Loonan and Gemperline bring experience to positions
For many athletes on hand, it’ll be a wild scene next spring when the first boys and girls lacrosse teams in town sanctioned by the Colorado High School Activities Association settle into position.
Good thing the coaches of the area’s co-op teams will have plenty of experience to fall back upon.
Jeff Sonke Received Bud Light MVP Honors
DENVER—June 21, 2008—The sun was shining on INVESCO Field at Mile High as 7,723 fans watched the Denver Outlaws defeat the Chicago Machine, 15-13, in a nail-biting game. For his last minute, 2-point goal, Jeff Sonke received the Bud Light MVP honors.
Kevin Leveille of the Machine got the first goal of the night, making it 41 games in which he has scored at least one goal, setting a MLL record in the Mile High City. After a goal by Outlaws’ Brendan Mundorf, Chicago’s rookie Mike Leveille scored. Countering the younger Leveille brother was MLL Offensive Player of the Week Brian Langtry, closely followed by teammate Drew Westervelt. One man-up goal from Chicago, in between goals by Mundorf and Outlaw Ryan Powell, finished up the quarter with Denver leading 5-4.
An emotion-filled second quarter started off with a hat trick for Mundorf at 5:11. Answering that for Chicago was Steven Brooks, which was soon followed by Powell’s second goal. Giving Denver a 2-point lead was Matt Brown. On that play, Brown was injured when he was body-checked by Jeff Bigas. Each team’s emotions ran high, but Chicago took advantage of the adrenaline getting two goals from Jake Deane and Kevin Leveille.
Coming out of the locker room, Eric Pittard gave Chicago their biggest lead of the night. Denver made sure that lead was short-lived when Mike Ward scored his first professional goal just 17 seconds later. With a man-up opportunity, Mike Leveille recorded a goal, assisted by Brooks. Rounding out the third quarter to tie the game was Brian Langtry with his third 2-point goal of the season.
The intensity of the fourth quarter was hardly reflected in the number of goals scored. Chicago’s Paul Stansik scored his first goal of the night to lead off the final quarter. After Sonke’s goal at 3:44, the game stayed tied at 13 with less than one minute left. It looked like the game would go into overtime, but from behind the 16-yard arch was Sonke, who nailed a 2-point goal with 13 seconds left in the game, giving the Outlaws the win over their Western Conference rivals.
Mike Gabel of the Machine had 23 saves, while Outlaws’ goalie Jesse Schwartzman recorded 18.
What would it take to bring a new varsity sport like lacrosse to northeast Colorado? Apparently, a lot of work.
STERLING — There comes a time, unfortunately, when high schools may have to drop varsity sporting programs because of a lack of funds or simply when the school doesn’t have enough athletes to participate in a certain event.
Fleming was a victim of this, with its track program being dropped because only four girls came out for the team. Recently, Sterling High School added a girl’s golf team after an extensive absence from the scene.
But what if a school wants to start up a brand new program, what does it take to get there? What if Sterling High School wanted to get crazy and start up a lacrosse team? What is the procedure to kick start it off the ground?
DENVER—June 19, 2008—The Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse have announced the details of their 4th of July game versus the San Francisco Dragons. The game will be played at INVESCO Field at Mile High and faceoff is at 7:00 PM.
Immediately following the game, ‘Denver’s Best Fireworks’ show will be displayed. Fans will be treated to a new high-impact, close-proximity fireworks show, designed to provide an intense 360-degree fireworks display for fans seated inside the stadium. Different than in prior years, the fireworks and multi-media display will be best experienced from inside the stadium. Viewing will be very limited outside the building so please get your tickets early.
The high-impact fireworks show is set to ignite close to 10,000 rounds, 8,000 more than last year’s 4th of July display. The fireworks presentation will be choreographed to a music soundtrack, along with a THUNDERVISION (big-screen TV) presentation. The shells will be lit from inside the stadium on the field, as well as from the top of INVESCO Field, which means much more excitement for the fans inside the stadium. Tickets to the game start as low as $13 through Ticketmaster or at the INVESCO Field at Mile High box office.
