Boulder, CO (Sept. 4, 2008) - The University of Colorado Men’s Lacrosse team ended their first week of tryouts on Thursday, leaving the coaching staff to spend a long night deciding who will continue on for a second week.

The incoming class is composed mainly of recruited and walk-on freshmen, but includes a handful of transfers from excellent lacrosse programs such as Canisius College, University of Denver, St. Johns University (NY), and the former Butler University program. Players buzzed with the excitement of being in a new place and the possibility of representing CU, a premier program.

Nick Kupcewicz comes to Colorado over Bryant College, an NCAA Division 1 lacrosse program in Rhode Island. “There are more kids here, and it’s a great school. Tryouts are going really well so far.”

A common topic of discussion among players was the challenge of playing at altitude. The Colorado campus sits at just over 5,300 feet, and this is a factor that will give the Buffs a fitness advantage over teams outside the Rocky Mountains.

“Yeah, a lot,” Kupcewicz replied when the Atlanta native was asked if he was feeling the thin air.

Watching from the sideline was Ryan Emerson, the freshman brother of CU Captain Mike Emerson. Ryan spent the final two days of tryouts with a bruised knee. While he should be recovered for next week’s tryouts, he has an optimistic outlook for the incoming class. “There are some bigger guys trying out this year, which is always a plus, and I am excited to be playing at the same school as my brother again. But it’s tough not to be out there right now.”

For the record, the brothers from Park City, Utah should have no trouble breathing in Boulder, as their hometown boasts an elevation of 6,980 feet.

Colorado continues its second week of tryouts on Tuesday, September 9th, when invited players will be joined by returning players. The final fall roster will be announced on Friday, September 12th.

Coaching Staff Adds One
David Leach will be making his collegiate debut as an Assistant Coach. He graduated from Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado in 2004 as a 3-time all-conference midfielder, and comes to the Buffalo program with 11 years playing and coaching experience.

Leach joins 7th year Head Coach John Galvin, as well as 5th year, recently promoted, Associate Head Coach Peter McGraw and Assistant Coach Patrick Janson.