lead verbally by speaking positively and athletically by playing well, and in my opinion, [they're} ideal captains for any team.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Tom Gravante: We are younger than last year on offense, especially attack, but my staff and I will continue to motivate them positively so they will play mature.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Tom Gravante: As previously mentioned, the entire starting attack, a fourth freshman attackman Christian Kellett [and] several midfielders: Keith McKinley, Jake Willertz, Anthony Golden and Ryan Shewell.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

Tom Gravante: Geery Grant.

Best stick handler?

Tom Gravante: Jon Lefferts.

Fastest middie?

Tom Gravante: Drew Dunn.

Toughest D-man?

Tom Gravante: Matt Nealis.

Unsung hero?

Tom Gravante: Too early to title, but these would be my choices today: Shaun Moran -- returning from a ACL injury -- and Brendan Flanagan -- had a non-cancerous brain tumor removed last fall. Both [are] back at 100 percent and playing well.

Surprise player?

Tom Gravante: Kyle Yates.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Tom Gravante: Athletically, they are stronger overall with more depth in understanding for the game. Their "team personality" is great, better outlook and more passionate about committing themselves to playing well in practice first, so that on game day we will play as we practiced.

Are you missing anyone with injuries?

Tom Gravante: Knock on wood, NO.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants? (it's your chance to brag about them)

Tom Gravante: Roles have changed slightly as I hired an offensive coordinator for the first time in my career: Cory Coffman (Loyola, 2007). Cory has done a great job thus far, [and] he's been able to get this young offense to play faster within the offense, but be more patient.

My other assistants, Scott Plasse (North Carolina State, 1983) and Joe Conner Jr. (Mount St. Mary's, 2007), will coordinate the defense. Defensively, we are very mature and stronger athletically, so my assistants will focus on playing better team and [man down defense], and work on their ability to create more offense for us in transition.

As for myself, I will shadow both sides and continue to work with our F/O middies and No. 1 goalie T.C. DiBartolo. As for bragging about them, I can't do that yet until we accomplish our season goal: get to the MAAC playoffs and settle it from there! Believe me, I really like my staff and would love to brag about them, but it's really important to stay humble as a staff and keep these kids focused on the goal.

How strong are your seniors?

Tom Gravante: I have two seniors and two graduate students, and they are all quality young men. Flanagan, Grant and Moran will all see legit time and are very strong players for us. Our final senior is T.J. Whiting, and he's a complete workhorse for us who leads the underclassmen by example. His play may be limited early, but he may have key roles toward the middle and end of the season.

How mature is the 2009 team?

Tom Gravante: We currently have 19 freshmen out of 44 players, so almost half. However, we are excited and so far team maturity is strong.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Tom Gravante: With how young this team is on paper, I can only answer "all of them" to both questions.

Who’s the coach you fear opposing the most?

Tom Gravante: Coaching is not a game of fear in my opinion, but a game of respect. I have tremendous respect for all the coaches I will face this season, and I look forward to learning from each of them. I feel the learning curve in this great sport is forever.

Are there transfers that change the make-up of your 2009 team?

Tom Gravante: Possibly one: Joe Lehner. He’s a faceoff middie from Herkimer [County Community College]. He's currently our No. 2 faceoff middie.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Tom Gravante: I think the conference will be stronger than last year, especially with VMI and Manhattan gaining playoff experience.

Do you like the NCAA tournament in New England?

Tom Gravante: I think it's great for the game to move it around, especially to areas that can accommodate families with other attractive venues. That final four weekend has become a huge family event in my opinion, so it's very important to keep the experience attractive and fun for the future youth of this great sport. However, I do believe the NCAA should keep it on the East Coast between New England and Maryland due to the lacrosse population in these areas.

Would you like Baltimore, New Jersey, Denver or New England to host in the future?

Tom Gravante: That's a no brainer. Baltimore.

What’s your funniest recruiting story?

Tom Gravante: This year, I have found bold statements made by parents to be funny. For example, I was at a tournament looking for a player and a parent said, "Coach Gravante, when you find the best player, you have found my son!"

What do you think of the stick rule change that is coming for 2010?

Tom Gravante: Honestly, I have no comment. I'm still looking to purchase a [Brine] Superlight II head!

Are there changes you’d like to see?

Tom Gravante: Yeah, stop making changes! The game is good, it probably has the best continued growth of any sport, so keep it simple with less rule changes so that in the growth areas coaches and players can learn it.

How strong is the Baltimore/Maryland area for recruiting these days?

Tom Gravante: For me, very strong as we have now broken into the MIAA.

Where’s the farthest you’ve gone to get a recruit?

Tom Gravante: California.

Do you do a summer camp?

Tom Gravante: Yes, I have three summer venues that can all be found at www.theelite150.com. Two are high school tournaments in July and one boys day camp (Summer-16 Varsity Tournament, July 17-19; Summer-16 JV Tournament, July 24-26; and the boys day camp, June 29 to July 3).

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if he wants to play in college?

Tom Gravante: There has been tremendous growth in summer lacrosse events, so I would say at least two.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Tom Gravante: Absolutely. I’m always looking for athletes, especially on defense.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Tom Gravante: I was very blessed in my life with great coaching influences in all the sports I participated, but for this game it was coach Mike Messere at upstate New York high school powerhouse West Genesee, and then at Hobart College, coach Dave Urick.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Tom Gravante: I was very blessed in my athletic career to be both and to win at both, but from a professional standpoint, I would rather be the favorite and know that my team has the bigger edge to win, especially for a conference championship.

Do your players see you as a friend, father figure, teacher or boss?

Tom Gravante: I'm hopeful they can see me as all those persons, just as my coaches were to me.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Tom Gravante: One, to be coachable and two, to inspire his teammates to be great!

• St. Mary's men's coach Chris Hasbrouck

• McDaniel men's coach Matt Hatton

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 7:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As
        

Chris Hasbrouck takes over the reins at St. Mary’s College of Maryland this year after serving as an assistant coach for the past two seasons. Hasbrouck replaces Jayme Block, who coached the Seahawks from 2002 to 2008 before leaving to work in the office of alumni relations and annual giving at Salisbury University. Hasbrouck, originally from Suffern, N.Y., graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in physical education from Salisbury in 1995. He completed his master's in education at Salisbury in 1997, while also serving as an assistant coach with the Sea Gulls. Hasbrouck was the head coach at Limestone for two seasons in between.

