2012 Fall Alumni Game Video

This past month the team held their annual alumni game and it was one of our best turnouts in recent memory, with four decades of alumni participating.  After the game alumni, parents, and players gathered for a post game tailgate with an impressive spread thanks to the teams parents association.  Check out the below link for a helmet cam video from the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL-KeblRBHo&feature=youtu.be

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BeanShot A Success

Despite a first round loss to New Hampshire 8-6 in the inaugural BeanShot tournament held in Boston and sponsored by Muscle Milk and the Boston Cannons the team had a great expereince.  Northeastern defeated BU in the first round and eventually would go on to win the tournament defeating UNH in the championships. 

Muscle Milk and the Cannons pulled out all the stops for the tournament.  Check out this photo gallery for an inside look at this great event.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.403218579728784.114678.131553223561989&type=1

~~Assistant Coach Vacancy~~

UConn Men's Lacrosse is looking for an assistant coach.  I will post the job description below.  Feel free to share with any potential applicants that may be interested.

The University of Connecticut Men's Lacrosse team, an MCLA Division I program and member of the Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League, located in Storrs, CT is seeking applicants for Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach.

Primary responsibilities will include assisting with management of practice organization, offensive game preparation, coaching technique/skills, and more.

Applicants should have fairly flexible schedules, with availability to attend practices after 3pm on weekdays and games on weekends during the academic year as well as an annual spring trip. Playing and coaching experience at the High School or College level is preferred. Experience with or an understanding of how MCLA teams operate is a plus.

To apply, please click the following link http://uconnlacrosse.com/apply.htm

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BeanShot - Harvard Stadium

~~BeanShot~~

This Saturday June 9th UConn Lacrosse will participate in the BeanShot, an exhibition tournament in Boston featuring 4 of the best MCLA teams in New England.  The games will be held at Harvard's athletic complex (not harvard stadium but one of the adjacent fields.).  UConn will play at 2pm and if they win that game they will play in the championship game at 5pm.  The Boston Cannons will play at 7pm that night.  Myself as well as several other alumns will be up there for the day with some sort of pregame setup.  We will also likely stay for the cannons game as well.  Mike Landry is the point man for this event so if you are interested in meeting up feel free to shoot him an email michael.w.landry@gmail.com

More Info http://bostoncannons.com/news/5197/muscle-milk-beanshot/

~~National Ranking~~

The MCLA final poll of the season was released this past week and UConn ended up at #15 to conclude the 2012 season.  The Huskies reached as high as #13 in the regular season this year in what was arguably the most successful year in team history.

Poll: http://mcla.us/polls/

~~In Memoriam William Tolhurst~~

Somewhat late news but UConn Lacrosse alumni Bill Tolhurt '69 passed away late last year.  Originally from West Hartford, CT Bill was a Goalie and eventually went on to be a professor at Northern Illinois University.  You can read more about Bill here:

http://www.niu.edu/phil/people/memoriam.shtml

~~Norwalk Hour Article~~

Interesting find related to UConn Lacrosse history.  An article about the program from 1967

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1898&dat=19670330&id=8ecgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=sG8FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4932,7012651

~~50th Anniversary~~

2014 will mark the 50th anniversary of UConn Men's Lacrosse and planning is in the earliest stages of how we can best celebrate this milestone.  In the last 6 months I have been contacted by both the UConn Alumni Association and the UConn Foundation showing interest in our program, so it is my hope that we can have a celebration that is endorsed and supported by the university.  Stay tuned.

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Canavan Named All-American, 7 Huskies Make All-Conference Team

Kevin Canavan has been named an MCLA All-American, and is UConn's first player to receive this honor since Defenseman Chris Yarsawich in 2001.  Canavan also received the PCLLs Offensive Player of the Year award. In addition, 7 Huskies were named to the PCLL All-Conference team:

1st Team -
Kevin Canavan - Attack
Derek Flynn - Attack
Jon Sherman - Goal

2nd Team
Charles Ogalin - Attack
Dominick Fusco - Defenseman

Honorable Mention
Mike Horne - Attack
Pierce Busby - LSM

Offense Player of the Year - Kevin Canvan

MCLA All-American Team -

http://mcla.us/honors/2012/MCLA/all_america/1/

PCLL All-Conference Team

http://mcla.us/honors/2012/PCLL/all_conference/1/

Just how good was the 2012 team?  Since the program joined the national governing body that is known today as the MCLA (just over 10 years now) a member of the 2012 team leads every all-time team statistical category.  Kevin Canavan is now the all time leader in Goals and PPG, Charles Ogalin is now the all-time leader in Assists and Points.   You can find more UConn Lacrosse statistics here http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2010/04/all-time.html

~~ Final Four Weekend ~~

I will be up at Gillette Stadium this weekend with a small contingent of UConn Lacrosse Alumni.  If anybody wants to get together or swing by our tailgate feel free to give me a call or text 401-862-7393.

