Checkmate Black make Rhinos look like childs play

Ronkonkoma, NY--Written off the last month, the resurgent Checkmate Black are making a strong playoff push.

Greg Giampaolo had two penalties and one ground ball, Doug Fresh had one goal on a broken play and Checkmate Black beat the struggling Rhinos 21-15 last Thursday night for their third straight victory.

Checkmate Black (6-1) remained a half-game behind Good and Tender Meats in the race for the top playoff spot at CIS. They have to win their last game and need Good and Tender to lose their last game to secure the top spot.

"We put everything together and we're playing some pretty good ball right now", said midfielder Greg Giampaolo, who set a team record by playing in his 181st game with Checkmate. " We are a very, very confident group and we're looking forward to this next game."

The Rhinos (3-4) have lost three of their last four games. At least they finally played better in transition creating opportunities for themselves on both sides of the field. The Rhinos, who couldn't ride or clear the previous three games could be looking for a new coach to replace Kevin "Bagger Vance" Morris after the season.

"Our guys tried but I don't think we have enough ammunition to match up with them," team captain 'Broadway' Brett Jeffares said. " We fought in there defensively. We gave up some easy goals and got some turnovers. We were ineffective finding the back of the net."

Despite scoring first with a quick goal, the Rhinos soon relinquished their lead and trailed the rest of the game. Down 12-7 at halftime they couldn't close the gap down the stretch.

The Rhinos' Nick Marks ('Wogue '99) scored his second hat trick of the season and Brian Davis (Southampton '94) padded his stats by adding four goals and two assists. Adam "The Israeli Assassin" added two more for the Rhinos. Jacobs miss-fired on two more would be goals. " I made two mistakes that cost us pretty good,” the Assassin said. “I can’t put the defense in that spot."

Since his benching two week ago, Giampaolo has played like the guy who won five Jerry's kids awards and led Checkmate Black to four consecutive St. Mary's School for the Blind Lacrosse Championships. He has five ground balls and ten penalties in the last three games. His shot percentage is zero.

"He's playing confident, he's being aggressive with the ball and he's managing the game well," teammate and fellow midfielder Doug Fresh said.

Giampoalo came out firing in the first half, missing all five shots on the opening possession, including a wide open shot a point blank range.

In the second half, Doug "Doug E. Fresh" DeRosa stepped in front of a Steve Maloney pass intended for "Broadway" Brett Jeffares and raced ten yards for a goal to make it 17-12.

It was the first goal this season for Doug Fresh, who just agreed in terms to playing with Checkmate for the next six years. " It was definitely overdue", Doug said. " I dropped a couple of passes. It was time to finally get one. I'm sick of Giampaolo taking all the credit."

Glenn Mattson (Marist '92) defensive standout for Checkmate constantly harassed the Rhino attackmen throughout the evening, holding the Rhinos to less than ten goals per half.

Notes: Checkmate improved to 10-2 in December dating back to 2006..Rhinos' Scott Ferguson scored is 51st goal, setting a single-season team record(two on the night).....Rhinos have lost four or more games in four seasons of play (2 indoor, 2 outdoor)....D Jim Laura(wedding plans), M Scott Fitzgerald(sniffles) and M Rob Martin(bruised ego) sat out for the Rhinos.

More news from the MLL draft

This just in.... Chris Atwell (Fairfield '08, Loomis '04), defensemen and team captain has been selected by the Boston Cannons. The Cannons are looking to improve a porous defense and improve on their 2008 lackluster 7-5 record. Atwell is rumored to be working somewhere on Wall St. with former Loomis alum/teammate and deadhead Joe Cortese. Unlike Atwell's success at the collegiate level, Cortese rode the pine at Trinity College.

2009 SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT RESULTS

The 2009 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Supplemental Draft was conducted via conference call yesterday afternoon, according to MLL Commissioner David Gross. The draft, which began at 2 PM ET and consisted of seven rounds, lasted until approximately 2:45 PM ET.
On Monday, MLL announced that the Chicago Machine would forfeit the first overall pick due to a training camp violation which took place prior to the 2008 season. Therefore, the San Francisco Dragons made the first pick in this year’s Supplemental Draft and selected defenseman Sean McCarthy. A 2006 graduate of Hofstra University, McCarthy was an honorable mention All-American and first team All-CAA selection as a senior. McCarthy has played with the Outlaws, having been selected by Denver with the 43rd overall pick in the 2006 MLL Collegiate Draft.
With the next selection, the Washington Bayhawks took midfielder Charles “Chas” Gessner, a two-year captain of the lacrosse team while playing for Brown University. Gessner, who graduated in 2003 and was also a standout football player in college, has played wide-receiver for several NFL teams including the New England Patriots and New York Jets. He most recently played for the Orlando Predators of the AFL.
The Long Island Lizards chose defenseman Ricky Pages with the next pick. A long stick midfielder at Ohio State, Pages was a 2008 Face-Off Yearbook Preseason All-American Honorable Mention selection prior to his senior season. He was also awarded the co-Defensive MVP award for the Buckeyes in both his sophomore and junior seasons. He graduated in 2008.
The New Jersey Pride then selected Steve Ammann, midfielder from the University of Albany. In July, the 2008 graduate was honored as the America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in men’s lacrosse for this past academic year. He was also a second-team all-conference midfielder for the second year in a row, and was fourth on the squad in scoring. Michael Ammann, Steve’s brother and fellow UAlbany midfielder, was also selected by the Pride in the fifth round. Michael also graduated in 2008.
In addition to several promising recent graduates, a number of veteran MLL players were also taken during Wednesday’s Supplemental Draft including midfielders Joe Yevoli, Brad Heritage, A.J. Shannon, Kyle Dowd, Benjamin Grinnell, Devon Britts, and Chris Colliniates. Yevoli, who began his MLL career with the Dragons in 2006 before spending the past two seasons as a member of the New Jersey Pride, was taken by San Francisco with the 12th overall pick. Shannon was selected by the New Jersey Pride with the 25th selection. He spent his three MLL seasons with the Rochester Rattlers before appearing in four games last season for the Boston Cannons.
Earlier this offseason, the Long Island Lizards released goaltenders Dan Loftus and Nick Murtha after each struggled between the pipes for the Lizards. Long Island reacquired Loftus with the 44th pick, before selecting goaltender Stefan Schroder, a 2008 Ohio State graduate at the 54th slot.
The only other goalie selected was Bruce Bickford, a 2008 graduate of Drexel University. Bickford was chosen by the Philadelphia Barrage with the 67th pick.
The San Francisco Dragons and Rochester Rattlers held the most picks with eight (8) selections each.Teams whose rosters were less than thirty (30) players at the conclusion of the Supplemental Draft were then eligible to select additional players to bring their rosters up to thirty. The Chicago Machine, Washington Bayhawks, and Boston Cannons each made one selection from the Player Pool. The Machine selected midfielder Pat Hogan, a 2003 graduate of Syracuse University and former member of the Boston Cannons and Chicago Machine; the Bayhawks selected attackman Mike Phipps, a 2007 graduate of the University of Maryland; and the Cannons selected midfielder Thomas Jackson, a 2008 graduate of Amherst College.
Beginning on Thursday, December 11th at 12:00 PM ET, teams may claim players remaining in the Player Pool in order to bring their Pre-Season Active Roster count to thirty-five (35) players. MLL teams may also conduct one open tryout prior to April 12, 2009. The 2009 MLL season is set to begin on Saturday, May 16th.