St. Mary's opens the season Feb. 25 against Franklin & Marshall at Broadneck High School.

What were your specific goals for starting the season?

Chris Hasbrouck: We have been working extremely hard this season. The team has had a renewed effort in the weight room and our fitness and conditioning are well ahead of last year. We return most of our impact players and brought in a solid class, so we are looking forward to a successful year. Overall, we have greater depth and are more athletic than last year.

How will the personality of this 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Chris Hasbrouck: We are getting back to basics. We are getting away from having so many specialists. We are looking for everyone to be lacrosse players. We expect all of our players to know and understand all aspects of the game. We would like to use our fitness and depth to our advantage.

Are there any freshmen who could have an impact?

Chris Hasbrouck: Currently Bill Scheurer, Mike Mules and Eric Heisner are all playing well and should see time.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

Chris Hasbrouck: Ryan Alexander or Dennis Rosson.

Fastest middie?

Chris Hasbrouck: Taylor Burgdorf.

Toughest D-man?

Chris Hasbrouck: Sean Hatley.

Unsung hero?

Chris Hasbrouck: Marc DiPasquale.

Are you dealing with any injuries heading into the season?

Chris Hasbrouck: Tim Fortner has a torn ACL and Jake Wilhelm is recovering from a hernia.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season?

Chris Hasbrouck: All of the teams on our schedule present many challenges. Our conference (Capital Athletic Conference) is getting stronger each year. Games against Roanoke, Denison, Wooster, Stevenson and Salisbury stand out.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Chris Hasbrouck: With the growth of lacrosse on the high school level you can find excellent players across the country. Maryland has remained near the top for finding solid players and athletes. We currently have players from Massachusetts, Maine, New York/Long Island, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia and obviously a good amount from Maryland.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Chris Hasbrouck: My coach in high school was John Orlando, who was an extremely tough, disciplined individual. Not a lot of gray area with him. You learned that complaining did not help you in any way. Jim Berkman, who I was fortunate enough to work with for 11 seasons at Salisbury, was an excellent role model for me. His preparation for practice and games is second to none and he is an unbelievably competitive individual.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Chris Hasbrouck: Mental toughness.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Chris Hasbrouck: The favorite.

• McDaniel men's coach Matt Hatton

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As
        

In an effort to dig down to the real personalities of some of our local lacrosse coaches, we asked them all some more personal questions for a new feature called "Just Curious." Many chose to skip that part of the interview and others had "no comment" on some of the questions, but when they did let their guard down it was entertaining and sometimes more. We’ll publish the results in a series as the season progresses.

Favorite song/musician

Denise Wescott, Mount St. Mary's: "We are the Champions by Queen. Gets me every time!"

Tom Gravante, Mount St. Mary's: "I have many, but for this year, it’s Mick Jagger [and the Rolling Stones] -- "Start me up."

Missy Doherty, Towson: One duet by U2 and Mary J. Blige.

Kathy Railey, Stevenson: Counting Crows.

Paul Cantabene, Stevenson: Alan Jackson's Drive.

Chris Hasbrouck, St. Mary's College of Maryland: Allman Brothers

Posted by John Weaver at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Just Curious
        

Matt Hatton is beginning his third season at the helm of the McDaniel College men's lacrosse program after being an assistant with the Green Terror for three seasons. He is 13-16 over his first two seasons in the highly competitive Centennial Conference. Coach Hatton is a 2001 graduate of Hobart College, where he played in two NCAA tournaments and won the 2000 Patriot League championship.

Hatton has been married for about four months to his wife, Carol. He attended Corning East High School in New York. Carol is a Catonsville High School and St. Mary’s College of Maryland graduate.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Matt Hatton: We would like to get through it healthy first. We would also like to make sure that we are in our best shape so that we can hit the ground running for our first game on Feb. 28 (at home against Moravian).

Give us a preview rundown of your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Matt Hatton: We have battles at every position right now. We do return eight starters from last year, but we like a lot of our younger guys as well. We will have a better handle as to who will play where by the end of next weekend. On attack, Gibbs Preston is a sure thing. The other spots at attack are totally up for grabs at this point. On midfield, Billy Warner and Mike Hatton are in and the third spot is up for grabs. Our D is Jason Stealy, Greg Worcester [and] Casey McLennan. In the goal, Kenny McHugh will start, with a few guys battling for time.

How will the personality of the 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Matt Hatton: I hope that our 2009 team will be much more disciplined than it was in 2008. The guys we have this year are working very hard and I believe that the fact there is competition across the board is a major reason why. It's sink or swim for our guys, and we want to develop a more competitive practice schedule so that when we reach conference play we are ready to go.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Matt Hatton: Billy Warner is not a "rah-rah guy," but leads by example. He is one of our most talented players and a go-to-guy for our offense. Jason Stealy is a four-year starter at defense for us and our best D-man. He’s relatively vocal in getting things done. Matt Daley is one of the hardest workers in practice and in the weight room. He is a vocal leader as well. Kenny McHugh is a calming influence under pressure at most times. He’s also a hard worker who leads by example.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Matt Hatton: One, we need to stay healthy. Two, we really need to be much more disciplined in what we do on both offense and defense. Our leadership will dictate the success or lack thereof when the dust settles.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Matt Hatton:We have several freshmen that I think will help us out right away. We have four freshmen attackmen: D.J. Rickels from Boys Latin; Bobby Ward from The Heights School; J.S. Duke from Upper Dublin; and Zach Weeden from The Rivers School. We feel that they can all play at a high level. There will also be a few guys at each of the other positions that will vie for playing time right away.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

Matt Hatton: Mike Hatton.

Best stick handler?

Matt Hatton: Billy Warner.

Fastest middie?

Matt Hatton: Jed Barnes.

Toughest D-man?

Matt Hatton: Matt Mummert.

Unsung hero?