~~BeanShot~~

The Boston Cannons have released a press release outlining info related to the BeanShot.  This will be a one day tournament featuring UConn, UNH, BU and Northeastern starting at 2pm on June 9th.  The tournament will have two one hour semi-final games and then a championship game preceding a Boston Cannons MLL game.  Mike Landry has shown interest in possibly doing an alumni tailgate for this event so stay tuned and feel free to reach out to him if you have any ideas.

http://bostoncannons.com/news/5197/muscle-milk-beanshot/

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PCLL Championship Weekend Gathering Site

UConn Lacrosse Friends and Alumni attending Saturdays PCLL semi-final game (6pm Parsons Field, Brookline, MA) are encouraged to meet at Coolidge Corner Clubhouse (walking distance from field) for pregame drinks and food.

Website: http://www.thecoolidgecornerclubhouse.com/index.php

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=coolidgecornerclubhouse&hl=en&ll=42.344367,-71.122763&spn=0.008199,0.013797&fb=1&gl=us&hq=coolidgecornerclubhouse&hnear=0x89e444e0437e735d:0x69df7c4d48b3b627,Providence,+RI&cid=0,0,535530731102624523&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A

PCLL Bracket: http://mcla.us/playoffs/2012/PCLL/1/

If the team advances to the championship game assume the same for sunday.

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Huskies go 1-1 vs. Buffalo and BU, enter conference playoffs as #2 seed

~vs. Buffalo~

UConn welcomed #8 Buffalo to a wet Sherman Field last week in a game that would determine the overall #1 seed in the PCLL playoffs.  UConn was unable to come away with the win as Buffalo's defensive plan, which included face guarding PCLL points leader Kevin Canavan, as well as the added challenge of playing on the slippery astroturf surface of Sherman Field during a constant rain,  was too much for the #13 Huskies to overcome.  With their 10-7 win Buffalo is the only team to put double digits on UConn this year.  Box Score: http://mcla.us/scores/games/10713/

~vs. BU~

Post Buffalo loss, UConn fell to #15 in the MCLA Top 25 and the Huskies looked to get back on track in their final regular season game vs. last place Boston University.  However BU managed to hold their own and maintained a 7-6 lead at the half.  It was during this halftime, after an uncharacteristic first half, that UConn Goalie John Sherman told the coaching staff that he was having problems with his vision.  Coach Scordato would sit Sherman for the second half and put Freshman Sal Scalia in cage.  Scalia then went to shut out BU in the second half and UConn would ultimately win 10-7.  Scordato reports that Shermans vision problems were the result of a minor concussion, however he will be fine for the postseason. Box Score: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11600/

~Team Awards~

This past weekend the team held their annual banquet in the Student Union.  Three team awards were presented; Kevin Canavan was named Offensive MVP, John Sherman was named Defensive MVP, and Travis Church was named Team MVP.  

~Post Season~

UConn has secured the #2 seed in the PCLL playoffs and a first round bye.  They will face the winner of #22 Northeastern vs. URI.  The bracket can be found here: http://mcla.us/playoffs/2012/PCLL/1/ Their semi-final game will be held at Parsons Field in Boston (Brookline), MA at 6pm this Saturday (map http://maps.google.com/maps?q=parsons+field,+boston&hl=en&ll=42.337706,-71.114008&spn=0.0082,0.013797&fb=1&gl=us&hq=parsons+field,&hnear=0x89e3652d0d3d311b:0x787cbf240162e8a0,Boston,+MA&cid=0,0,1672380131023982082&t=h&z=16) if UConn wins they will play in the PCLL Championship Game Sunday at 6:30pm.  Right now it's debatable if the PCLL is a two bid league to the MCLA National Championship tournament.  If UConn wins their semi-final game and loses in the conference championship game...that may still be enough to punch a ticket to nationals.  However the only guaranteed way is to win the whole thing and get the AQ.
Regardless of what happens lets get a big contingent up to Boston to support the team in what has arguably been the best season in program history.  I'm talking to you Boston area alumni, I know there is a lot of you.  If I recall there is only on-street parking at Parsons Field so tailgating is likely not possible, however maybe we can determine a pre-game drinking establishment to meet at prior.  Thoughts?  For those that can't make it we will have updates on twitter throughout the weekend.