The Outlaws set the professional lacrosse attendance record at last year’s July 4th game, drawing close to 20,000 fans. Currently the Outlaws are the only team in Major League Lacrosse with a record of 4-1 and hope to improve to 5-1 with this Saturday’s home game against the Chicago Machine (6/21 @7pm).
DENVER—June 18, 2008—On Saturday the Denver Outlaws (4-1) of Major League Lacrosse return to INVESCO Field at Mile High to play the Chicago Machine (1-4) at 7:00 pm. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Network-Rocky Mountain on Sunday at 12:30 pm and again on Wednesday, June 25th at 10:30 pm. Following the game, the Celtic Tavern at 1801 Blake Street will host the postgame party.
The Outlaws hope to continue dominating at home as they take on Chicago in the first of three meetings. The following week brings the second meeting when the Outlaws travel to the Windy City. July 26th marks the last regular season game against Chicago, as well as the final home game of the season.
History is on Denver’s side when it comes to playing the Machine. The Outlaws have an all-time record of 5-1 against Chicago, and it doesn’t look like the trend will be reversed this week. Led by Head Coach John Combs, the Machine are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference after their overtime loss to the Barrage last week.
With Denver’s win last Saturday, and Rochester (3-2) and Washington’s loss (3-2), the Outlaws now have the best record in the league at 4-1. Bud Light MVP Brian Langtry received the MLL Offensive Player of the Week for his six point performance against San Francisco. In addition, Denver leads the MLL in shooting percentage (.378), points (92), and two-point markers (4).
The excitement doesn’t stop on Saturday night; Sunday Sessions, presented by U.S. Bank, takes place the following day at INVESCO Field. This free fan fair day begins at 10:00 am where fans should enter through the north tunnel. Fans have an opportunity to pick up tips from the Outlaws, play catch with the players, get autographs, and many more fun activities.
Returning to the Mile High City for the 4th of July, the Outlaws play their next home game against the San Francisco Dragons (1-3) that evening, followed by a high-impact, close-proximity fireworks show. Last week the Outlaws defeated the Dragons, 19-16, in the first of three meetings between the two Western Conference teams.
Qwest and the Colorado Mammoth are committed to Colorado’s communities and are pleased to work together to advance youth education and activities across our state.
For that reason, Qwest and the Mammoth would like to invite you to participate in a unique lacrosse clinic. The Mammoth Lacrosse Skills Clinic presented by Qwest will provide a special opportunity for youth lacrosse participants to interact with Mammoth players and learn the fundamentals of lacrosse from professional players and coaches. This unique skills clinic will be held at Pepsi Center on Sunday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost for the clinic.
During the clinic, Colorado Mammoth players will teach kids ages 10-14 (entering grades 5th-8th) fundamental skills of the sport and serve as a resource for your players and coaches. The clinic will run for two hours: approximately 75 minutes of instruction, 15 minutes of questions, and 20 minutes of autographs for the clinic participants. A light snack will be provided following the clinic.
Denver Outlaws Announce 4th of July Game Details-To Feature Close Proximity Fireworks
DENVER—June 14, 2008— At INVESCO Field at Mile High, 9,316 fans cheered on the Denver Outlaws as they defeated San Francisco, 19-16. Earning the Bud Light MVP honors for the night was Brian Langtry with four goals and two assists.
Starting out strong with a goal by Denver’s Brian Langtry, the Outlaws were off to a four goal streak. Two of those goals were Langtry’s, and Matt Hanna scored a 2-point goal 5:14 into the game. Responding to those goals was San Francisco attackman Jake Byrne assisted by Kyle Hartzell.
The second quarter brought a different change of pace with the Dragons scoring six unanswered goals putting them ahead 7-5. Midfielder Matt Lalli recorded two unassisted goals, one at 1:05 and the other at 5:13. With the Outlaws short a player on a penalty, San Francisco’s Ryan Cranston took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a man-up goal. Putting the Dragons in the lead, 6-5, was Brendan Loftus with a goal at 7:23. After another goal by Cranston, Outlaw Matt Brown tied up the game with two goals, one of those on a power play. There to respond was Lalli and Greg Gurenlian of the Dragons.