Matt Hatton: Kyle Hadden.

Surprise player?

Matt Hatton: D.J. Rickels.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Matt Hatton: Our seniors and our defense.

Are you missing anyone with injuries?

Matt Hatton: We have about seven regular contributors and starters coming off of season-ending injuries from last year. There are a couple of guys that are still working out the kinks and we hope to have them ready to go by Feb. 28.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Matt Hatton: Our assistants have a lot of on-field as well as off-field responsibilities. Brian Chaapel is going into his second season with us and will work very closely with our defense and goalies this year. Jared Nutter joins us for his first season after a highly successful career here at McDaniel. He will be responsible for running our box on game day as well chipping in and working with our middies. All three of us are very active in the recruiting process.

How strong are your seniors?

Matt Hatton: I like to think that our senior class is very strong. Most of our seniors will be key contributors to our program. I am excited to see what these guys are able to do once we get fully cranked up.

How mature is the 2009 team?

Matt Hatton: I think that our team is much more mature than we were last year. However, we still have some growing to do. We lost a lot of tight games last year (eight games by three goals or less, including several one-goal losses) and I am certainly hoping that our guys have learned from the challenges that we faced last year, and that they are hungry to get back out there and get that taste out of their mouths.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Matt Hatton: We just can’t wait to get out there and strap it up and play against someone different. Like I said, we cannot wait to get the taste of defeat out of our mouths and we will remember what that feels like as the season progresses. Everyone we play against both in and out of conference is very capable of winning. We are going to take each practice as well as each game, one day at a time.

Who’s the coach you fear opposing the most?

Matt Hatton: The only thing I am concerned with as we move forward is the coach of each of the teams that we face, as we face them. Like I said, one game, one team, and one coach at a time.

Are there transfers that change the make-up of your 2009 team?

Matt Hatton: We have one transfer this year that will help add some depth to our LSM and close defense.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Matt Hatton: The Centennial Conference is the toughest conference for men’s lacrosse in the entire country bar none. Every team is capable of beating anyone that they play on any given day. Everyone is well coached and comes to play each game in our conference. It is a great challenge and honor to get to compete within our conference and one that I truly hope that our guys take to heart and relish the opportunity. There are no sure things in our conference and I truly believe that it is a great era for Centennial Conference lacrosse.

Do you like the NCAA in New England?
Matt Hatton: It is fine there.

Would you like Baltimore, New Jersey, Denver or New England to host in the future?

Matt Hatton: I would much prefer it in Baltimore in the years to come.

What do you think of the stick rule change that is coming for 2010?

Matt Hatton: The stick rule change will help bring a bit more balance to the great defensive players. Right now, it is almost impossible to get the ball out of some of the offensive players’ sticks, which in turn almost completely negates any defensemen that have take-away abilities. It will be interesting to see how offensive players adapt to the change as well as how this may create an advantage for some of the more adept take-away defenders out there.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Matt Hatton: I think the Maryland/Baltimore area is as strong as it has ever been. There are some of the finest high school players in the world competing here day in and day out. It is perfect for us here at McDaniel as we are only located approximately 30 miles northwest of Baltimore. We can easily get out and watch these kids and hopefully we can continue to fill our roster with more of these local players. But, I would say that there are also other recruiting areas that have made great strides and that produce excellent players as well. The game is growing at a very rapid pace at the youth and high school level and therefore there are areas popping up that are producing quality players all of the country.

Where’s the farthest you gone to get a recruit?

Matt Hatton: We have kids on our roster from California, N.Y., New England, Indiana, etc. If you can play the game of lacrosse at a high level and represent our program and McDaniel College at a very high level, then we try our very best to get you here and get you going.

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if he wants to play in college?

Matt Hatton: I think there is a fine line between doing enough camps to get enough exposure for college coaches and doing too many camps, when you can completely burn yourself out in the hot weather. If you do a few quality camps and you are a player, college coaches will see you. If they don’t, they might not be going to the right camps. If you go to every camp in one summer, you run the risk of playing poorly down the stretch because you are beat up and tired, and that may give some coaches a bad impression of your skills or effort.

I think the biggest thing with recruiting is being persistent and letting coaches know where you will be playing. If they are remotely interested in you as a prospective student-athlete, then they will make an attempt to get out to one of your camps or tournaments and see you play.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Matt Hatton: I myself was a two-sport athlete. Both of my brothers were as well. I strongly believe that our sport is unique, in that, you can take bits and pieces from every game out there and [apply] it to getting better at lacrosse. There is an element of football, basketball, soccer, hockey, etc. in our sport. The skills and strategies honed and learned while playing these other sports tends to make guys more well-rounded lacrosse players. In fact, I may go watch one of our recruits play in a football or basketball game just to see how he works with the concepts of the particular sport as well as how he moves. A lot can be learned and developed with kids that play two, three, or even four different sports.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Matt Hatton: There are several people that influenced me thus far in coaching. I had a high school lacrosse and football coach at Corning East High School (Randy Holden and Bob Streeten, respectively) in Upstate N.Y. that really pushed me to be the best player that I could be at that level. I still keep in touch with them now. Jim Townsed, who I worked under for three years here at McDaniel College and who is now the head coach up at RPI, taught me many invaluable lessons as a lacrosse coach and to him I am forever in debt. I also learned a lot from my head coach at Hobart College, B.J. O’Hara, who is now the head coach of the reigning MLL champion Rochester Rattlers. Ed Stephenson, who coached me at Hobart and is now the head coach at the University of Binghamton, is also a guy that comes to mind. He helped me become a much more disciplined player both on and off the field. All of these guys are great coaches and even greater men and they certainly left an indelible mark on me as a lacrosse coach and as a man in general.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Matt Hatton: I do not care if we are the underdog or favorite as long as we win the game!

Do your players see you as a friend, father figure, teacher or boss?