New tournament is arriving late spring '09

warontheshorelax.com

Jesters crushed again courtesy of Rhinos

Rich Nessim, pictured here, frowns after losing to Rhinos and bruising his beer belly

Ronkonkoma, NY--The Rhinos finally looked like world-beaters. Brett Jeffares scored two goals against his favorite punching bag and Rob Martin had three goals and two assists including one to Scott Fitzgerald, to give the Rhinos a 28-20 victory against the LI Jesters on Thursday night.

It was the Rhinos' 11th straight win over their arch rivals in a series dating back to the birth of lacrosse play at CIS in 2006.

The Rhinos (3-3) snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the second time in five games. Once considered favorites to win the CIS Fall '08 Championship, they're still going to need a miracle to reach the playoffs. They trail Schlitz Faced by 2 games in the standings.

"It's a win and we take it no further than that," captain "Broadway" Brett Jeffares said.

"We don't want to make it more than it really is. It's one win; we got three games to go with two tough games. But it was a good confidence boost."


The Rhinos rebounding with such a fine showing didn’t surprise offensive star Scott Ferguson (Oswego '99) . The former All-American had six goals and six assists on the night. "We got a real good group of guys here that have a lot of pride and play for one another and I think that is evident when you are 2-3 and play with the energy and excitement and the care for one another that we did.”

The Rhinos were down 12-7 at the half. However in a momentum shifting series of plays to start the half, Jester's midfielder Rich Nessim was stripped twice by Scott Fitzgerald. Nessim also lost his stick on one of the checks, leading to 3 quick points for the Rhinos. Nessim was knocked down and didn't get up after getting stripped for the second time and was later taken to the locker room on a cart with an injured ankle and a bruised beer belly.

Tom " The God Father" Brazell tried to replace Nessim's intensity at the start of the second half. After dishing out an assist he was shut down by Rob Stossel until late in the game where managed another assist on a garbage time goal.

The Jester's (1-5) reached another losing record for the sixth straight year. They are 3-89 since being routed by Team HLL and former Checkmate coach Kevin Morris in the Cantiague Lacrosse Championship in Hicksville on August 15, 2003.


Martin's third goal of the night midway through the second half was the 7th of his brilliant two-year career.


A major milestone was reached when Rhinos' midfielder Scottie Fitz scored his goal early in the first half. It was the first of his illustrious career and was received with great fanfare by his teammates. “We’re excited to finally get back on track,” Scottie said. “It’s taken a while. We’ve had to go through a lot of ups and downs.”

Good and Tender Meats mince Rhinos 25-14

Ronkonkoma, NY-- In Tuesday night play at Center Island Sports, Good and Tender Meats (5-0)remained undefeated and handed the skidding Rhinos (2-3) their third loss in as many games.

The Meats led for the majority of the contest. They had a modest lead early in the first half at which one point the Rhinos managed to tie the contest at 6-6. However, Meats pulled ahead 12-7 to end the half.

Second half action saw the Meats turn their level of play up a notch scoring an additional 13 goals. The Meats destroyed the Rhinos in the transition game, like Jay Cutler's Broncos picking apart the New York Jets' secondary. Rhinos players often looked confused and clueless as they watched ground balls roll right past them, substituted instead of playing defense (in transition), stood still on offense, and played matador defense.

In set defensive sets the Rhino Close-d led by Kenny "The Marine" Costa, played great despite having their hands full. The unit surrendered one goal if that. Again, most if not all of the Meats goals came in transition and unsettled situations.

Despite the Rhinos' offensive struggles their where a few bright spots that are worth mentioning Scott Ferguson, Brett Jeffares, Chris Amplo and last but not least Rob Martin. Martin has increased his goal scoring by 400% from the previous indoor season. He has has four goals in five games. Rob's recent success is attributed to a sharp decline in Marlboro Reds and his partaking of Bikram yoga.

In other action on Tuesday night Remnants defeated Bruno's 18-14. The Remnants improve to 2-3 on the season while Bruno's Detroit Lion-esquely remain win-less at 0-5. This win for the Remnant's sets the stage for next weeks highly anticipated match-up versus the Rhinos. The Remnants are looking to avenge a 8-7 overtime loss suffered June 17, 2008 to the Rhinos in Nor'easter lacrosse play and controversial comments posted on LI Lax Blog about their play.

Former UVa Star Will Barrow Found Dead

Will Barrow, a captain and key player on the University of Virginia's lacrosse team from 2005 through 2008, was found dead in his apartment on Saturday. Although no official details have been provided as yet, foul play is not suspected. Barrow was considered a top defensive midfielder, and this past spring he helped the Cavaliers advance to the semifinals of the NCAA tournament, where they lost to Syracuse in a thrilling double overtime match. In his 63 games at Virginia, he scored 18 goals and assisted on seven others.

Former Syracuse University great Tom Marechek going into hall of fame

Syracuse. NY -- This just in from Mike Morrison, the men's lacrosse contact at Syracuse University:
Syracuse lacrosse great Tom Marechek (1989-92) will be enshrined in the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame this weekend. The induction ceremony will begin at 7:15 p.m. on Saturday at the Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley, Md. Marechek, a four-time All-American, was a member of two national championship teams (1989, 1990) with the Orange.
Marechek joins Roberta Brennan (Boston Women's Lacrosse Association/U.S. National Team), Lynn Craun (James Madison '75), Pat Dillon (Towson '72), Chris Sailer (Harvard '81), Virginia head coach Dom Starsia (Brown '74), George Tracy (Navy '63) and Dick Watts (Johns Hopkins '56) as part of the 2008 Hall of Fame class.
Marechek etched his name SU record books, earning first-team All-America accolades three times in the course of his storied collegiate career. He still ranks second in career goals (182) and seventh in career points (258). Marechek recorded two of the top goal-scoring seasons in school history. He tallied 53 goals in 1991, the fourth-best season total at Syracuse, and he scored 47 in 1992 which is tied for 10th on the Orange's single-season list.
While at Syracuse, Marechek, a native of Victoria, British Columbia, and the Gait brothers - Gary and Paul - were tabbed the "Canadian Connection." Marechek was a four-time member of the Canadian National Team and earned an International Lacrosse Federation All-World Team distinction in 1998.
As a professional, Marechek played 12 seasons with the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League, earning eight All-Pro honors, winning four league championships and retiring as the league's third all-time leading scorer with 773 points. He became the first Wings player to have his jersey number retired by the organization. In addition, Marechek played seven seasons of Major League Lacrosse with the former Baltimore Bayhawks and was a four-time all-star. He also won two league championships.
The National Lacrosse Hall of Fame was established in 1957 to honor men and women, past and present, whose contributions to the game of lacrosse were significant, both on and off the playing field. More than 325 lacrosse greats are honored in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, which is housed in the Lacrosse Museum at U.S. Lacrosse Headquarters in Baltimore.
Marechek is the 21st person with ties to the SU lacrosse program to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