With San Francisco ahead, 10-8, going into the second half, Langtry rounded out his previous two goals with a third to give him a hat trick. Quickly answering was Lalli, also for his third goal. Brown recorded two consecutive goals, followed by fellow teammate and former San Francisco Dragon Ryan Powell with a goal. Next came two goals for both teams, with San Francisco’s Lewis Ratcliff scoring both for the Dragons. After a goal by Langtry with less than 20 second left in the third, Geoff Snider won the face-off for the Outlaws and proceeded to get the ball past Dragon goalie Matt Vallone making the score 17-13 for the Outlaws.
Finishing out the game, the teams traded two goals each starting with Denver’s Jeff Sonke. Lalli scored his fifth goal of the night making him the Dragons’ leading scorer. Brendan Mundorf of the Outlaws finished off his night with a hat trick with 5:32 to play. Following him, Byrne scored a 2-point goal rounding out the score, 19-16.
Outlaws’ Jesse Schwartzman had fourteen saves and Vallone recorded sixteen.
BALTIMORE - US Lacrosse has announced the list of players who have advanced to the second round of tryouts for the U.S. women’s national team. 83 from an original pool of 220 have been asked to return August 1-3 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for the second round of tryouts. The first round of tryouts was held over Memorial Day weekend at the US Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament at St. Paul’s School.
Players are trying out for a spot on the U.S. women’s elite and developmental teams. From those two teams, the final roster for the U.S. women’s national team that will compete in the 2009 World Cup will be picked. The 2009 International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations’ World Cup takes place in Prague, Czech Republic, June 18-27, 2009.
The Denver Outlaws (3-1) will host the San Francisco Dragons(1-2) on Saturday June 14th. The Dragons come in with a less experienced team than in 2007, with the Outlaws reaping the benefits.
The Outlaws acquired two Dragons in the offseason, attackman Ryan Powell and midfielder Nate Watkins. Powell is having a monster season so far tallying 11 points and Watkins is a major contributor on the defensive side of the field. These two along with the other Outlaws are looking to keep the momentum going after the big road win at Los Angeles last weekend.
The Dragons will look to slow down the potent Outlaw offense led by Ryan Powell (3g, 8a), Brian Langtry (8g, 11a), and Matt Brown (11g, 1a). Game time is at 7:00 at INVESCO Field at Mile High, call 303-OUTLAWS for tickets.
Saturday 7:00 pm at INVESCO Field at Mile High
DENVER—June 13, 2008—Tomorrow night the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse return to INVESCO Field at Mile High to play the San Francisco Dragons at 7:00 pm. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Network-Rocky Mountain on Sunday at 12:30 pm and again on Thursday, June 19th at 11:30 pm.
Prior to the game, the stadium will be filled with lacrosse fans for the Qdoba Mini Lax Jam 2008. Teams of three people of all ages will play in a round robin format tournament and win prizes from the Outlaws and Qdoba Mexican Grill. The Outlaws postgame party is at the Celtic Tavern at 1801 Blake St.
With the first of three meetings against San Francisco, the Outlaws look to improve their home game record to 3-0. The second meeting against the Dragons will also be in Denver on the 4th of July where a fireworks show will commence after the game. Following the MLL All-Star Game in Denver on July 17th, the Outlaws will head west to San Francisco on the 19th for the last of the regular season games between these two powerhouses.
Currently, the Denver Outlaws lead the Western Conference with a record of 3-1, while the San Francisco Dragons hold a 1-2 record. Although history does not bode well for Denver when playing the Dragons (3-4 overall), San Francisco comes in with a less experienced team than in 2007, with the Outlaws reaping the benefits.
The Outlaws acquired two Dragons in the offseason, attackman Ryan Powell and midfielder Nate Watkins. Powell is having a monster season so far tallying 11 points and surpassing his brother Casey for career assists with 165 making him second in the record books. Watkins is a major contributor on the defensive side of the field having picked up 11 groundballs already. These two along with the other Outlaws are looking to keep the momentum going after the big road win at Los Angeles last weekend.
The Dragons come into the game after last weekend’s overtime win against Chicago. In his first professional game, midfielder and first-round draft pick Mike Podgajny scored the game winning goal giving San Francisco their first win of the season. Leading San Francisco are Jake Byrne with 10 pts, and Tim Booth recording 9 pts.
