Friday, March 18. 2005
There's a new coach in town.
"By Coach Urick"
I just flew back from the west coast after beating the orange in The First 4 Invitational and boy are my arms tired. Lacrosse is growing and the west coast got a taste of “real” lacrosse – Four of the top Division I teams played in Carson CA this past weekend. North Carolina lost to Notre Dame and I got my first win over SU since taking over at Georgetown.
The Tri-City Board of Director’s have been working hard all off season. Everything from fund raising to making sure we have a place to play in 2005 has been on the agendas. Coming soon I will give you my pre-season picks for the up coming season. I’ve been out scouting the pre-season drills and checking on the condition of our players. Most still are carrying there Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with them. I won’t mention the green beer from yesterday! We have a lot of Irish players in this league. Time to hit the tread mill boys!
How about this new look of the web site! It’s great – Looking at the action picture used in the banner of the site I can’t help but notice that it’s a Whitesboro and a New Hartford helmet. Rome must have had a baseball game that day I guess.
Local college teams are at there busiest time of the year right now. On Tuesday March 23 Hamilton College visits Utica College. This game is getting to be a must see. These teams both have very talented and skilled players. Go watch this one!
Here are some other upcoming college games in our area.
Syracuse home games –
318 H Johns Hopkins
402 H Brown
412 H Cornell
416 H Rutgers
422 H Albany
Colgate home games –
326 H Army
402 H Holy Cross
405 H Binghamton
420 H North Carolina
423 H Bucknell
Utica College home games-
323 H Hamilton
402 H Ithaca
416 H Alfred
419 H RIT
423 H St. John Fisher
Hamilton College home games-
330 H Oneonta
413 H Clarkson
416 H Vassar
423 H Skidmore
Herkimer County C.C. home games-
331 H Mohawk Valley
402 H Suffolk
405 H Hudson Valley
411 H Finger Lakes
413 H Morrisville
416 H Onondaga
430 H Alfred State
For those of you wondering who this new Coach Urick is that’s filling in for Coach Roy here’s your first hint -
I can remember having games on the upper field at Whitesboro Junior High. Do you remember how dusty it used to get in July and August? I can also remember playing games at Harts Hill Elementary School. Many a lacrosse ball went bouncing across that busy road! I can remember when the Coburn’s played for a team other than Estate Homes. Any guesses yet?
Back to
Tri-City Lacrosse.
I just flew back from the west coast after beating the orange in The First 4 Invitational and boy are my arms tired. Lacrosse is growing and the west coast got a taste of “real” lacrosse – Four of the top Division I teams played in Carson CA this past weekend. North Carolina lost to Notre Dame and I got my first win over SU since taking over at Georgetown.
The Tri-City Board of Director’s have been working hard all off season. Everything from fund raising to making sure we have a place to play in 2005 has been on the agendas. Coming soon I will give you my pre-season picks for the up coming season. I’ve been out scouting the pre-season drills and checking on the condition of our players. Most still are carrying there Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with them. I won’t mention the green beer from yesterday! We have a lot of Irish players in this league. Time to hit the tread mill boys!
How about this new look of the web site! It’s great – Looking at the action picture used in the banner of the site I can’t help but notice that it’s a Whitesboro and a New Hartford helmet. Rome must have had a baseball game that day I guess.
Local college teams are at there busiest time of the year right now. On Tuesday March 23 Hamilton College visits Utica College. This game is getting to be a must see. These teams both have very talented and skilled players. Go watch this one!
Here are some other upcoming college games in our area.
Syracuse home games –
318 H Johns Hopkins
402 H Brown
412 H Cornell
416 H Rutgers
422 H Albany
Colgate home games –
326 H Army
402 H Holy Cross
405 H Binghamton
420 H North Carolina
423 H Bucknell
Utica College home games-
323 H Hamilton
402 H Ithaca
416 H Alfred
419 H RIT
423 H St. John Fisher
Hamilton College home games-
330 H Oneonta
413 H Clarkson
416 H Vassar
423 H Skidmore
Herkimer County C.C. home games-
331 H Mohawk Valley
402 H Suffolk
405 H Hudson Valley
411 H Finger Lakes
413 H Morrisville
416 H Onondaga
430 H Alfred State
For those of you wondering who this new Coach Urick is that’s filling in for Coach Roy here’s your first hint -
I can remember having games on the upper field at Whitesboro Junior High. Do you remember how dusty it used to get in July and August? I can also remember playing games at Harts Hill Elementary School. Many a lacrosse ball went bouncing across that busy road! I can remember when the Coburn’s played for a team other than Estate Homes. Any guesses yet?
Back to
Tri-City Lacrosse.
Saturday, May 1. 2004
A Wild Off Season For Tri-City
By Coach Tierney
Estate Homes was celebrating around the Rieben Cup as I revved up the VW Van and left the Mohawk Valley last August. The cup hadn't gone west but the old coach was about to. Many events have taken place in Tri City family since; some good news and some bad news. The old coach has to congratulate the geriatric crew from Estate for winning the cup. Some of these guys are eligible for free coffee at McDonalds but they keep getting it done. Gang Green gave them a good fight without their scoring machine Brandon Davis. There were more than a few people who told ol' coach that the Schoen team was going to take the Green team to an early exit. Somehow, Geno's Army kicks it up a couple of notches come playoff time. 2003 was indeed a great season in Tri City. Both the young and old Lake Placid teams had good showings with a combined 4-4 record. The Ol' Coach predicts that the 2004 teams will be the best that we have ever fielded.