NCAA 2010 Head Spec Update

The National College Athletics Association’s announcement of new stick specifications to be implemented in 2010 caused much debate within the lacrosse world. Since the Men’s Lacrosse Rules Committee made its decision in February, many questions and concerns have emerged regarding the equipment modification.
Beginning January 1, 2010, all lacrosse stick heads used in NCAA play must meet a new set of dimensions, according to an NCAA press release referring to the rule change. Measuring from the throat up, at the 1.25-inch, and 3-inch marks the stick must be 3 inches wide. At the 5-inch mark, the stick must be 3.5-4 inches wide on that front and 3.5 inches wide on the back. At the head’s widest point, it must be 6-6.5 inches on the front, and 6 inches on the back. All of these measurements are minimum dimensions, so heads may exceed theses specifications and be wider, but they may not be more narrow.
The change was made to promote the free dislodgement of the ball, said Ty Halpin, the NCAA’s associate director of rules administration. The hope is to even the playing field between offensive and defensive players some.
“It’s much harder than it used to be to get the ball out,” Halpin said. “We don’t want it to be because of the equipment…It certainly makes sense that if you widen the opening of the crosse the ball will come out more easily…The other key piece is balancing offense and defense in the game.”
The NCAA hopes to also promote safety with the new rule, Halpin said. If it is easier for a defender to dislodge the ball, then he wont have to be as forceful while checking the attacking player, decreasing relentless slashing in pursuit of the ball or just from frustration.
Warrior Sports announced in September a lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging many of the NCAA Rules Committee’s claims and hoping to prevent the new specifications from going into effect in 2010.
Warrior contends that the NCAA produced little data supporting the theory that a wider head would promote freer dislodgement of the ball, said Tom Burns, a Warrior product manager. The company was also alarmed that this was the third rule change since 2007 involving sticks. Retooling and redesigning for the production of new heads to meet these specifications will be an expensive and time consuming process that Warrior feels is an unfair burden.
“The majority of heads that we’ve studied in the market do not comply to 2010 standards,” Burns said. “This rule impacts everyone in the industry.”
With so much uncertainty surrounding the new specs, consumers have been left in a quandary over the legality of current equipment, Burns said.
“One of the big things with this 2010 rule is just the amount of confusion out there,” Burns said.
That uncertainty begins to clear as more leagues and governing bodies vote on the adoption of these rules. While the NCAA’s ruling will affect all varsity collegiate programs, the trickle down to the high school level might not be that dramatic.
“The revised stick specifications adopted by the NCAA do not apply to the high school level as the [National Federation of State High School Associations] has adopted no changes in stick specifications,” said Kent Summers, the assistant director of NFHS. “Thus, lacrosse played using NFHS lacrosse rules will be unaffected by the NCAA rule change…We have discussed it the past two years, and they did not favor the revision on either occasion.”
According to a survey conducted by NFHS of state associations from 2006-2007, 71,524 boys played high school lacrosse at 1,588 schools in 22 states that participate with NFHS. According to US Lacrosse’s numbers from 2007, nearly 120,000 boys play high school lacrosse. While they may not all be recognized or accounted for by the NFHS, most play under NFHS rule, so most players will not be affected by the change.
Some leagues that do not participate with NFHS rules follow NCAA rules instead, such as the highly touted Maryland Interscholastic Athletics Association. The MIAA has made no official decision yet, but they will likely stay on par with NCAA rules, said Bob Shriver, head coach of The Boys’ Latin School in Maryland.
“We will likely adopt the new rules,” Shriver said. “Our league, the MIAA, typically will adjust some of the NCAA rules to meet our particular concerns…We may not adopt a rule like that because of money implications. So, if the new stick rule is out, we may allow our kids a year or two to make the change so the financial impact isn’t so severe.”
If a league or association will adopt the rule, most will not make a concrete decision until meetings either following the 2008 season or preceding the 2009 season. But, if the NFHS maintains its decision not to adopt the new specifications, which it seems inclined to do, most high school boys will be able to continue using the same equipment through 2010.
Manufacturers are faced with a challenge and some tough decisions now when approaching the concerns of producing heads for 2010 NCAA play. Roughly 8,700 men play lacrosse in the NCAA at the DI, DII, or DIII level, according to statistics compiled through the lax.com database. Almost 2,400 of those players at the DI level, where many programs are sponsored and receive equipment for free or for a markedly reduced price. That leaves a very small market for manufacturers to pursue with 2010 NCAA sticks.
Weighing that against the much larger market of youth and high school players who can continue to use equipment manufacturers are currently producing, some companies may decide it is better to not make heads for 2010 NCAA play and focus on other markets.
“We don’t anticipate that happening,” Halpin said, “and in conversations with manufacturers, many have asked if a stick that meets 2010 specs would be allowed for use in play. That makes us think that some are planning to release 2010 sticks early.”
Despite Warriors objections to the new ruling, if it does remain in place, they intend on creating something to meet the new specifications, Burns said.
“Warrior will make sticks available to both sets of standards,” Burns said. How expansive of a line they explore for 2010 NCAA play will be a decision many manufacturers will need to make in the coming months.
States that have lacrosse programs recognized (and thus governed by) NFHS are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Misouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia

HOFSTRA ANNOUNCES 2009 MEN’S LACROSSE SCHEDULE

Hempstead, NY --
A 13-game schedule, that includes seven homes games as well as a key league game that is part of the Big City Classic tripleheader at Giants Stadium, highlights the 2009 Hofstra University Men's Lacrosse schedule announced Tuesday. In addition Hofstra will serve as the host for the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship Northern Quarterfinals on Saturday, May 16.

The Pride, who captured their 17th conference championship last May in thrilling overtime fashion to advance to their 14th NCAA Division I Championship Tournament, begin their 61st season of lacrosse on Saturday, February 21 at James M. Shuart Stadium at 1 p.m. against long-time-rival, the Minutemen of Massachusetts. It is the first of seven home games that will bring perennial national contenders, Princeton on March 14, and North Carolina on April 18, to Shuart Stadium. CAA championship contenders Drexel (April 8) and Villanova (April 25) as well as local-rival Stony Brook (April 21) will also make visits to Shuart Stadium.

Hofstra will make its first road appearance of the 2009 season on Saturday, February 28 when the Pride travels to Providence, Rhode Island to face Brown. The Bears, 11-3 last season, are one of the nine 2009 Hofstra opponents that posted winning records a year ago. Included in this road group are national finalist Johns Hopkins at Homewood Field on March 7, Army at Michie Stadium at West Point on March 24, as well as conference foes Sacred Heart (March 21) and Towson (April 11)."Coming off a thrilling 2008 season, we are excited about the challenges that our 2009 schedule will bring us," Hofstra's third-year coach Seth Tierney said. "Our plan is to build the program year-by-year and face the best competition that is available. As defending CAA champions we know that the target is on our back. But our team is anxiously awaiting the start of the season to defend that title and return to the NCAA Tournament in 2009."

The Pride was also expected to square off against perennial CAA contender Delaware on the road in 2009 but instead will face the Blue Hens as part of Inside Lacrosse's Big City Classic tripleheader at the 80,000-seat Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, April 4. Virginia and North Carolina will face-off in the first game, at noon. That game features teams who have won a combined eight NCAA titles. The second game will be Syracuse vs. Princeton at 2:30 p.m. Those teams have won a combined 16 titles. The third game features Hofstra and Delaware, at 5 p.m. Hofstra advanced to the NCAA Tournament last year. Delaware advanced to the final four in 2007. All six programs have entered into a two-year commitment for the Big City Classic.

"We are extremely excited to participate in the inaugural Big City Classic at Giants Stadium," Tierney stated. "We would like to thank Inside Lacrosse and the Meadowlands for all the work that went into putting this event together. With the six teams that are participating, it will surely be a great day of college lacrosse."

The 2009 regular season will conclude with the CAA Men's Lacrosse Championship Tournament with semifinals scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 at the higher seeds, and the title game slated for Saturday, May 2 at the higher advancing team's home stadium.