Matt Hatton: I like to think that my players and I have an excellent relationship. I think that there are elements and times in which all four of these labels could be applied to the way in which my kids view our relationships. We get along great, but they also respect me and my assistant coaches to know when to say when and to buckle up their chin straps and get down to business.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Matt Hatton: First off, there are many excellent players playing lacrosse at the very highest level in not only the Centennial Conference but the entire Division III. I think what really separates the good ones from the great ones is a no-quit work ethic and a desire to be the best possible man and player that you can be. If you can add this work ethic and desire to a young man that has the wherewithal to lead a group of his peers in doing the right things, then you have something special.

• Loyola women's coach Jen Adams

• Loyola men's coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson men's coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson men's coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College men's coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 9:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As
        

Jen Adams is the best women’s player ever, without question. Her accomplishments as a coach or in any other endeavor will always be overshadowed by her legend on the field, no matter what she achieves. She still leads the world champion Australians and dominates any club team she plays for or tournament she plays in. She is leagues ahead of anyone else and would have to be considered the greatest playing lacrosse player, male or female, right now.

Adams, the primary spokeswoman for STX Women's Lacrosse, was the National Attacker of the Year in 1999, 2000 and 2001, the Atlantic Coast Conference Female Athlete of the Year in 2000 and 2001 and a three-time national Player of the Year. The three-time All-America earned the 2000 and 2001 Honda/Broderick Award for women's lacrosse excellence and the very first Tewaaraton Trophy in 2001 while winning four straight national championships at Maryland.

Before taking over as the head coach at Loyola in June 2008, the Brighton, South Australia native served as an assistant under former Terps teammate Cathy Reese at Denver for three years, then at Maryland.

Click here to read today's feature on Adams by The Baltimore Sun's Katherine Dunn.

How is the preseason progressing?

Jen Adams: We have been excited by the progress that we are making as a team. The players did a lot of individual work over winter break, doing stick work and skills. We are seeing a great team-dynamic develop off the field and it is evident when we step on the field, too.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Jen Adams: Going into the season, we wanted to be in a constant state of learning, to be able to take something away from every single practice. We have also worked on building a strong team chemistry.

Are there any battles going on for key positions?

Jen Adams: When we came in as a staff, one of our goals was to make every day as competitive as possible. We want to be our own strongest competition. There are personnel who have not received a lot of playing time (entering preseason), and with the competitive nature of our practices, we have seen our depth increase.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Jen Adams: Courtney Burhans is a totally selfless player, maybe one of the most selfless who I have ever been around. She has an incredible spirit and energy, but even though she doesn't see a lot of playing time, she has a complete sense of team. Mary Clare Taylor, or MC, is constantly leading by example, whether it is picking up balls, leading a run [or] going through a drill. She is someone who the team can trust and can go to. She has a magnetic personality. She's a very charismatic person. Meg Taylor is very responsible and definitely one of our mature leaders. She takes a very mature approach to everyone, on and off the field. She has a great personality and can deal with everyone.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Jen Adams: We are working on our shooting percentage, and we've been working very hard to get it above 50 percent. There were a lot of shots in the fall that were either not good or just not right. We are starting to be a lot smarter and make good decisions when we think about shooting.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Jen Adams: Ana Heneberry is going to step in on defense and has already become a leader. Ashley Cudmore and Virginia Weber impress me every day as they continue to learn and grow as players. Kerry Stoothoff has also been playing well in goal.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

Jen Adams: Abby Rehfuss.

Best stick handler?

Jen Adams: Abby Rehfuss has a very unique style; Emily Gibson is very solid; Colleen O'Keefe has a very smooth style.

Fastest middie?

Jen Adams: Cara Filippelli or Grace Gavin.

Toughest defender?

Jen Adams: Kellye Gallagher or Ana Heneberry because of the pressure they put on people, and [both] are very confident in their abilities.

Unsung hero?

Jen Adams: Tara Gardner or Kaitlyn Fuller. They both work so hard and are stepping into big roles.

Surprise player?

Jen Adams: Mary Heneberry has the ability to shock us all. She is really coming into her own.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Jen Adams: Our core midfielders with their athleticism and speed.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Jen Adams: We all equally contribute on the field. Kylee White focuses more on defense, but we definitely collaborate as a staff. We sit down in the office and come up with a game plan that is best for our team. All of us, Dana Dobbie, Kylee and I definitely have a big say in things.

How mature is the 2009 team?

Jen Adams: This is a senior leadership group that has been through a lot. They've had a lot of experiences that shaped them as lacrosse players. When you have a change [in the coaching staff] going into your senior year, it can either rattle you or settle you. We are fortunate that the latter has been the case. They are excited and driven for the rest of the team.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Jen Adams: I think the Big East is one of the strongest conferences, if not the strongest. Coming from the ACC, you think that is the best, but the Big East is right there.

What’s your funniest recruiting story?

Jen Adams: Dana Dobbie and I went out recruiting to a tournament this summer, and we didn't realize how far away we were going. By the time the day was over, it was very late and we had to be back at 8 a.m. So, we went to a Marshalls to buy clothing in Loyola colors. The next morning all of the other coaches were looking at us, saying, 'what are you wearing?'

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Jen Adams: It is huge, even more so here at Loyola. There are so many local private and public schools that have easy access to Loyola, and there is a huge amount of players who want to stay close to home. To have such great talent is a great thing. Loyola has a reputation as a great program, and this is a place that a lot of these players were coming to watch games when they were young.

Where’s the farthest you gone to get a recruit?

Jen Adams: When I was at Maryland, I recruited from Australia, England and Wales.

Do you do a summer camp?

Jen Adams: Not this year. We made it our focus to come in and really pay attention to our team. When you start a camp, there is so much to worry about with registration, fees, housing -- all of those things. I still work with Elevate Lacrosse. Our whole staff will be at those camps in College Park, Texas and a few places in New York.

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if she wants to play in college?