Look for the Outlaws to play at home the following Saturday, June 21st against the Chicago Machine. This will be the first of three meetings between these Western Conference teams.
Call 303-OUTLAWS for ticket information. Single game tickets start at $8 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The complete 2008 MLL Schedule can be viewed at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/statistics/leagueschedule/.
ROUND ‘EM UP
Leader of the pack: Midfielder Brian Langtry is currently in second place in overall MLL scoring with 21 points. Only three points ahead of Langtry is John Grant, Jr. of the Rochester Rattlers.
Stayin’ local: The Outlaws have four players who graduated from the University of Denver: Geoff Snider (06), Matt Brown (’05), Tom Ethington (’02) and Ryan Zordani (’07).
Amazing attacker: Since joining the Outlaws, Ryan Powell has averaged 5.5 pts per game. He is currently ranked second in career assists with 165.
Powerful power plays: The Outlaws are 6-8, or 75%, on the man-up and are killing off 75% of opponents’ man-up opportunities.
Hometown heroes: Matt Hanna and Brian Langtry both work in the education system. Hanna is the Director of Admissions and the Assistant Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Regis Jesuit High School. He also gives back to the community through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. Last summer he organized two summer lacrosse camps as fundraisers for cancer research. At the Challenge School (magnet) in Denver, Langtry is an humanities and lacrosse elective teacher.
Go ‘green’ or go home: Partnering with Esurance, the Denver Outlaws collect recyclable items during every game. The Outlaws also will be planting more trees around INVESCO Field at Mile High adding to the oxygen in the air and the beauty of the stadium.
From the box to the field: Nine of the Outlaws play for the National Lacrosse League, an indoor professional lacrosse league. The Colorado Mammoth reaps the benefits with five of those nine playing for them during the MLL offseason: Josh Sims, Brian Langtry, Matt Brown, Tom Ethington and Nick Carlson. Scattered throughout the rest of the NLL are: Ryan Powell (Portland LumberJax), Brendan Mundorf (New York Titans), Geoff Snider (Philadelphia Wings), and Drew Westervelt (Philadelphia Wings).
A part of history: Former Outlaws Midfielder Mike Law will be inducted into the University of Denver’s Hall of Fame on October 23rd. Law played for the Outlaws their inaugural season (2006) and in 2007, as well as for the Colorado Mammoth. Some would argue that Law is the best lacrosse player to come out of Colorado, attending Regis Jesuit High School. He was DU’s first lacrosse honorable mention All-American.
– www.DenverOutlaws.com –
About the Denver Outlaws
Part of Major League Lacrosse’s 2006 western expansion, the Outlaws have made the playoffs in each of their two seasons and have led the league in attendance, averaging over 11,000 attendees per game. INVESCO Field at Mile High will host the MLL All-Star Game on July 17th.The organization is managed by Edge Sports & Entertainment – a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Denver Broncos Football Club. Outlaws 2008 season tickets are available now. For more information, contact the Outlaws ticket office at (720) 258-3600 or visit www.DenverOutlaws.com.
About Edge Sports & Entertainment
Created in 2005, Edge Sports & Entertainment is a full-service event sports and entertainment company focused on the development of live events, event production, and broadcast. Edge Sports & Entertainment is owned by Pat Bowlen.
About Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse, a ten-team professional outdoor lacrosse league, was founded in 1999 by fitness entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld, CEO of Body by Jake Global L.L.C., and founding partners Dave Morrow, a former champion lacrosse player and now CEO of Warrior Lacrosse, a leading global provider of innovative and high performance lacrosse equipment; and Timothy B. Robertson, former CEO of The Family Channel and the current chairman of Bay Shore Enterprises, L.L.C., an investment holding company with activities in international media and Internet technology ventures. The MLL commenced play in June of 2001. The MLL is comprised of two conferences. The Eastern Conference contains the original six teams, Baltimore, Boston, Long Island, (Montclair) New Jersey, Philadelphia and Rochester. The Western Conference debuted in the 2006 season with MLL expansion franchises Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additional league information can be found at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.