Stony Brook Announces 2009 Schedule

Feb. 21 VIRGINIA STONY BROOK 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 28 HARVARD STONY BROOK 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 4 LEHIGH STONY BROOK 4:00 p.m.
Mar. 7 at Siena Loudonville, N.Y. TBA
Mar. 14 DELAWARE STONY BROOK 1:00 p.m
Mar. 17 at Lafayette Easton, Pa. 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 21 at Denver Denver, Colo. TBA
Mar. 28 UMBC* STONY BROOK 2:30 p.m.
Apr. 4 at Vermont* Burlington, Vt. TBA
Apr. 11 at Hartford* West Hartford, Conn. 1:00 p.m.
Apr. 18 BINGHAMTON* STONY BROOK 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 21 at Hofstra Hempstead, N.Y. 7:00 p.m.
Apr. 25 ALBANY* STONY BROOK 7:00 p.m.
Apr.-May 30-1 at America East Championships

Rhino's get Sh_t -Faced!; fall to 2-2 on the season

Ronkonkoma, NY--In a see-saw battle that included a dozen lead changes, Schlitz Faced managed to sustain a late game rally to win the game 24-18. Schlitz Faced pulled away in the last six minutes of play and out-hustled the Rhinos in transition and on ground balls.

The Rhinos resorted to sloppy play that we haven't seen since the Winter '08 season at CIS. Hat's off to The Schlitz's defense. Their effort contributed to many Rhino turnovers, which included man-up possessions for the Rhinos.

Schlitz Faced made it look easy at times moving the rock up field and finding the open man.

The Rhinos wasted spectacular efforts by goalie Buckley and Mr. Amplo on defense. Amplo also scored a hatrick on the evening.

The Rhinos can salvage their season in part to a soft schedule the rest of the way. The remaining three games are against the respective doormats of the league: Jester's, Checkmate Black, and Remnants.

Next up for Schlitz Faced is Grey Dogs, followed by Checkmate Orange and Jester's.

Checkmate Orange upends Rhinos

Checkmate Orange pictured here as a lion, beats the Rhinos last thursday night at CIS. The Rhino in this picture is played by Scotty Fitz.

Incredulous! Rhinos fall to 2-1 on the season as Checkmate Orange (aka C.O.) improve to 2-1. Does anyone out there know what happened to the Rhinos here?

Update- Fall Indoor Lax @ CIS

Rhino Lacrosse is 2-0 after two weeks, double their entire win total from the Winter '08 season. They have arrived and are no longer the laughing stock of the league. The Rhinos have clobbered their last two victims Bruno's 20-15 and Grey Dogs (aka Gay Dogs) 24-8.

The Gay Dogs victory was the sweetest thus far for the Rhinos. The Gays were big on talk and little on game. Kudos to Buckley for holding his opponents to under 10 Gs, a rare feat for indoor play.

Rhinos see action tonight versus their nemesis Checkmate Orange. Scottie Fitz returns to the line-up for the Rhinos. Prediction: Rhinos 23 Checkmate 13.

Hofstra to play Giants Stadium

On Saturday, April 4, the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team will play Delaware at the Meadowlands as part of a three-game event called the Big City Classic.
The Pride will face the Fightin’ Blue Hens at 5 p.m., closing out a tripleheader that features Virginia-North Carolina at noon and Syracuse-Princeton at 2:30 p.m.
This is the first lacrosse event, to my knowledge, that will attempt to draw people from the New York metropolitan area to such a high-profile venue. It will be interesting to see how many fans from around the area show up. Similar doubleheader events have been held with success at the Baltimore Ravens’ stadium in Baltimore during the past two years.
The teams competing in this one are no slouches and, of course, include multiple players from Long Island. Syracuse is the defending national champion. Virginia made the final four last year. North Carolina is an ACC program on the up-and-up, and Princeton is always solid.
Delaware reached the national semis in 2007, and Hofstra made the NCAAs last year, getting bounced by Johns Hopkins in the first round.
All six programs have agreed to a two-year commitment to the event, according to its organizer, Inside Lacrosse.
Here's the rest of the Hofstra schedule...
2/21 UMass – 1 p.m.2/28 @ Brown – Noon3/7 @ Johns Hopkins – Noon3/14 Princeton – 1 p.m.3/21 @ Sacred Heart – 1 p.m.3/24 @ U.S. Military Academy – 7 p.m.3/28 Robert Morris – Noon4/4 Delaware (at Giants Stadium) – 5 p.m.4/8 Drexel – 7 p.m.4/11 @ Towson – 1 p.m.4/18 North Carolina – 7 p.m.4/21 Stony Brook – 7 p.m.4/25 Villanova – 7 p.m.

Nor'easter Schedule Summer 2008

Tuesday July 8
Sharks Wht Vs Sharks Red 8:30pm
Rhino Vs Brunos 9:30pm (Rhinos W)

Tuesday July 15
Gray Dogz Vs Sharks White 8:30pm
Checkmate Vs Sharks Red 9:30pm

Friday July 18
Sharks White Vs Checkmate 8:30pm
Sharks Red Vs Rhino 9:30pm (Rhinos W)

Tuesday July 22
Sharks Red Vs Brunos 8:30pm
Gray Dogz Vs Checkmate 9:30pm

Tuesday July 29
Checkmate Vs Sharks White 8:30pm
Rhino Vs Sharks Red 9:30pm

Friday Aug 1
Sharks Red Vs Gray Dogz 8:30pm
Checkmate Vs Rhino 9:30pm

Friday Aug 8
Sharks White Vs Brunos 8:30pm
Gray Dogz Vs Sharks Red 9:30pm

Tuesday Aug 12
Brunos Vs Gray Dogz 8:30pm
Rhino Vs Sharks White 9:30pm

Friday Aug 15
Checkmate Vs Brunos 8:30pm
Rhino Vs Gray Dogz 9:30pm

Tuesday Aug 19
Checkmate Vs Gray Dogz 8:30pm
Brunos Vs Sharks White 9:30pm

Friday Aug 22
Brunos Vs Rhino 8:30pm

Dragons fall to Outlaws, once again

SAN JOSE, CA. -- After being held to a franchise-low last week against the Los Angeles Riptide, the Denver Outlaws showed that they can rebound as they defeated the San Francisco Dragons by a 15-8 margin at Spartan Stadium on Saturday night.Matt Brown was named as the Bud Light MVP after scoring a game-high six goals while Brian Langtry added a “hat trick” with three goals.After setting an All-Star Game record with six goals on Thursday night, Ryan Powell helped in the Denver victory by scoring two goals with four assists.Lewis Ratcliff and Bill McGlone each scored twice to lead the Dragons in a losing effort.

Other news....

FAIRFIELD, CT. --Coach Ted Spencer has decided to retire after serving 13 seasons as Fairfield University's head men's lacrosse coach, and has accepted an administrative position as Associate Director of Athletics at the school. The change will allow Spencer to remain at the University while he continues to regain his health from his battle with cancer.
"I am pleased that Ted will remain part of the Fairfield athletics family by accepting the associate director of athletics position," Director of Athletics Gene Doris said. "I am grateful for his hard work and dedication that built our men's lacrosse program into a competitive and respected program both regionally and nationally. Ted's decision to retire from coaching was a difficult one, but I am sure he will bring the same vigor to his new position that has made him successful in everything he has done. This position has been in our athletics strategic plan and it became obvious that Ted is the right person to fill it. He will continue to have our support in his fight against cancer and will take some well earned time for himself before transitioning into his new role."
"This was a difficult choice for me, but in the end, I had to do what was best for me and my family," Spencer said. "I feel a strong commitment to the student athletes who I recruited this past spring and who will return for the 2009 season. In speaking with the team, I know that I have their support in making this change and I am thankful to have been associated with such a group of fine young men."
Spencer completed his 13th season at the helm of the Fairfield University lacrosse program in 2008 and owned a 93-90 overall record at the school. He coached the team during the spring despite undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer. The team finished the campaign with a 4-9 overall record and a 1-5 mark in its third season as a member of the ECAC Lacrosse League.
With Spencer at the helm, the Stags competed in two NCAA tournaments (2005 and 2002), as well as to two Great Western Lacrosse League (GWLL) titles. He was named the GWLL Coach of the Year in both of those seasons.
Before joining the GWLL, Spencer led the program to three Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) championships (1996-98). The program qualified for four straight ECAC tournament appearances from 1996-99, and captured the tourney title in 1998 and 1999. He was named the MAAC Coach of the Year in 1996.
Players have flourished under his guidance and three have earned All-American Honorable Mention honors. Seven continued their playing careers in Major League Lacrosse, including Greg Downing, Mike Bocklet, and Nate Bauers in 2007.
Spencer's new duties as associate director of athletics will include general athletic administrative oversight responsibilities and support of the athletic department's external relations including the support of student-athlete recruitment programs, representing the Director of Athletics at external functions, and working with the University's Advancement Division on development activities in support of Fairfield Athletics.
Doris said that the University will immediately begin a national search for the head men's lacrosse position.