Jen Adams: I don't think there is any rhyme or reason to it. It depends because there are so many great options. Some of the showcase camps could be enough for some players because they get a lot of time on the field. For others, it is important for them to go to camps at the schools they are interested in so that the coaches can see them and get to know them, to see how coachable they are.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Jen Adams: Definitely Cathy Reese. I am always going back to her approach, the way that she runs a program and relates to players. One thing about her that I didn't realize until I was a head coach was that there was nothing beneath her. I learned that there is nothing I will ask Kylee or Dana to do that I wouldn't do myself. Also Gary [Gait] -- learning to play under him creatively and thinking outside the box. I think that I am really a product of all of the coaches that have worked with me as I came up. I realize even now when I am playing with the Australian team that there are things I am picking up from the coaches that I want to put into use as a coach myself.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Jen Adams: As a player, I have always loved being the one that others are gunning for. As a coach, I can definitely see where being an underdog has some advantages.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Jen Adams: I think one of the most important traits is to not realize how great they are, and constantly searching and striving to be a better player. To have a sense of humility, but also have the confidence in their abilities is a great mindset to have.

• Loyola coach Charley Toomey

• Stevenson coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson University coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Q&As
        

Loyola coach Charley Toomey was a great goalie. That’s the indelible image I have of him. He was magic between the pipes. He played at Loyola from 1987 until 1990 and was a two-time All-American. He played in the NLL while working as an assistant at Loyola and at Navy for a while. In his two seasons as the Greyhounds' head coach, Toomey's 10-4 in the tough ECAC and 9-2 at home, where the raucous crowd appreciates him like they did during his playing days. His man-up offense is the best in the country and he has the Greyhounds back in the top ten and contending in NCAA tournaments. He lives in Millersville, Md., with his wife, Sara, and three daughters, Emma, Sophie and Lyla.

How has the preseason gone so far?

Charley Toomey: Well, we are still tinkering with our midfielders but overall we are happy with the team’s progress thus far.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Charley Toomey: We are looking to figure out the correct combinations in the midfield.

Give us a preview rundown of your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Charley Toomey: Our stars this year will be Cooper MacDonnell, Collin Finnerty, Shane Koppens and Matt Langan.

Are there any battles going on for key positions?

Charley Toomey: Spots are open in the midfield and at the faceoff X.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Charley Toomey: Eddie Graham and Shane Koppens are fifth-year seniors who bring experience to the mix. Jimmy Daly and P.T. Ricci are seniors whose passion and work ethic are unrivaled.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Charley Toomey: Offensively, two freshmen have impressed us early -- Mike Sawyer and Pat Byrnes. On the defensive end, Kevin Moriarty and Brian Smalley could break into the mix.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

Charley Toomey: Collin Finnerty or Eric Lusby.

Best stick handler?

Charley Toomey: Shane Koppens.

Fastest middie?

Charley Toomey: Mike Sawyer or P.T. Ricci (L/P).

Toughest D-man?

Charley Toomey: Steve Dircks.

Unsung hero?

Charley Toomey: Steve Layne.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season?

Charley Toomey: We are looking forward to our games with Notre Dame and Syracuse as they will not be on our schedule in 2010.

Who’s the coach you fear opposing the most?

Charley Toomey: Dave Urick (Georgetown) because it has meant that the conference championship has been on the line the last two years.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Charley Toomey: The ECAC has traditionally been a very strong conference and 2009 should not be any different.

Are there rule changes you’d like to see?

Charley Toomey: I think our game is in a great place, evidenced by the final four numbers. Why continue to change the rules?

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Charley Toomey: The Maryland area remains a hotbed for recruiting talent. We are happy to have 11 players from the Maryland area on the roster.

Where’s the farthest you have gone to get a recruit?

Charley Toomey: Victoria, British Columbia.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Charley Toomey: Yes.

Do your players see you as a friend, father figure, teacher or boss?

Charley Toomey: Hopefully all of the above.

• Stevenson coach Paul Cantabene

• Towson University coach Tony Seaman

• Washington College coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Q&As
        

Three years ago, Paul Cantabene ended his second season with Maryland's lacrosse program. Cantabene is a veteran lacrosse coach and player, having coached at Maryland, Johns Hopkins and Towson before taking over at Stevenson.

He played at Loyola College and then for various professional teams. He was an All-Star in the indoor and outdoor leagues. Cantabene was an important member of the Baltimore Bayhawks' championship team in 2005, often considered the greatest team ever. He is known as one of the top faceoff men of all-time. And while his friends and teammates might call him “Beaner,” his last name is actually pronounced "Cant-a-be-nay."

Cantabene is in his fifth season as men's lacrosse coach at Stevenson. Last season, his Mustangs had the most impressive season of any men's lacrosse team in school history. They finished with an overall record of 13-4 and a 6-1 record in the Capital Athletic Conference. The Mustangs reached as high as eighth in the nation and ended the season at No. 10.

Cantabene has been married for six years to a friend of mine, Tracey, and they have a beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Lilly, who was a star interviewee on the 2009 E-Lacrosse Convention show with Sparky Burns. Cantabene is from Rochester and attended Irondequoit High School before starring at Loyola College.

How is the preseason progressing?

Paul Cantabene: The preseason is progressing along just fine. The boys have come back in shape and have really given a great effort during the preseason. We have a few bumps and bruises, but overall this is our best effort to date.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Paul Cantabene: Our preseason goals are very simple:

1. Have a winning record
2. Win our conference
3. Make the NCAA tournament
4. Win a NCAA championship
5. Become a team

Give us a preview of your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Paul Cantabene: On attack, Richie Ford is a junior, Jimmy Dailey is a sophomore and Steve Kazimer is a junior. On midfield, our first line is senior Chris Baldwin, senior Nicola Bevacqua and sophomore Kyle Moffitt. Our second line is seniors Brett Yoder and Greg Furshman, as well as freshman Rob Lamey. Our defense is seniors Mike Simon and Austin Hale, as well as sophomore Evan Douglass. There is a battle at goalie, which will be Geoff Hebert, Eric Fleegle or Andrew Harrington. We have a faceoff battle going on, too, between Ray Witte and Doug Reidt.

How will the personality of this 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Paul Cantabene: I think this team differs from last year’s team in that this team has taken ownership. It’s a group that has built this program and wants to see it be successful on the field, but off the field as well.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Paul Cantabene: Ford is a leader by example. Bevacqua is a very tough and caring person. He’s a difference maker on the field and in the locker room. Simon is very smart and a tough leader. Hale is our vocal leader and most physical player. Furshman is a very talented and Vocal leader. He can be the best midfielder in the game if he wants to be.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Paul Cantabene: Our biggest weakness last year, and over the years, has been senior leadership. We hope this year with 10 seniors and guys that have all played for us since they were freshman that they will supply that leadership needed.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Paul Cantabene: Lamey is a freshman midfielder from Ridley, Pa., and Danny Shanne is a freshman attackman from River Hill.