~Coming Up~

Coming up we have NCAA Championship weekend at Gillette Memorial Day Weekend, as well as the BeanShot at Harvard Stadium in June.  More info coming soon.

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UConn Defeats BC and URI - Climbs to #14 in the Nation

~Eagles Embarrassed~

A much hyped UConn-BC matchup this past weekend did not live up to expectations...in the best way possible.  The Huskies jumped out to a 6-2 lead at halftime and never looked back, handing the #12 Eagles an 11-5 loss.  As stated in a previous email this is UConn's first victory over BC in ten attempts since the Eagles joined the MCLA in 2004.

Box Score: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11598/

~URI Defeated~

UConn went down to Kingston, RI yesterday afternoon to face off against a scrappy URI team.  On what has to be one of the worst fields in the league the Huskies kept URI at arms length despite the Rams unwillingness to go down easy.  At the end of regulation UConn pulled out a 10-9 victory over URI.

Box Score: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11599/

~Moving up the Polls~

With these two wins the 9-1 Huskies continue to move up the polls, and have reached #14 in the nation in the MCLA top 25. http://mcla.us/polls/ and #7 on Laxpower http://www.laxpower.com/update12/binmen/rating05.php   A Top 10 ranking in both polls is a legitimate possibility depending on how the next 10 days go. 

~Who's Next?~

Two teams remain on the UConn schedule; #8 Buffalo is the big one this Sunday (1pm Depot Field - Sherman Field rain site. We will have score updates on twitter) and the following weekend vs. last place Boston University at Nickerson Field.  I'm sure many of you older guys are saying 'Buffalo is in the PCLL'?   Buffalo used to be in the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association which housed a pre-varsity Michigan program, who won the conference every year and  something like 5 MCLA national championships.  Buffalo got sick of being Michigan's annual conference tournament punching bag and decided that a change in conference to the PCLL, despite their relative geographic isolation to its members, was an easier path to nationals. Ironically, shortly after Buffalo's move to the PCLL, Michigan moved up to Division I and now the CCLA is a relatively weak conference, but regardless Buffalo is now in the PCLL and we have to deal with them. 

A win this weekend over the Bison would be significant in many ways.  Assuming UConn beats BU (tough to assume, every game is a battle...see URI) they would secure the top seed in the conference tournament which I believe would then be held in Storrs.  A win over Buffalo could also mean a trip to nationals regardless of how UConn performs in the PCLL tournament.  Even if UConn was upset in the conference semifinals, three wins over nationally ranked opponents would be hard for the selection committee to ignore, and would put them in good position for an at-large bid. In many ways the playoffs start this Sunday vs. Buffalo, a loss is not season ending by any means, but a win takes this program to new heights previously unimaginable. 

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Huskies Defeat New Hampshire in mid-week matchup, #12 BC on deck

~New Hampshire~

Yesterday the Huskies got a tough W against a stingy University of New Hampshire team.  UNH came into the game with a 1-4 record, however all of their loses were to nationally ranked teams (#11 CU 14-9, #13 Clemson 5-2, #10 Buffalo 10-6, #8 VaTech 8-6) so the Wildcats were obviously hungry for a win and not to be taken lightly.  UConn came out strong in the first with a 3-1 lead, and would hold a 5-4 lead at the half.  UNH would take a one goal lead with 9 minutes left in the 4th, however UConn would score 2 goals in the final 5 minutes to put the game away.  Box Score http://mcla.us/scores/games/11597/