Rhino Comeback Leads to Victory, 2-0 for the season

Holtsville, NY-- In their first Friday night action of the season, and a week and a half after pounding Bruno's(whose defense had more holes in it than a Tawaina Brawley cross-examination), the Rhinos' who were down 8-1 at the half against the Landsharks, charged back to win 11-10.

Rhino middie known as "Dez" basically carried the team on his back and scored so many of the Rhino goals that we had a hard time keeping count. Besides Dez, Brian Degenfelder standing in for Buckley, did an outstanding in the cage. It appeared that he became more confident and stronger as the game progressed. Also, hats off to the Close-D unit. They were light in numbers but hung in tough and held the Landsharks to a hat trick in the second half.

The Rhinos have seized sole possession of first place and are very much looking like favorites to runaway with the championship.

The Rhinos next summer league action is 7/29 @9:30 against the Sharks once again. But, the Rhinos will be making their first ever Greenport Tournament appearance this upcoming Sunday July 27th.

Listen Up Laxers, Christian Koehler Charity Event Sat. June 21st 1-8pm...see below

A Day For Christian”
Christian Koehler is a 9 year old Timber Point boy who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Please come help us support him and his family in their time of need.

When: Saturday, June 21st
Where: Lily Flanagan’s
Main Street in Islip, NY
More information as to time will follow.

Chinese Auction, 50/50 Raffles, and more!!!
Please come to help us help Christian fight!!

Volunteers or Anyone with Donations Please Call Andrea 631-650-1744 or email ajkraso@optonline.net

Monetary donations can be made to The Christian Koehler Fund, and sent to 150 Oceanside Street, Islip Terrace, N.Y. 11752.

Listen Up Laxers...see below

“A Day For Christian”










Christian Koehler is a 9 year old Timber Point boy (and youth lacrosse player) who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Please come help us support him and his family in their time of need.

When: Saturday, June 21st
Where: Lily Flanagan’s
Main Street in Islip, NY
More information as to time will follow.

Chinese Auction, 50/50 Raffles, and more!!!
Please come to help us help Christian fight!!

Volunteers or Anyone with Donations Please Call Andrea 631-650-1744 or email ajkraso@optonline.net

Monetary donations can be made to The Christian Koehler Fund, and sent to 150 Oceanside Street, Islip Terrace, N.Y. 11752.

Outlaws Lasso Dragons for Division Win, 19-16

Denver, CO--Overcoming a halftime deficit and all-star performances from San Francisco goalie Matt Vallone and rookie attackman Matt Lalli, the Outlaws used a balance scoring attack to down the Dragons Saturday night in Denver, 19-16.
The home team got off to a very quick start, rattling off four unanswered goals, two from the league’s second-leading scorer, Brian Langtry, as well as a two-point tally off the stick of midfielder Matt Hanna (2 [1-2 pointer], 1). This led the Outlaws to a commanding 5-0 advantage before attackman Jake Byrne (3 [1-2 pointer], 1) finally broke the ice 10 minutes into the game and brought the Dragons within four to closeout the first quarter. From there, it was all San Fran as they went on a run of their own, six unanswered goals in just under nine minutes, to take a 7-5 lead, and keep Denver off the board for exactly 15 minutes. The Rookie combo of Lalli (Colgate) (5, 0) and midfielder Ryan Cranston (Lynchburg) (2, 2) each produced two goals during the stretch, and Byrne netted his second as well.
It wasn’t for a lack of effort or opportunities that Denver failed to score during the Dragon resurgence, but the stellar play of Vallone (16 Saves, 18 GA), that was the difference. On his way to dramatically outplaying his counterpart, Jesse Schwartzman (11 Saves, 15 GA), Vallone made several mind-boggling saves in the second stanza, most notably robbing attackman Matt Brown (4, 0) multiple times.
On one particular play, Brown, one of the league’s best finishers – his .625 shooting percentage is seven thousandths of a point less than league-leader and fellow Canadian, Rochester’s Jeff Zywicki (.632), with Brown scoring three more goals – caught a pass right on the doorstep before Vallone took over from there. Running toward the cage, Brown threw a fake high while tiptoeing the crease, then pumped low, which dropped Vallone to his knees, and then attempted his shot up high. Vallone, with an absolute last gasp at making the save, thrust his stick upward and shut the door on Brown.
If it wasn’t the league’s save of the year thus far, it is certainly in the Top-3. Vallone went on to do this, or something very similar, at least four more times in the game – three of which were again on Brown – and really kept the Dragons in the hunt for the upset road victory.
The teams would trade a few goals each from there, Brown with two of his four for Denver, another from Lalli, one each for Jeff Sonke (2, 1) and Lewis Ratcliff (3, 0), and a rare score by Dragon face-off specialist Greg Gurenlian.
Gurenlian (19-36) took the draw against Geoff Snider (17-37), won it forward for a fast break, and literally walked in for a jump shot that zipped past Schwartzman, stick side low. San Fran up 10-8 at the break.
Langtry (4, 2), MVP of the game for already the second time this season, immediately came out firing to nail his third of the night on a time-and-room ripper right out of the gates. Lalli would answer only 10 seconds later, but Denver would prove to have too many weapons.
Brown kicked off the first of two 4-0 runs for the Outlaws, runs in which seven different players would score, including Ryan Powell (1, 2) for his first and only goal against his former team. The 9-3 sprint to the final period, and 11-6 advantage through four would seal the game for Denver, as the over 9,300 in the stands bore yet another victory at home for the Outlaws. The win improves Denver to (4-1) on the season. They will put their undefeated (3-0) conference record on the line this upcoming weekend when they host Chicago Saturday, June 21 at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Meanwhile, San Francisco has had a forgettable start to the season at (1-3), with their lone win coming in a one-goal contest against the lowly Machine at home last weekend. However, with the addition of some young, talented players through the draft, the Dragons are excited for what lies ahead, starting with the upstart Pride in New Jersey this weekend.

Super-Charged Rhinos Victorious Over Remnants, 8-7 in OT

Holtsville, NY--Led by attackman Bryan Davis, The Rhinos scored 5 unanswered goals in the last few minutes of play including one in overtime, to bury the Remnants, thus avenging week one's forfeit loss. Davis had two goals including the game winner in OT. The Rhinos D and their goalie only allowed one goal during the entire second half. Their middies ran the Remnants off of the field. The Rhino's face-off specialist destroyed the Remnants FOGO Cliff Sinert, by winning over 90% of them. The Remnants wasted solid play by goal-keeper Keith Huber. Huber who is looking to return to his 1985 East Islip MVP form, had numerous stuffs at point-blank range and did a tremendous job of clearing and also quarterbacking the defensive unit. However, one man could do only so much. The defensive and midfield units were riddled with stupid penalties and sloppy plays. In fact, the only time the Remnants were able to score in the second half was on a freak play. Rhino D-Man Jim Laura helicoptered an opponent's stick and the ball miraculously landed in the stick of a wide open teammate who put it away. Bystanders observing the Remnant's' collapse called it "a self-imposed embarrassment and mockery of the sport".

