Q&A with Loyola coach Charley Toomey
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.
More lacrosse Q&As:
• Stevenson coach Paul Cantabene
Comments
Coach Toomey also helped lead Loyola to its only appearance in the national championship match in 1990. Oddly enough, the opposing goalkeeper for Syracuse that afternoon, Matt Palumb, is now a NCAA lacrosse referee.
Go Greyhounds! Beat Notre Dame on Saturday!
Posted by: Attila the Hon | February 10, 2009 7:52 PM