~#12 Boston College~

Last week prior to the Northeastern game I wrote an email comparing this years team to the 2006 team.  With the win vs #18 Northeastern this past weekend the comparisons can continue.  Like the 2006 team, last Saturdays Northeastern win resulted in a National Ranking for the Huskies where they landed at #23 in the nation.  http://mcla.us/polls/ Like the 2006 team both teams reached a 7-1 record, like in 2006 this years team has slowly started to create some chatter about a trip to nationals http://forums.laxallstars.com/index.php?p=/discussion/282/2012-d1-tournament-field and also like the 2006 team which was named the 'Riddell Lacrosse Team of the Week' after their win against Northeastern, this years squad was featured on a website highlighting their Nike and Warrior apparel http://412.laxallstars.com/uconn-gear-day/

However the comparisons eventually need to end somewhere, and hopefully it is this Friday.  While it is nice to wax poetic about the 2006 team the elephant in the room is that one week after they had attained a national ranking, Boston College came to town and knocked the snot out of them on Sherman Field, taking them right back out of the top 25 with a 15-4 loss.  (06 schedule http://www.laxpower.com/update06/binmen/XUCTXX.PHP) The reality is that since Boston College joined the MCLA in 2004 UConn is 0-10 against the Eagles.  This years squad obviously doesn't want to repeat history, and will have an opportunity to put themselves into the record books with a win on Friday.   A win would mean many things; breaking a 10 game losing streak over a hated BC program, adding a second victory over a nationally ranked team to their resume, positioning themselves for a likely first round bye in the PCLL playoffs, and continue to show that they are the real deal.  Personally, I would a
 rgue that this Fridays game is probably the biggest game in UConn history, and from what I'm hearing it sounds like the boys are expecting a raucous crowd to welcome the Eagles.   If you can make it, make sure you are at Depot Field this Friday at 7pm to show your support and do your part to welcome BC to Storrs.

Pregame Matchup: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11598/

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UConn Lacrosse Ranked #23 In the Nation

~MCLA Ranking~

For the first time in six years, the UConn Men's Lacrosse team is nationally ranked. Today the MCLA released their weekly poll, and UConn came in at #23 in the nation. This is the Huskies first national ranking since 2006 when they hit #25 on the poll, a ranking that also came after a victory over a nationally ranked Northeastern squad. The Huskies will look to continue their winning ways vs. New Hampshire tomorrow, and #12 Boston College on Friday.

Poll: http://mcla.us/polls/

Lax Magazine Poll Recap: http://laxmagazine.com/college_men/club/2011-12/mcla_poll

~Alumni Day~~

Alumni day was a great success and thank you to all that participated.  After a great alumni game, food, and drinks the alumni were treated to an impressive performance by the Men's Lacrosse team.  While the score was close for most of the game the Huskies lead was never in doubt as they kept the #18 Northeastern program at bay. Box score: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11596/

~Canavan Having Record Year~

2011 PCLL Rookie of the Year Kevin Canavan (http://mcla.us/player/26656/kevin__canavan/) is now the Career All-Time Leading Goals Scorer in UConn Lacrosse history with 52 goals in only his second year. Dave Salemme '04 had held the record for the last 8 years.  Canavan is currently #9 in the nation in Points Per Game (http://mcla.us/stats/2012/field-1.html) and is #1 in the PCLL in several statistical catagories (http://mcla.us/stats/2012/PCLL/field-1.html) including PPG, GPG, and Goals.

~NCAA Final Four~

This year the final four will be held at Gillette Stadium (May 26th-28th).  UConn Lacrosse will be there in full force.  Myself, Scott Apelgren and several others have already began planning for this event.  More info forthcoming.