The top four teams make the playoffs in this league. It looks like the Rhinos are beginning to gel and might squeak in. On the other hand, the Remnants are ready to be put out to pasture (or merge with Bruno's).

This upcoming week

Rhinos vs. Checkmate Orange 6/17/08 @ 8:30pm (Scottie Fitz will be back from drinking frozen daiquiris at the Jimmy Buffet concert)

Remnants vs. LandSharks 06/19/08 @8:30pm.

Upcoming Events

Tonight at the PAL complex in Holtsville, NY Bret Jeffares' Rhinos take on the Remnants @ 9:30pm for a rematch of the first week's action. Rhinos are looking for a win to avenge their week one forfeit loss. The Remnants destroyed a sluggish Jesters squad 11-3 Tuesday night under the lights.

In MLL action, Saturday night at Invesco Field in Denver, CA, The Denver Outlaws take on Mike Howley and the San Francisco Dragons. Face-off is 7:00pm. The Dragons are looking to extend their win streak to two.

Also this Saturday June 14th is the 4th Annual Comsewogue Alumni Game. The game will be played held under the lights at Tom "Coachese" Cassese Field. Face-off is 6pm. The game will feature former Comsewogue stars such as Corey Pronsky, Robert Martin, Dave Geslak, and the legendary Joe Healy. Unfortunately Todd Miller will not be attending. However, Chris Kennedy and his mullet will. All bets are on the Odd Years to crush the Evens. Post game party will be held at the local Moose Lodge, that's the Royal Order of the Moose, Moose Lodge.

Everyone enjoy the weekend and support our sport!

RESPECT!

Sunday Morning Pick-Up

The Sunday morning runs are well underway. There is some good competition there. From high school laxers to middle agers. More laxers coming out of hibernation as well as prolonged retirement. Some note worthy performances from this past Sunday's action are Joe Healy of RWU fame, who dominated the entire morning. Rumor has it that Joe is gearing up for the upcoming Comsewogue alumni game which is being held June 14th. Meanwhile Glenn Smith (Freeport '96) stepped on the field for the first time in over 10 years looking to regain his former All-County form.

Riptide spoil Dragon home opener with a 17-13 victory

San Jose, Ca-- Playing their first game at Spartan Stadium, the San Francisco Dragons hoped that a week off would be the trick in getting their first win of the season. However, the Los Angeles Riptide overcame a slow start and spoiled the Dragons' home opener with their second straight win, a 17-13 victory over San Francisco.Chazz Woodson led the Riptide to the victory by scoring three goals as Los Angeles improved to 2-1 on the season.After falling behind by a 2-1 margin in the first quarter, the Dragons rallied by scoring three of the first four goals in the second quarter for a 4-3 lead midway through the stanza. However, Woodson led Los Angeles on a 5-1 spurt to end the period by scoring two of his three goals during the rally.The Riptide continued their strong play to start the third quarter by scoring three of the first four goals of the frame, upping their lead to 11-6 with 7:28 left. The teams traded three goals, including a two-point marker each, to end the third quarter.The Dragons opened the fourth quarter by scoring three of the first four goals to narrow their deficit to 16-13, but Woodson sealed the victory with 2:07 remaining by converting a pass from Michael Watson.While Woodson led the Riptide with a "hat trick", goalkeeper Mickey Jarboe made 16 saves to lead the Riptide defense.Jarett Park and Tim Booth each scored three goals to lead the Dragons in the loss.

MLL Action!!!!

SF Dragons to face LA Riptide this weekend at San Jose State University. Look for a strong Dragon defensive unit led by Michael "Howls" Howley, Maryland'03. Face-off is 7:30pm Pacific Time.
See you all there.

Please Support Local Long Island Legends

Send your children to Lighthouse Lacrosse Camp. Please visit their website @ www.lighthouselacrosse.com

It is the best instructional lax camp in the country.

You can email Lighthouse Lacrosse at info@lighthouselacrosse.com. Tell them Mike Howley sent you!