Who's your hardest shooter?

Paul Cantabene: Bevacqua or Kenny Whittaker.

Best stickhandler?

Paul Cantabene: Kazimer and Dailey.

Fastest midfielder?

Paul Cantabene: Lamey.

Toughest defenseman?

Paul Cantabene: Simon.

Unsung hero?

Paul Cantabene: Evan Douglass.

Surprise player?

Paul Cantabene: Jake Stockdale and Ian Hart.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Paul Cantabene: Team depth and experience.

Are you missing anyone with injuries?

Paul Cantabene: Jimmy Kleb is out with an ACL injury, and he will be back around midseason. Fleegle also has an ACL injury, and he will hopefully be back March 1 or earlier.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Paul Cantabene: I am the offensive coordinator. Brian Myers is my offensive assistant, and he coaches midfielders. Tim Puls is the defensive coordinator. Bob Tarring is in charge of the scouting team. Brian Davies is our box coach and attack coach. Zach Clark is our defensive assistant. Pat Gill works with our goalies, and Brandon Hastings works with the faceoff men.

How strong are your seniors?

Paul Cantabene: It’s a very strong group. They have a very mature approach that has been learned over their four years at Stevenson.

Who's the opposing coach you fear the most?

Paul Cantabene: Bryan Collins.

Are there transfers that change the composition of your 2009 team?

Paul Cantabene: Yoder, Christian Clark, Ian Bolland, Tyler Brown, Holt Skovoran and Zach Alrak.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Paul Cantabene: It’s one of the top four conferences in the country.

Do you like the NCAA tournament in New England?

Paul Cantabene: No. It's too tough to travel, and it's not located in a major city.

Would you like Baltimore, New Jersey, Denver or New England to host in the future?

Paul Cantabene: Baltimore, New Jersey or Denver.

What do you think of the stick rule change that is coming for 2010?

Paul Cantabene: I think it’s not going to change a whole lot of things.

Give us your feedback on any rule changes you think are good or bad for 2009.

Paul Cantabene: It’s good that they are letting the players play more and not calling fouls on legal hits just because they are big hits.

Are there changes you'd like to see?

Paul Cantabene: No horns -- all subs on the fly.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Paul Cantabene: It’s the strongest area to recruit in the country.

Where's the farthest you've gone to get a recruit?

Paul Cantabene: California and Texas.

Do you hold a summer camp?

Paul Cantabene: I run Old School Lacrosse Camps (www.oldschoollacrosse.com) and the Baltimore Hawks club team.

How many camps should a kid participate in during the summer if he wants to play in college?

Paul Cantabene: Three.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Paul Cantabene: I think the more sports a kid plays the better it is.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Paul Cantabene: Tony Seaman, Bob Knight, Phil Jackson and Urban Meyer.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Paul Cantabene: Favorite.

Do your players see you as a friend, father figure, teacher or boss?

Paul Cantabene: All of those combined.

What's the most important trait of a great player?

Paul Cantabene: Toughness!!

Towson University coach Tony Seaman
Washington College coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Q&As
        

I met Tony Seaman when I was 16 or 17 years old. He recruited me when he was at Penn, although I think it was really a favor he was doing for my uncle. Penn was a top-ten program under Tony and I didn’t really have the grades to go there. But his letter to me showing interest gave me a confidence boost at a time when I needed it. I carried it in my wallet for a couple years as a reminder that anything was possible.

When I visited the school, it was obvious why he got so many great players. He was loved by his team. He was funny and kind and told jokes around the office, where the players liked to hang out. That’s always a sign of a good coach -- if the players hang out in his office.

But that’s not my only impression of Tony. I’ve seen him marketing the team to alumni at Towson and doing the behind-the-scenes hard work that comes with coaching at the Division I level. I’ve had heart-to-heart discussions with him about recruiting. I’ve been around long enough to have witnessed his departure from Hopkins and his rebirth at Towson. He’s a quality person with great perspective. He’s honest in interviews and outspoken when he needs to be. He loves his players and Towson University.

He’s been married for 29 years to his wife Guri and they have two children. Their son, Gregory, is a senior lacrosse player and a captain at Princeton. Their daughter, Barbara, is a junior lacrosse player at Penn. Tony will tell you, in his self-deprecating way, that they are their mother’s children. His family moved around a lot when he was a kid but then settled in Freehold, N.J., until his senior year of high school. He graduated from Delaware Valley Central in Callicoon, N.Y. Tony is one of the many successful coaches who have attended the State University of New York at Cortland. There’s something in the water there.

He’s one of the few great coaches who comes from the high school coaching ranks. He guided Lynbrook High School in Nassau County, N.Y., from 1972 to 1981, compiling a 116-61 record.

In a decade at Towson, Seaman has led the Tigers to five appearances in the NCAA tournament, with an 82-65 overall record and four conference championships. He is eighth among active Division I coaches and 16th in NCAA lacrosse history with 246 career victories, and is only coach to guide three different schools to the NCAA tournament.

How is the preseason progressing?

Tony Seaman : Weather has been cold but we have kept our field clear so that helps. We are developing some very young players who might play an important role for us as the season progresses. According to all of the polls and articles, we are huge underdogs with no preseason stars.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

Tony Seaman : We hope to be ready to face Loyola at their place on Feb. 21 for our first game.

Give us a preview rundown of your probable starting personnel for 2009:

Tony Seaman : Attack: Tim Stratton, Bill McCutcheon, Sean Maguire, Matt Lamon, Steve Norris.

Midfield: Brock Armour, Randall Cooper, Justin Schneider.

Defense: Matt Richter, Joe Wascavage, Marc Ingerman, Cameron Zook, Matt Vetter.

Goal: Rob Wheeler, Andrew Wascavage, Justin Woodford.