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April 14th 2006, Storrs, CT

On this day nearly 6 years ago a 7-1 UConn team hosted a nationally ranked Northeastern program at Depot Field.  The game was originally planned for Sherman Field, however a Women's Varsity game scheduled for Morrone Stadium at the same time was moved to the artificial surface of Sherman in the 11th hour due to a steady rain.  This left the men's program scrambling to move their game to Depot with warmups about to begin.  In those days, when Sherman first became available for team use, games at Depot Field were rare because the field surface was terrible, and the lighting sub-par.  There was some obvious concern among the team to move from the comfortable confines of Sherman, to the terrible conditions of Depot for such a big game. However Head Coach Dino Mattessich injected confidence into the team "Depot Field? We'll beat them in a parking lot" he told the team prior to faceoff.  To combat what was a superior Northeastern team Mattessich implemented a methodical 1-4-1 offense for the game that focused on clock management and ball control.  This game plan became obvious when Justin Oliver won the faceoff, took the ball to X, and essentially stayed stationary daring Northeastern defenders to engage him.  The Husky game plan, combined with a slow grass surface, steady rain, and poor lighting, was a deadly combination for the ranked Northeastern team.  After the first half Northeastern held a two goal lead with a score of 6-4. Goalie Brandon Pepe, who would have 15 saves on the day, shined in the 2nd half and held Northeastern to only one more goal, while the Husky offense chipped away getting the game to 7-7 where it would be at the end of regulation.  The game would ultimately go into 3 overtimes, with Northeastern easily out-shooting the Huskies, however Pepe would stop them dead in their tracks each time.  Towards the end of the 3rd overtime Justin Oliver, who had 4 goals on the day, would take a hard bounce shot that would make it past the Northeastern goalie, giving UConn the W.  After the game UConn Lacrosse would no longer be 'under the radar' and cracked the national polls for the first time in team history.  It proved a pivotal win that established a new chapter in UConn Lacrosse history.

Many parallels can be drawn between this years program and the '06 team.  Both teams had first year head coaches whom injected new confidence into a program that had disappointed in previous years.  Both teams started out hot, gaining some national buzz, and had one loss to a nationally ranked program going into their NU game.  And for both teams, Northeastern would prove to be a defining test for their season.

So this weekend Northeastern will again come to Depot Field, with a national ranking, to face a one loss Husky team.  It is my hope that everyone that is able; alumni, parent and friend of the program, will be at this game to support the team because this Saturday, like in 2006, a win over Northeastern will confirm a new chapter of UConn Lacrosse, so let's make sure we are there to witness it.

~Alumni Day April 7th~

We are nearing 30 RSVPs for the Old Huskies Game on Saturday which is great, and I'm sure that number will continue to increase.  My original plan was to have an Odd years vs. Even year graduates game, however for whatever reason the majority of those that have RSVPed graduated in odd years, so we may just pick two teams at random.  Either way it will be a great time and I hope all that can come will.  The weather looks amazing as well with temps in the 60s.

After the Old Huskies Game we will have a dedicated section at Red Rock Cafe for us to eat/drink prior to the Northeastern game at 7pm.  Directions to Red Rock can be found here http://www.redrockcafe.net/.

For details on alumni day click here http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/03/uconn-lacrosse-announces-alumni-day.html

To RSVP for the Old Huskies Game click here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRDZmlZU3FEYTlvSkd4TWFmcEszTUE6MQ#gid=0

~BeanShot~

The team will be taking part in a special event this June called the BeanShot.  It is being dubbed as the lacrosse version of the BeanPot.  It will be a four team tournament held at Harvard Stadium on June 9th.  The event is being sponsored by the Boston Cannons and MuscleMilk.  We will organize some sort of alumni function in conjunction with this event so stay tuned.

BeanShot press release http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/04/uconn-to-take-part-in-inaugural-bean.html


~Fundraising~

If you can't make Alumni Day this weekend, or you do come and have a great experience, please consider giving to the program.  The process is quick and easy and more information on giving can be found at this link, http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2009/11/support.html. Coach Scordato is always available to answer your questions related to donations paulscordato@gmail.com.

~Golf Outing~

Brandon Pepe is exploring possibly organizing a golf outing this summer.  This is in its earliest phases but if you want to assist with organization, or have some suggestions for the event, please contact Brandon at brandon.pepe@gmail.com.

See everyone Saturday

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Huskies Start Season 3-0, Head Down South For Spring Trip

~~Huskies Start Season 3-0~~

UConn has started the year strong with a 3-0 record after having defeated New Haven 24-3 (Box: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11594/) WPI 15-7 (Box: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11595/) and Maine 13-4 (Box: http://mcla.us/scores/games/11601/). 

This weekend the team will leave for North Carolina and begin a three day stretch where they will face Wake Forest (4-1), North Carolina State (2-5) and #8 Virginia Tech (10-0).   

~~Alumni Day~~

Response to the April 7th Alumni Day has been outstanding and the number of RSVPs is very encouraging.

If you want to play in the Old Huskies Game and haven't RSVPd yet please do so here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dDRDZmlZU3FEYTlvSkd4TWFmcEszTUE6MQ#gid=0

The game starts at 4pm but please try to get to the field prior so we have time to make teams, etc.  I'm also trying to work something out with Red Rock for a post game meal, hopefully I'll have that info out sometime next week.