Syracuse Takes Title, 13-10 Over Hopkins

Foxboro, MA--As the clock ran down, Mike Leveille held the ball in his stick, securing Syracuse University’s tenth championship, 13-10 over Johns Hopkins. While the Blue Jays tried to slow down the game, the Orange proved they could succeed playing any style they needed to, prevailing in a hard fought match between these traditional foes. After going 5-8 last season, the 2008 Syracuse squad pulled the unlikely turnaround, taking the title. With revamped offseason workouts and some key changes, the Orange showed that one bad year was just that, and Syracuse is still a collegiate lacrosse power.
“After that 5-8 season, [a championship] was our goal all season,” senior Steven Brooks said after the game. “We worked our butts off, and now we just accomplished it, and it’s unbelievable.”
Early on the teams established a tough, deliberate, and at times physical pace. Both freshman goalies traded solid saves, and both teams exercised some patience, waiting to see what they could get on offense.
Paul Rabil opened the scoring for Hopkins in his typical, overpowering way. Working down the alley, Rabil used a stutter step to get his hands free from freshman long pole Joel White (who looked sharp today both in set defensive play and in transition), then unleashed an 18-yard lefty ripper to beat SU goalie John Galloway low. Rabil had Galloway’s number for most of the day, burning the rookie keeper low from long rage at will.
Despite another tough match-up against Hopkins’ close men Matt Bocklet and Michael Evans, Mike Leveille showed why he is the best attackman in the nation. Leveille challenged his defenders all day, not backing down from physical play and attempting to establish his typical rolls around the crease. Evans and Bocklet proved worthy foes though, rarely letting Leveille get the better of them.
Leveille had his hand in the first Syracuse goal though on the man-up. Working around the wheel, Brooks kicked down to Leveille, who fired a quick shot that freshman keeper Michael Gvozden blocked but could not control. The Orange’s Stephen Keogh raced in, scoring a crafty Canadian goal, snagging the rebound and tucking it around his back.
Rabil stole the lead right back though, coming down in transition, and while Syracuse’s Matt Abbott and Pat Perritt seemed confused about who should cover who, Rabil just stepped up and roped another shot right by Galloway. Despite the mishap, Abbott and Perritt had strong days, particularly Abbott. As usual, he was a one man clearing machine, and a groundball vacuum. He also had some solid defensive series against Hopkins middies like Stephen Peyser.
As the first quarter ended, the teams exchanged a flurry of goals. Hopkins got a quick score in transition, as George Castle carried the ball down and hit Kevin Huntley sitting right off the crease. Six seconds later, Syracuse answered, with Danny Brennan’s first career goal. He won the faceoff, popped the ball to himself, and as no one on Hopkins wanted to really challenge him, Brennan just charged at the goal and scored on the bouncer. But on Hopkins next possession, Stephen Boyle, working behind, got a step on his man and just flew right at the cage, streaking across the face of the goal and stuffing a shot high.
As the first quarter ended, Hopkins held a familiar 4-2 lead.
At the start of the second quarter, Syracuse shooters looked frustrated, overshooting or thinking too much before firing. Syracuse finally connected on a nice catch-and-shoot goal from Keogh, covered yet somehow with free hands, on the inside. Joel White pressed down in transition, lowered his long stick like he was about to shoot, and whipped a quick feed inside to Keogh. A product of the box game, the freshman shares that same talent as fellow Canadians like Zack Greer, of almost always being open, even when they’re covered.
Gvozden got the better of Keogh the next trip down though, as the attackman slipped behind the defense, got the ball, and flew in on Gvozden. The keeper sold out, tracking the shot all the way and stuffing Keogh while laying nearly parallel with the ground. On the ensuing transition, Gvozden chucked a nice outlet up field to Michael Kimmel. Another fling from the midfield, and Kyle Wharton found himself all alone behind the Orange defense for the score. The play was a prime example of the end-to-end exciting up-tempo lacrosse can be.
Syracuse nailed an unsettled tally of their own when out of a complete melee in their offensive end, Leveille finally emerged with a loose ball, looked up and saw junior attackman Kenny Nims with enough space to plant his feet and fire low past Gvozden. Perritt got on the board next. Working on the wing, Perritt caught his defender flat footed, and pressed right in on him, getting to the crease and tucking in a low shot, tying the score at five.
With about two minutes left, after a timeout, Syracuse gained their first lead, one they would never relinquish. Cutting down the side, Brooks tried to set up a dodge. Junior Dan Hardy followed down the seem created by Brooks’ dodge. As the senior pulled out of his move, he passed behind him to Hardy, who had enough time to set his feet and blast a cannon past Gvozden, putting the score at 6-5 Orange. Hardy really had a strong Memorial Day, racking up three goals and playing well in transition en route to his Player of the Game accolade.
“We have nine players who can step up in a spot like this,” Brooks said in reference to the ten guys who got their names on the scorers’ sheet today. “That’s what makes s win a national championship.”
As they have done many times this season, Syracuse came out in the third clicking. Hardy pushed the lead to two when he got the ball in transition and charged right down at the cage. When no one picked him up, he buried a shot from about five-yards off the crease. Brooks then cracked his shooting slump with a strong outside take. Rolling on his man, Brooks caught his defender leaning away and fired a jumper from about 15 yards.
But as he usually does, when his team was bleeding, Rabil plugged the wound. Dodging up top, Rabil took advantage of an overzealous Sean McGonigle, shaking the long pole far enough outside that Rabil could bury another 18-yarder before the defense could slide to him. With his hands free, there is no one as dangerous on the run as Rabil. He set up his favorite senior attackman next, passing down from the wing to Huntley. With very little angle and standing about eight-yards off the pipe, Huntley dropped his stick and stuck the near top corner, flat-out beating Galloway to the spot.
Peyser had a strong day at the faceoff X, splitting draws with the nation’s top specialists Brennan. But Brennan showed why he is the most valuable faceoff man in DI as the game wore on, winning some big faces late, and not letting himself get beat too badly when he did misfire on the draw.
Brendan Loftus got one back for the Orange doing what he has done so well all season. Dodging down the alley, Loftus uncorked a high to low rip on the run to beat Gvozden.
But while Loftus showed he was good on the run, Rabil showed he was great. Any time he had space, Rabil looked to make a play, be it unloading a cannon or whipping a feed. Trailing a fast break, Rabil got a pass up top and fired from about a step into the box before anyone could react to him. But Hardy answered right back with his own overpowering score. Cutting in from the wing, Hardy got a pass from Brooks, then put his head down and bowled right into his defender, knocking him off balance enough to get his hands free for a bouncer by Gvozden.
Heading into the final quarter, Hopkins was looking at a 10-8 deficit.
While Leveille couldn’t get much going for himself, he created for others. Working behind the cage, Leveille set up like he was trying to push up field. As the defense sunk to him, he hit Nims standing off the pipe for a quick catch and shoot goal. Loftus built the lead to four on another shot on the run down the alley.
The game was truly going the Orange’s way when, after Hopkins won the faceoff, as the Jays attempted to pass back and use Gvozden to set up their clear, Greg Niewieroski snuck in, stealing the outlet pass, taking a step behind the cage, and hitting Leveille trailing behind him, who promptly flicked the ball around Gvozden.
The effort that brought Syracuse to a five-goal lead could be seen in all aspects of their game. Players like Abbott hustled for every groundball and tirelessly ran up-and-down field clearing, playing tough defense, then taking a turn on O. Perhaps the iconic play, during a clear, as Sid Smith tried to carry the ball over midfield, freshman middie Jovan Miller dove about eight yards across the midfield line to preserve the onsides.
Rabil would not let his team go quietly into the night, however, tallying two more goals before the game would end. He scored the Jays’ only man-up goal of the game, getting the ball on the wing and putting a shot right off Galloway’s hip. Rabil’s next goal showed why he is known as such a legendary competitor. Carrying into the box, Rabil fought through three defenders, lost the ball, fought for it back, and gathered himself to nail the top corner with about 2:37 left in the game. The goal was Rabil’s sixth on the day.
But the next trip down, with the ball moving quickly as Hopkins tried to create, Galloway made the save he had to on Rabil, reading a high-to-high shot all the way.
After another push or two up field, Syracuse found themselves with less than a minute left, trying to kill the clock. Running the ball around and using some passes over the top, the Orange whittled away the seconds of their remarkable turnaround season. Fittingly enough, the last few ticks came off the clock with the senior leader Leveille, Lowe’s Senior Class Award winner, and the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player holding the ball in his stick
The 13-10 win gave Syracuse their tenth championship in the NCAA era. The title comes appropriately enough on the 25th anniversary of Syracuse’s first title in 1983, also over Johns Hopkins 17-16. (Even timelier since the 1983 team was honored at halftime of today’s game.) The 2008 and 1983 squads go down as the only teams to miss the postseason one year, then take the title the next.
“What a great day,” Leveille said after the game. “Their 25th anniversary, and our tenth national championship now. I’m just so proud to be a part of the tradition. We worked so hard for this this year and had the right attitude this year, and our coaches led us right to the championship.”
Speaking of those coaches, head coach John Desko collected his fourth title at the helm of the program. He has been involved in all 10 of Syracuse’s championships. Bill Tierney (six rings) remains the only active coach with more titles than Desko. (Tierney shares the record of most ever titles with Syracuse legend Roy Simmons Jr., also with six.)
As players like Leveille and Brooks reveled in joining the ranks of so many other Orange champions, the younger players took this season as an example of how hard work could materialize into success. With all the talk of Syracuse falling off, the next generation of Orange will look to keep the team at the top.
“We’re making a new name for this program,” Hardy said after the game. “We respected the past, but we kind of have a whole new future for us.”

No Laughing Matter, Rhinos Score Forfeit Win Over Jesters

Rhinos jump to 1-5 on the Season

Ronkonoma, NY--Despite several years of successfully fielding teams throughout Long Island, across North America, and in an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean called Hawaii, the Jesters were unable to scrounge enough laxers to field a complete squad. Thus forfeiting the game and receiving another mark in the "L" column.

However, these Jesters are no Shakespearian Fools or just another bunch of Jango Edwards. After acquiring two of the top offensive players from the Rhinos and with virtually no bench, the Jesters made clowns of the Rhinos by chalking up a 24-22 win in scrimmage play.

The Jesters, led by the God-Father of Long Island Lacrosse, Tom Brazell, out-hustled and out-manned the Rhinos. At times making them look like they were the team that was short handed. Destroying the Rhinos on groundballs and in transition, the Jesters went up 4-0 in the first 3 minutes of play and never looked back. They never relinquished their lead the entire game. All of this without their tatooed leader Rich Nessum.
Jester goalie Dennis Rogers also came up big last night. Especially during a late game Rhino surge, stuffing point blank shots using his stick, feet and shoulders.

More good news ahead for the Rhinos. They don't have to play any good teams until the playoffs. That is if they can make it.


Keep checking the Blog for updates.