Are there any battles going on for key positions?

Tony Seaman : Every position has a number of equally talented people battling for playing time.

How will the personality of this 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Tony Seaman : No stars, good depth, good energy [and] an abundance of youth.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Tony Seaman :Randall Cooper is a three-year starter, two at midfield and one at attack. He’s got a good nose for the goal. William McCutheon is a big strong attackman who has lost 20 pounds. He can get to the goal. Mitch Rosensweig will be one of the top faceoff men in the country. He finished with great stats for the second half of last season. Kyle Smedley is a midfielder who has started for three years. He’s the best all-around player on our team, can play defense, run the field and is a threat on the offensive end as well.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Tony Seaman : Too many to mention have the ability to play for us. Sean Maguire and and Matt Lamon on attack stand out. Mike Brashears at midfield and Mike Landy at defense most likely will be starters.

Who is your hardest shooter?

Tony Seaman : Pat Britton.

Best stick handler?

Tony Seaman : Kyle Smedley [and] Tim Stratton.

Fastest middie?

Tony Seaman : Pat Britton [and] John DuBois.

Toughest D-man?

Tony Seaman : Marc Ingerman.

Unsung hero?

Tony Seaman : Kyle Smedley.

Surprise player?

Tony Seaman : Cameron Zook.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Tony Seaman : Defense.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Tony Seaman : Shawn Nadelen has been with me for five years and is an outstanding defensive coordinator. He understands adjustments. He plays very well to our players’ individual strengths, and he understands the other team's offense. His players are always better at the end of the year then they were at the start.

Mike Allan, my offensive coordinator, is new to our program this year and brings a wealth of experience as a head coach and as an assistant. We will have a different look this year at the offensive end of the field.

Matt Eckerl is our volunteer coach. He played here at Towson and brings his experience and knowledge as a top faceoff man to our team as well as his overall playing experiences.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Tony Seaman : Our non-league schedule is loaded with the top teams in the country including Virginia, Hopkins, Loyola, UMBC, Denver, Maryland [and] Bucknell. The CAA is loaded this year with Hofstra, Delaware and Drexel all getting high preseason marks. Our rivalry within the state is huge with Maryland, UMBC, Hopkins and Loyola.

Who is the coach you fear opposing the most?

Tony Seaman : All of them.

Are there any transfers that change the makeup of your 2009 team?

Tony Seaman : Pat Britton has a chance to play for us especially on EMO.

How strong is your conference in 2009?

Tony Seaman : Very strong as usual.

Do you like the NCAA tournament in New England?

Tony Seaman : I like the championships each place that it has been played now that we are in major professional stadiums.

Would you like Baltimore, New Jersey, Denver or New England to host in the future?

Tony Seaman : I would like to see each of them have a chance.

What do you think of the stick rule change that is coming in 2010?

Tony Seaman : I’ll tell you in 2010.

Give us your feedback on any rules changes you think are good or bad for 2009?

Tony Seaman : No opinion at this time.

Are there changes you’d like to see?

Tony Seaman : Shot clock or extend the top of the offensive box and keep it in once you are inside the box.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Tony Seaman : As always, very strong, but the outside areas are producing more and more good players as lacrosse grows across the country at the youth and high school levels.

Where’s the farthest you have gone to get a recruit?

Tony Seaman : I have three California boys who play a good deal for me right now.

Do you do a summer camp?

Tony Seaman : I am a part of 205 and have a good sized Towson Boys' Day Camp here at the University July 6 to 10 that includes boys from six years old to high school seniors.

How many camps should a kid play in the summer if he wants to play in college?

Tony Seaman : One good exposure recruiting camp. Today, more and more are playing on club teams that do the tournament swing each summer.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Tony Seaman : Absolutely! The more sports they play the better we like them.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Tony Seaman : Bob Scott [and] Henry Ciccarone.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Tony Seaman : Underdog.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

Tony Seaman : Heart.

Washington College coach J.B. Clarke

Posted by John Weaver at 7:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Q&As
        

The final team representing the United States has been chosen for the 2009 Federation of International Lacrosse Women's World Cup, which will be held June 17-27 in the Czech Republic. The team was selected after a full year of tryouts, culminating this past weekend with the Champion Challenge in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Last World Cup the U.S. lost to Jen Adams and Australia, but only two players from the 2005 U.S. squad are included on this team. Michele DeJulius was an alternate in 2005 and is on the 2009 team. Quinn Carney was on the 2005 team and is an alternate this time. DeJulius is the oldest member of this very young U.S. team where even Michi Ellers (Georgetown '04) Acacia Walker (Maryland '05) and Katie Chrest (Duke '06) are considered older players.

The team is so young that it includes six current collegiate players. They will face a far more experienced Australian team in the summer games, where their youth may help or hurt them. I was stunned that Amy Appelt was not on the team, but don't know if she even tried out or is injured. I just expected she would be part of our next effort to win a world championship. I'm not surprised by the inclusion of some of my favorite players: Kristen Kjellman (Northwestern ‘07), Sarah Albrecht (Northwestern ‘06), Regina Oliver (Ohio State ‘05) and Caroline Cryer (Duke ‘09). I am predicting right now that if the U.S. wins the Cup, Cryer will be the MVP. She and Kjellman are the best players I have ever seen, besides Jen Adams, whom they will have to beat to win.

You can see the new U.S. team play this weekend in the South of the Border tournament in North Carolina, where they will play against England and Wales.

Here's the whole 2009 U.S. women's team roster:

Attack
Caroline Cryer – Duke ‘09
Lindsey Munday – Northwestern ‘06
Katie Rowan – Syracuse ‘09

Midfield
Sarah Albrecht – Northwestern ‘06
Sarah Bullard – Duke ‘11
Katie Chrest – Duke ‘06
Michele DeJuliis – Penn State ‘98
Whitney Douthett – Dartmouth ‘07
Michi Ellers – Georgetown ‘04
Kristen Kjellman – Northwestern ‘07
Erica LaGrow – North Carolina ‘08
Caitlyn McFadden – Maryland ‘10
Holly McGarvie – Princeton ‘09
Acacia Walker – Maryland ‘05

Defense
Amber Falcone – North Carolina ‘09
Regina Oliver – Ohio State ‘05

Goal
Megan Huether – Duke ‘06
Devon Wills – Dartmouth ‘06

Alternates
Amy Altig – James Madison ‘05
Hilary Bowen – Northwestern ‘09
Quinn Carney – Maryland ‘01
Christy Finch – Northwestern ‘08
Jessica Lieb – Penn State ‘08
Nikki Lieb – Virginia ‘06

Posted by John Weaver at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

This is the first in a series of interviews with area men's and women's college lacrosse coaches. Over the next few weeks, look for Q&As with coaches from all your favorite teams as we start the 2009 season.