More info on Alumni Day: http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/03/uconn-lacrosse-announces-alumni-day.html

~~Team Apparel Sales~~

If anyone has yet to receive any apparel they purchased last winter please contact Patrick Cooper patrick.cooper@uconn.edu

~~Team Giving~~

Please consider giving to the team this spring to help offset their operational costs.  More info on giving can be found here: http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2009/11/support.html

~~Lacrosse The Nations~~

Javier Silva, a 2006 UConn Lacrosse alumni, has asked us to help him spread the word on a current project of his. He has teamed up with Lacrosse the Nations (LtN), an international non-profit organization, that uses lacrosse to provide education, mentorship, nutrition, opportunity and hope to children living in impoverished communities around the world.

The organization was started by former UVA defenseman Brett Hughes and Disptach guitarist Brad Corrigan to help the children of La Chureca, a community of about 1,000 people who live in a trash dump within the city limits of Managua (Nicaragua's capital). LtN works closely with the School of Hope, a semi-private school in the dump, to provide lacrosse as physical education and to support a nutrition program in the school. The organization currently provides financial support for two meals a day for the children, as well as lacrosse equipment for the children, and stipends for three Nicaraguan coaches.

This summer Javier will be heading down to Nicaragua for 13 months to help LtN run and expand their programs. He is reaching out to the lax community to raise awareness about the work being done by LtN. If you want to know more about the work being done and how you can help visit the Lacrosse the Nations website or email Javier at jsilva028@gmail.com.

~~Social Media~~

Follow the team on Facebook and Twitter to get updates during the spring trip and the entire season.

http://www.facebook.com/uconnmenslacrosse

https://twitter.com/uconnlacrosse

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A Letter From Coach Scordato

Dear Parents, Alumni and Friends of UConn Lacrosse:

The team is fired up and ready to go for a great 2012 season. As a supporter
of the organization, we would like to get you up to speed with the team goals and
objectives. First, a little history refresher: The UConn Men's Lacrosse team was founded in 1964 as an opportunity for college men to participate in the great sport of lacrosse. The team is a self-sustaining, university-recognized organization. The MCLA (Men's College Lacrosse Association) is the governing body for college club lacrosse, and UConn is a member of the PCLL (Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League) our regional conference. This gives us the opportunity to compete with teams across the country on a yearly basis.

Our biggest goal this season is to make sure the UConn Men's Lacrosse program
is the best program it can be. What makes a good program great is the help and support it receives from alumni, parents and friends of the program. The club officers do everything they can to keep the dues as low as possible. However, this means that we sometimes have to do without some of the special things every program wants to do. In the past, due to high costs, the UConn lacrosse team would only bring approximately 35 players on the spring trip forcing 15 to stay home despite working hard all year long. The season the team is taking buses on the spring trip to Virginia.

The schedule for the spring trip in 2012:

April 1st - UConn vs Wake Forest
April 2nd - UConn vs North Carolina State
April 3rd - UConn vs Virginia Tech

We have committed to play our 2013 spring trip games in Minnesota and will be flying to Minneapolis for this trip.

The schedule for 2013:

April 5th - UConn vs Minnesota
April 6th - UConn vs Minnesota State
April 7th - UConn vs Minnesota - Duluth

Both of these spring trips will be feature highlights for the players and the
program. We would like to present the opportunity for you, as a supporter of the team, to get involved with some of the club objectives of the year. The team is looking to raise $15,000 to help finance the travel, equipment, meals and the cost of the indoor practice facility (Star Hill). Your tax deductible donation will assuage these costs.

The team has set-up fundraising plans involving apparel sales as well as some
corporate sponsorship. We are also seeking donations in 3 different ranges:

o Gold- donations of $1,000 or more
o Blue- $500 to $999
o White - $100 to $499

All donations are tax deductible, and we will accept all donations made out to The
University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. Include in memo: Student Organization Fund (21904) Mens Lacrosse and mailed to:

The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Data Services
2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206
Storrs, CT 06269

If you are interested in making a donation to support the UConn Men's
Lacrosse Team online you can give a gift through the UConn Foundation's website:
www.giving.uconn.edu

o Once on the website, you'll see the options for "Gift Designations."
o Check the box for "Other gift designation not listed above."
o Enter "Student Organization's Fund (21904) - Men's Lacrosse."

