Archive for October 3rd, 2008

Denver Men’s Lacrosse Visits Stedman Elementary

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The Pioneers coached two 50+ groups of fourth and fifth graders in the basics of lacrosse

DENVER – The University of Denver men’s lacrosse team visited Stedman Elementary Friday morning as part of their commitment to the community. The Pioneers have partnered with Denver City Lax, a Colorado non-profit organization that provides an athletic-based educational program to underserved inner-city neighborhoods in the Denver metro area.

“I think taking part in Denver City Lax is an outstanding opportunity for the men’s lacrosse team to get active in our community and make a difference,” said head coach Jamie Munro. “The program provides a positive educational influence for children, while at the same time getting them active in the sport of lacrosse.”

The event began at 9 a.m. as the first group of approximately 50 fourth and fifth graders joined the Pioneers outside on the recreational field. The DU men’s lacrosse seniors got things started with quick presentations about the history of lacrosse, the rules, the different styles of lacrosse around the world and the type of equipment used.

Then each student was given a lacrosse stick and broken up into small groups to work with members of the DU men’s lacrosse team. Each student learned the basics on how to hold a lacrosse stick, how to pick up a ground ball and how to catch and toss.

The fun continued as the Pioneers set up a relay race for their individual groups to participate in, incorporating the techniques that they had just learned and practiced. Before heading back to class for the rest of the day, the students were divided into two groups and were given the chance to score against DU’s top goalies.

Once the first group was on their way back to their studies, the next group of approximately 50 students was on their way out and the fun continued again.

The Pioneers will continue to work with Denver City Lax during the next few months to bring the sport of lacrosse to the community and educate young students on the benefits of staying active.

Former Dartmouth AA Joins DU Women’s Lacrosse Staff

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DENVER - Former Dartmouth University standout goalkeeper Devon Willis has joined the Pioneers coaching staff as a volunteer assistant, head women’s lacrosse coach Liza Kelly announced today.

“We are very fortunate to have Devon join the coaching staff for the 2008-2009 school year,” Kelly said. “Devon is an incredible player and a terrific coach. She brings a wealth of knowledge from both Dartmouth and her experiences with the U.S. Team. I expect to see our defense flourish under Devon and Tara Singleton’s guidance.”

Willis joins the Pioneers staff after two years spent coaching at her alma-mater, where she served as defense and recruiting coordinator. While at Dartmouth, Willis founded the Dartmouth Winter Lacrosse Camp. Willis has also been a co-director of the Classic Elite Lacrosse Camps.

During her time playing for the Big Green from 2003-06, Willis was a three-time All-American and four-time All-Ivy League performer. In 2006, Willis led the NCAA in goals against average while leading Dartmouth to the NCAA championship game. In 2003 Willis was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year.

In addition to Dartmouth, Willis also competed for the U.S. National Team and the 2008 Prague Touring Team. As a result of her many accomplishments, Willis was named the 2006 Colorado Sportswoman of the Year.

Willis grew up in Denver. She attended high school at Colorado Academy, graduating in 2002.

Buffs anticipate early season showdown with CSU

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By Scott Cunnigham (Colorado Lacrosse)

As the first chill of fall rolls off of the Flatirons and the first fallen leaves grace the turf of Kittredge Field, the 2008-09 edition of the University of Colorado Men’s Lacrosse team goes through their final preparations before facing their first test of the adolescent fall season. And what a test it should be.

Friday evening, the Buffaloes will be hosting archrival Colorado State University under the lights at Kittredge Field. And although the schedule says this is an exhibition game, the Buffs are not just playing to shake out the early season kinks and develop the young talent. Players and coaches understand that mistakes will be made in their first game of 2008-09, but they are playing to win.

“It is obviously important that we get the new guys experience playing at this level and within this rivalry.” Says goalie Kevin Moriarty, who is sidelined until spring with a broken vertebra. “At the same time, we are taking this game very seriously. There is always a statement to be made playing CSU. Whenever we play them it is always our goal to beat them. We want to set the tone for the spring right away.”

It is important to note that this is a CU team that has not enjoyed much recent success against their rivals. Since 2006, the Buffs have an excellent record of 28-11 against opponents not from Fort Collins. The CU players who were freshman during the ‘06 season and are now seniors have never beaten the Rams, posting a 0-5 mark, including a heart-breaking 8-7 loss in the 2006 National Championship.

“We have only beaten them twice since I have been here,” Moriarty states. “But both of those times were fall exhibitions.”

There is optimism on the Colorado sideline, however.

Moriarty is one who is excited about the upcoming season. “They (incoming players) look excellent. There are a lot of new offensive players out there, and the offense looks 100 times better than last year. We didn’t lose anyone on defense and got some great new additions, which will no doubt help a lot.”

CU Captain Mike Emerson says this will finally be the year that the Buffaloes break through and solve the CSU puzzle. “We have a lot of really talented new guys with us this year. We filled a lot of holes on offense, and I think the time is now to prove we are the better team.”

This is only an exhibition game as far as team records and stats are concerned, sure. But to the team wearing black and gold, it is much more than that. There is not much to say when a team loses five straight to a bitter rival, and the Colorado Captain is a man of few words on the issue.

“There is definitely a statement to be made tomorrow night,” says Emerson. “We are done losing.”

Enough said.

DU Men’s Lacrosse to Host Alumni Event this Weekend

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The Pioneers invite men’s lacrosse alumni back to campus for annual Varsity vs. Alumni game

DENVER – The Denver men’s lacrosse team will host their annual Varsity vs. Alumni game this weekend at the Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium on the campus of the University of Denver.

Alumni are invited back to take part in the event which will feature a 1:30 p.m. game, followed by a late-afternoon reunion gathering at the Campus Lounge.

Last year, the varsity team defeated the alumni squad 12-5 as Ilija Gajic (Burnaby, B.C.) led the way for the Pioneers with four goals.

Charley Dickenson (Dallas, Texas) and Ryan Driver (Centennial, Colo.) added two goals apiece, while Cliff Smith (Surrey, B.C.), Jamie Lincoln (St. Catharine’s, Ontario) and now-graduated Jon Paulson (Flemington, N.J.) and Brett Koll (Fort Collins, Colo.) each netted a goal apiece.

For the alumni, assistant coach Matt Brown (2002-05) scored three goals while Greer Hanlon (2002-05) and Will Dawson (1998-99 and 2001) added a goal each.

Professional lacrosse players Cory Vann (2001-04), Tom Ethington (1999-2002), Scott Davidson (2002-05), Adam Goodwin (2003-06) played in the game as well as former volunteer assistant coach Bart Sullivan (2003-06).

For more information about this weekend’s events, contact the men’s lacrosse office at (303) 871-4347.