J.B. Clarke is the head lacrosse coach and assistant athletic director at Washington College. He's been the coach of the Shoremen since July 1998, amassing a 125-46 record in 10 seasons. He's led the Shoremen to the Division III NCAA tournament seven times. He has two daughters, Jessica, 13, and Samantha, 10, from a previous marriage and will be married again in June to his fiancé, Lisa. Clarke is originally from Wilton, Conn. He attended Southern Connecticut State University and Roanoke College. He had a few lacrosse jobs before taking over at Washington College, including an assistant coaching job at Loyola College in 1998, when the Greyhounds were ranked second in the nation.

How is the preseason progressing?

J.B. Clarke: Our conference [Centennial Conference] does not allow us to practice until Feb. 1, so it is not progressing yet.

What are your specific goals for the preseason?

J.B. Clarke: Just to win the next game.

Give us a rundown of your probable starting personnel for 2009:

Attack: Jimmy Kielek, a senior from Baltimore, Josh Perlow, a sophomore from Owings Mills, and Brendan O’Leary, a junior from Annapolis.

Midfield: Doug Herdegen, a sophomore from Baltimore, Casey O’Connor, a senior from Crownsville, and Matt Moreton, a senior from Darnestown.

Defense: Patrick Healy, a 6-4 senior from Simsbury, Conn., Sean Millham, a 6-3 senior from Pasadena, and Bobby Baur, a 6-5 junior from Bel Air.

Goal: Gordon Cohen, a senior from New Canaan, Conn.

Are there any battles going on for key positions?

J.B. Clarke: Yes, on attack and at second midfield.

How will the personality of this 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

J.B. Clarke: The loss of two All-American attackmen means new leadership will take over at the offensive end. Jimmy Kielek, a three-year starter, will handle the task with comfort.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

J.B. Clarke: Millham and Cohen are our captains. They lead by example and Cohen is vocal. Both started for three years.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

J.B. Clarke: Replacing the attack.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

J.B. Clarke: Tom Rixey, a 6-2 freshman from Norfolk Academy in Virginia Beach could see time on attack or midfield. Jack Vermeil from Henderson High School in West Chester, Pa., on defense, and Brendan Callaghan, a 6-3 middie from Red Bank Catholic in Monmouth Beach, N.J.

Who’s your hardest shooter?

J.B. Clarke: Herdegen.

Best stick handler?

J.B. Clarke: Thom Cecere, a junior defenseman out of St. Mary’s in Annapolis.

Fastest middie?

J.B. Clarke: Matt Moreton.

Toughest D-man?

J.B. Clarke: Patrick Healy.

Unsung hero?

J.B. Clarke: Senior midfielder Kyle van Oostendorp.

Surprise player?

J.B. Clarke: Senior defenseman Eric Shea from Towson.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

J.B. Clarke: Longstick middies and at goal.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

J.B. Clarke: Matt Parks is my offensive coordinator and Kyle Mitten is my recruiting coordinator. Kyle also works with the defense and faceoff guys and is the box coach. I am the defensive coordinator as well.

How strong are your seniors?

J.B. Clarke: Our seniors are very, very strong. We are very mature in the middle and on the defensive end.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

J.B. Clarke: Our conference is tremendous; the best in the land. All of them can beat anyone. But Salisbury is No. 1 so they are the biggest threat by default.

Who’s the coach you fear opposing the most?

J.B. Clarke: Whoever we face next.

Do you like the NCAA tournament in New England?

J.B. Clarke: It was fine.

Would you like Baltimore, New Jersey, Denver or New England to host the tournament in the future?

J.B. Clarke: Baltimore.

What do you think of the stick rule change that is coming for 2010?

J.B. Clarke: Sticks have changed the game, negatively. Stick manufacturers are more interested in their profits than the integrity of the game. This is understandable, but they need to respect the professionals at the NCAA and in the coaching ranks that are attempting to keep the game as great as it is or was.

Give us your feedback on any rules changes you think are good or bad for 2009?

J.B. Clarke: Instead of “keep it in,” when the refs think you are stalling, simply have them say that the “clock is on,” meaning the same exact buzzer they use for clearing is on and you need to get a shot off in that 20 seconds. That would speed the game up. I also think we should eliminate the horn, period.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

J.B. Clarke: It’s still very strong. But not so much stronger than other areas like it used to be.

Where’s the farthest you gone to get a recruit?

J.B. Clarke: We have a kid from Hawaii. Unfortunately, we did not do a home visit with him!

Do you do a summer camp?

J.B. Clarke: We have a great instructional camp. There are so many camps that simply run tournaments, which is fine. But the younger kids still need to learn the game.

How many summer camps should a kid play if he wants to play in college?

J.B. Clarke: Two. One instructional camp and one playing camp. And kids need to participate in other sports too!

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

J.B. Clarke: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

Who were your influences in coaching?

J.B. Clarke: Guy Whitten, a Wilton [High School, Conn.] legend, John Pirro at Roanoke [College], [Bryant coach] Mike Pressler, [Maryland coach] Dave Cottle and [Limestone College coach] Mike Cerino.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

J.B. Clarke: Favorite.

Do your players see you as a friend, father figure, teacher or boss?

J.B. Clarke: Hopefully all of the above.

What’s the most important trait of a great player?

J.B. Clarke: Passion.

Have a question you'd like to ask a college coach? Submit it as a comment below and we may include it in an upcoming Q&A.

Posted by John Weaver at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Q&As