Spring Opener Lax Tourney Setauket March 9th

Participating teams include:

Rhinos
HLL
Brooklyn L.C.
Checkmate
Vikings
FDNY
N.Y.L.C.

Game time starts at 12pm.

CIS Indoor Adult 30+ seedings after first 5 games:

1st-#7 Checkm. Black 5-0 62ga
2nd-#1 Lax Unlim. 5-0 65ga
3rd-#3 Masters 4-1 82ga
4th-#6 Schltz Fcd 3-2 71ga
5th-#9 Landsharks 3-2 88ga
6th-#10 Bruno's 2-3 94ga
7th-#2 Remnants 2-3 104ga
8th-#4 Checkm Orng 1-4 109ga
9th-#8 Jesters 0-5 85ga
10th-#5 Rhino 0-5 109ga

Also, Games week of 2/18 to 2/22

T, 2/19, 8:30pm - #7 Chck Blck v #4 Chck Orng
T, 2/19, 9:30pm - #1 Lax Unlim v #2 Remnts
Th, 2/21, 8:30pm - #3 Masters v #10 Brunos
Th, 2/21, 9:30pm - #6 Schltz Fcd v #9 Lndshrks

LAX HUT GRAND OPENING

Saturday February 16th
Please join the Long Island Lizards at the Grand Opening of the Newest Lacrosse store on Long Island, The Lax Hut Huntington. Long Island Lizards Nick Murtha (Johns Hopkins), Nicky Polanco (Hofstra) and Ricky Smith (University of Virginia) will be signing autographs from 12-2pm. Other MLL players, Matt Zash (Duke University - Philadelphia Barrage), Brian Spallina (Hofstra - Philadelphia Barrage) and Mike Howley (Maryland - San Francisco Dragons) will be signing as well.
Please print out flyer below and not only will you receive 15% off a purchase of $100 dollars or more but you will receive a ticket to Lizards Opening Night 2008.

Orange Crush!!

Checkmate Orange advances its record to 1-4 on the season and a lifetime record of 1-528 with last thursday's win over the Rhinos. It was a close fought match-up where the lead changed sides over eight times. And that was only counting the first half.
The Checkmates goalie, who was more Hells Angel than New England Prep school, managed to hold off a Rhino offensive charge late in the game. The Rhinos were down 19-15 with just over two minutes left and poured in 3 goals to close the gap to the final score of 19-18. Unfortunatley, for the Rhinos penalties poached them again, as a final penalty with under 30 ticks left on the clock did them in.
It was the Rhinos' best showing thus far.

The Rhinos see their next lax action in two weeks. Team and game time TBA.

Massapequa Lacrosse Sunday Eves.

www.massapequalacrosse.com Click on the over 35 btton.

Rhinos rooked by Checkmate!!

Rhinos lose 19-18 in a barnburner, drop to 0-5 on the season. Story to come...

FYI coaches....

This was forward to yours truly. For what, you might ask...I have no clue but I thought it might be good to post.


2008 Preseason "Tune Up" Boy's & Girl's Lacrosse Clinic
Indoors!!!
"Major League Lacrosse Coaches
"World Team Members
"Major League All Stars
"Collegiate All Americans
"National Champions
March 8th and 15th
10:00am- 12:00pm
Cost- $145.00
Sponsors- STX, FOGO LAX, & Boathouse Sports
Free Giveaways!!
Boys- Ages 7-13
Girls- Ages 7-15
Bethpage Sportime Multi-Sport
4105 Hempstead Turnpike
Bethpage, NY 11714
SPORTIME at Bethpage Multi-Sport is Long Islands premiere indoor multi-sport complex. Their state-of-the-art, 45,000 square foot facility features one regulation roller hockey rink (185 x 85), two NCAA regulation basketball courts, five competition volleyball courts, a full-size soccer and lacrosse field, a practice rink/field for children, a twenty foot high, free-standing rock climbing wall, changing rooms, locker rooms with showers, a concession stand and party rooms . The facility also features competition sportcourt surface, indirect lighting and climate-control.
SPOTS ARE LIMITED RESERVE TODAY
Skills to be covered
Boys- Catching, checking, poke check, slap check, wrap check, cradling, cutting, feeding, passing, scooping, screening, shooting, stick protection, man up and man down concepts and strategies, one on ones, dodging, goal tending, face-offs, team defence, etc.
Girls- Stick skills, dodging, goal tending, offense, defense, midfield transition, cradling, catching, checking, cutting, dodging, passing, pick-ups, shooting, stick protection, playing concepts and strategies, control and body positioning etc.
**PLEASE FIND ONLINE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT APPLICATION UNDER THE CLINICS SECTION OF WEBSITE
Check and Enrollment Application must be post marked by March, 1st ** For More Information Visit http://www.skylaxx.com

Punxsutawney Phil Sees His Shadow.....

And that means another six weeks of winter, and another beating for the Rhinos. The Rhinos drop to 0-4 for the indoor winter season at CIS in Ronkonoma, after suffering a 17-7 drubbing by Team Masters. The Masters were led by the scoring attack of senior teammate and defacto leader Frank Piccola. Frank capped off his multi-goal performance late in the match-up ,with a strong move from X finding the back of the net. Even though Team Masters were light on manpower, they were deep in experience and fortitude. Exhibiting patience and discipline on the offensive end of the field, they were also able to capitalize early and often on the Rhinos' miscues. Puxatawney Phil would have been proud because legend has it he is over 121 years old and that is about the average age of Team Masters. Until next time Happy Groundhog Day!

Greenport Tournament info is now available http://www.limetrolax.org/greenport.cfm

Rumor has it....

Can anyone confirm the rumor that the Bratton's (of Huntington Lacrosse fame) have been expelled or asked to leave UVA???

Rhinos Trampled by Lacrosse Unlimited

The Rhinos fall to 0-3 on the season in indoor lacrosse action at CIS following Tuesday night's pounding by a well-oiled Lacrosse Unlimited squad. Even with the addition of Steve " Super Speedy" Levy, the Rhinos were unable to overcome a 20+ point deficit. The Rhinos lacked fire power offensively as evident by their defensmen scoring the majority of the teams goals.
Shout outs to the entire long pole defensive unit and goalie Keith Huber for their superb play with little to no help. Not to discount other folks' efforts but shout outs to Bones and PJ for keeping it real at midfield, as well as " Broadway" Brett Jaffares for finding the back of the net and snapping his scoring drought (not that anybody noticed he had a drought but he said something last week about it).
With the next game for the Rhinos over a week away, some teammates were mentioning putting a practice together. Brett mentioned possibly Sayville on Friday night. Lets us know your thoughts. Post them on The Blog. In fact, tell everyone about the Blog.

Breaking News.....

West Babylon High School head coach Steve Levy has stepped down from leading the boys lacrosse team and will now be leading the East Islip girls program as head varsity coach. Good luck Coach Levy! Rumors are circulating that William "Plugger" Cantwell is the current leading candidate to replace Levy at West Babylon.


Other news, Rob Martin will not be suiting up for the Rhinos tonight when they take on Lacrosse Unlimited at CIS. He is not nursing a case of the drops which have been plaguing the Rhinos this season. He is fighting off the flu. Commenting about his illness Martin has said, " If I die, please bury me with my stick!"

CIS Indoor

Go Rhinos!

The Rhino's have started their inaugural season 0-2. Tough losses to Bruno's and Remnants. Next up....Lacrosse Unlimited.

Welcome to Long Island's premier resource for everything lacrosse! This blog will touch upon all happenings in the Long Island Lacrosse community. The emphasis will be upon the various adult leagues in and around LI. We will also be commenting on collegiate, high school and youth programs. Please feel free to add or post a comment. Enjoy!