We always remember our supportive fans in rewarding them with recognition on
the website. No matter what, we would just like to see you out at our games this year to cheer on the team.

Go Huskies!

Sincerely,

Paul Scordato
UConn Head Lacrosse Coach
860-871-1286
paulscordato@gmail.com
www.uconnlacrosse.com


~~Alumni Day April 7th~~

Just a reminder that Alumni Day is April 7th.  Response has been great thus far.    Please RSVP if you already haven't.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRDZmlZU3FEYTlvSkd4TWFmcEszTUE6MQ#gid=0

Itinerary:

4pm - Old Huskies Game @ Depot Field
5:15pm - Alumni Dinner/Drinks
7pm - UConn Lacrosse vs. Northeastern @ Depot Field

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Introducting Alumni Day and the Old Huskies Game

~Alumni Day & Old Huskies Game~

Attendance at the fall alumni games over the years has been exceptional, however I have been looking for a way we could seize upon that enthusiasm that would help the team during the season.  After some discussion myself and Coach Scordato have come up with a spring 'Alumni Day' to be held on April 7th. 

Alumni Day Schedule - April 7th 2012

4pm - 5pm - Old Huskies Game - Depot Field
5pm-6:45pm  - Alumni Dinner/Drinks - TBD
7pm - UConn Men's Lacrosse vs. Northeastern - Depot Field

The Old Huskies games will be an Alumni vs. Alumni game.  Odd years graduates will be on one team, and even year graduates on the other.  The game will be two 30 minute running time halves.  After the game we will meet at a TBD location for some food and drinks.  To conclude the night the Men's Lacrosse team will face off against Northeastern at Depot Field.  This is the first time we are trying something like this so it is my hope that we will get good numbers, and hopefully many sticking around for the game vs. Northeastern. 

For those that haven't been there recently, Depot underwent a massive renovation, and is now an exceptional playing surface with lighting, spectator seating, public address, etc.  Also, the club sport administration has asked me to remind all alumni that alcohol is not permitted at Depot Field.

If you are interested in participating in the Old Huskies Game please RSVP by clicking the below link.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRDZmlZU3FEYTlvSkd4TWFmcEszTUE6MQ#gid=0

~New Haven Game Highlight Video~

Click the following link to view highlights from the Huskies 24-3 victory over New Haven:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TM6arw_f37g

~New England Lacrosse Blog~

The New England Lacrosse blog has published a 3 part feature previewing the upcoming UConn season.  All 3 parts are now online and can be found here:

http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/02/uconn-featured-on-new-england-lacrosse.html

~Upcoming Season~

The season schedule can be found at this link:

http://mcla.us/teams/connecticut/2012/schedule.html

All games this year will be at Depot Field, unless there is inclement weather in which case they will be moved to Sherman Field. The schedule will be updated to reflect this in the near future.

~St. Patrick's Day~

A side note - Myself, Ty Longland and Scott Aplegren will be at the Brown vs. Harvard game at Harvard Stadium this Saturday at 7pm.  I have a limited number of free tix for this game so if anyone else is interested in meeting up with us feel free to let me know.

~UConn Lacrosse Social Media~

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/uconnmenslacrosse
Twitter - https://twitter.com/uconnlacrosse

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UConn Defeats New Haven 24-3 In Season Opener

UConn Defeats New Haven 24-3 In Season Opener

http://mcla.us/scores/games/11594/

Notes:

>Evan Clark and Charles Ogalin lead the team with 6 goals

>UConn is now 3-0 all time vs. New Haven

>Only one other time since MCLA affiliation has UConn won a game by 20 points or more. A 22-2 win over Bridgewater State in 2007

>This is Coach Scordatos first win as a Husky. Which ironically came against New Haven, a team he coached in the 1980s when it was NCAA DII

Also

Team Roster is up:

http://mcla.us/teams/connecticut/2012/roster.html

Follow the team on facebook and twitter

http://www.facebook.com/uconnmenslacrosse

https://twitter.com/uconnlacrosse

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Part 2 of Season Preview Feature in the New England Lacrosse Blog

Defense-Defense-Defense

One of the biggest surprises of fall ball, according to Coach Scordato, is how deep the defense is. Though UConn lost Peter Gabriele to graduation (now the Huskies Defensive Coordinator), UConn's back-up goalie from last year has taken over and has performed quite well. "John Sherman (Wilton HS, CT) has really stepped up this past fall ball season between the pipes. He knows the weight is on his shoulders and he is up for the task," Coach Gabriele says. "I am hoping I can pass down to him some of my experiences being the starting goalie for the past two years."

This year the hope is the Huskies can continue to keep their opposition's scoring down. Last year the Huskies held opponents to an average of 7.7 goals per game. "I am hoping this year we maintain our 7-8 goals against average. I think that is reasonable and can be accomplished. If the defense does their part then the offense can run without too much pressure," says Scordato.

Full Article: http://nelaxblog.com/blog/2012/02/24/uconn-huskies-striving-to-be-top-do-in-pcll-partii/

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John O'Leary Named Assistant Coach

 Storrs CT - John O'Leary has joined the UConn Men's Lacrosse team for 2011-12 after two seasons as offensive coordinator at Bacon Academy. O'Leary was a three-year starter on attack at Saint Anselm College, compiling 92 goals and 127 points in his career placing him fifth all-time.

A standout player, O'Leary led Saint Anselm to their best season on record his junior year when the team went 11-3. The Hawks advanced to their first ever NE-10 Conference Final Four appearance that same season. He was a two-time NE-10 All-Conference selection and earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from Saint Anselm along with an MBA in International Business Development from the University of Hartford.

Upon graduation, O'Leary founded Silver Sound lacrosse along with his brother. Their team has competed in the Glastonbury Lacrosse tournament as well as the Lake Placid tournament in recent years. Silver Sounds has won three Glastonbury tournament championships (2005, 2008 and 2009).

He has also served as head coach for the north squad twice in the Nutmeg State Games leading players from Glastonbury, Newington and West Hartford to the Silver and Bronze medals. In the summer O'Leary is still active, playing in summer leagues and various tournaments. In 2004 he won the PVLL with the Glastonbury Whalers and still plays with the team every summer.

O'Leary comes from a strong family of lacrosse: his younger brother, Brian, was also a two-time NE-10 All-Conference selection on attack at Saint Anselm College who remains the all-time leader in assists with 152 and is second in career points with 210.

O'Leary is an adjunct faculty member at Goodwin College and currently resides in Glastonbury with his wife Sarah.

Link: http://uconnmenslacrosse.blogspot.com/2012/02/oleary-hired-as-uconn-mens-lacrosse.html

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UConn Men's Lacrosse Season Preview Featured on the N.E. Lacrosse Blog

The New England Lacrosse Blog (http://nelaxblog.com) is featuring a multi-part series previewing the upcoming season for UConn.  At this link you can find Part 1:

http://nelaxblog.com/blog/2012/02/14/uconn-huskies-striving-to-be-top-dog-in-pcll/

In PCLL news you may have already heard that Boston University has announced that they will elevate their Men's Lacrosse team to Division 1 status:

http://www.bu.edu/today/2012/new-sports-field-coming-to-west-campus/

I am sure many of us have fond memories of playing BU over the years.  My personal favorite was the 4 overtime game in 2005 under the lights on spring weekend.  The obviously rowdy crowd grew restless the longer the game went on, I can remember vividly one fan constantly screaming "Hurry up and win I want to go drink!".  As the game went on one reality hit me, the lights were on a timer set by the athletic department to go off at 9:30pm, and I had no way to extend them.  I recall speaking to the referees between the 3rd and 4th overtime explaining to them that the lights were going to go off in 8 minutes and there was nothing I could do about it.  They looked at me dumbfounded, the BU coach overheard our conversation and jumped on the situation "They will have to forfeit right?" he asked the refs, the ref just shrugged and blew his whistle and the 4th OT began.  I swear that for the first half of that 4th OT BU played stall ball hoping the lights would go out. Finally we got  that ball on a breakaway and Scott Copertino split several defenders and took a bounce shot that went into the goal.  Probably not 5 seconds after the goal was scored, as the team jumped on Scott, the lights went out.

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UConn Lacrosse Apparel Orders

Just an update if you purchased team apparel last fall...orders are in and the team has shipped them today.  If you don't receive them in the near future please email patrick.cooper@uconn.edu.

First game is exactly a month away.  2012 Schedule is below.

http://mcla.us/teams/connecticut/2012/schedule.html

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