The 2004 season saw a number of noteworthy things happen for Tri City. The USCLA team finished in third place in the Empire Division behind Reebok and DeBeers. Next year, the coach predicts that we will upset one of those teams. Utica College made the ECAC tournament to cap it's best season to date. Ben Schoen was the Pioneers captain. Matt Grande was named 2nd team All-American at Stevens Tech. Only the National Champion Salisbury Sea Gulls had a better long stick middie than the man they call Taco. Stevens stunned a strong Springfield team in the NCAAs behind Grande's play. Tom Spinnella was named honorable mention All-American at Skidmore. New Hartford finished the season ranked 2nd in Section 3 class B and lost to traditional power Jamesville DeWitt in the playoffs. The Spartans knocked off J-D and state ranked Jordan-Elbridge during the season. RFA had their best finish in years under Tri City alum Guy Calandra. The pumpkinheads swept the series with Whitesboro for the first time in years. Programs are springing up at Proctor, Hamilton, Holland Patent and Notre Dame. SUNYIT sadly, has packed it in. Tim Dobsis leaving Cobleskill for warmer climates and not for nothing but Paul Noecker is done at MVCC. The Ol' Coach is sad for the next generation of guys who wont get to play for these great men.
The new crop of talent in Tri City has Ol' Roy happy and sad together! Look out on the field this summer and you will see talent from Syracuse, LeMoyne,Mercyhurst, RIT, Clarkson, Oneonta, OCC, Potsdam, Henninger, Marcellus, as well as the usual haunts. What you wont see is goalies! There are currently 2 teams scrambling to find keepers in the league. Roy's advice is to take the over and expect the unexpected in 2004. It will be a wild year in Central New York's premier summer league. Can the Boys in Black repeat? Is the cup really going west? Did 12 North just reload? Is it the dawn of a new blue era? Can the Bananas go from worst to first? Tune in Tuesdays and Thursdays because your not going to want to miss this!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Estate Homes was celebrating around the Rieben Cup as I revved up the VW Van and left the Mohawk Valley last August. The cup hadn't gone west but the old coach was about to. Many events have taken place in Tri City family since; some good news and some bad news. The old coach has to congratulate the geriatric crew from Estate for winning the cup. Some of these guys are eligible for free coffee at McDonalds but they keep getting it done. Gang Green gave them a good fight without their scoring machine Brandon Davis. There were more than a few people who told ol' coach that the Schoen team was going to take the Green team to an early exit. Somehow, Geno's Army kicks it up a couple of notches come playoff time. 2003 was indeed a great season in Tri City. Both the young and old Lake Placid teams had good showings with a combined 4-4 record. The Ol' Coach predicts that the 2004 teams will be the best that we have ever fielded.
The 2004 season saw a number of noteworthy things happen for Tri City. The USCLA team finished in third place in the Empire Division behind Reebok and DeBeers. Next year, the coach predicts that we will upset one of those teams. Utica College made the ECAC tournament to cap it's best season to date. Ben Schoen was the Pioneers captain. Matt Grande was named 2nd team All-American at Stevens Tech. Only the National Champion Salisbury Sea Gulls had a better long stick middie than the man they call Taco. Stevens stunned a strong Springfield team in the NCAAs behind Grande's play. Tom Spinnella was named honorable mention All-American at Skidmore. New Hartford finished the season ranked 2nd in Section 3 class B and lost to traditional power Jamesville DeWitt in the playoffs. The Spartans knocked off J-D and state ranked Jordan-Elbridge during the season. RFA had their best finish in years under Tri City alum Guy Calandra. The pumpkinheads swept the series with Whitesboro for the first time in years. Programs are springing up at Proctor, Hamilton, Holland Patent and Notre Dame. SUNYIT sadly, has packed it in. Tim Dobsis leaving Cobleskill for warmer climates and not for nothing but Paul Noecker is done at MVCC. The Ol' Coach is sad for the next generation of guys who wont get to play for these great men.
The new crop of talent in Tri City has Ol' Roy happy and sad together! Look out on the field this summer and you will see talent from Syracuse, LeMoyne,Mercyhurst, RIT, Clarkson, Oneonta, OCC, Potsdam, Henninger, Marcellus, as well as the usual haunts. What you wont see is goalies! There are currently 2 teams scrambling to find keepers in the league. Roy's advice is to take the over and expect the unexpected in 2004. It will be a wild year in Central New York's premier summer league. Can the Boys in Black repeat? Is the cup really going west? Did 12 North just reload? Is it the dawn of a new blue era? Can the Bananas go from worst to first? Tune in Tuesdays and Thursdays because your not going to want to miss this!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Thursday, July 31. 2003
The Winner is...
By Coach Tierney
It's playoff time and Roy is basking in the glory of his Nostrodomus-like prediction that the season would go down to the last game. The Ol' Coach sends out congrats to the Estate Homes crew for taking the regular season crown. If there were no playoffs, the black crew would have a dynasty on their hands.
The Rhinos get props for mashing the Bananas to get into the big dance. Champs did the sparkle and fade down the stretch as their roster disappeared like a plate of 12 North wings in front of the coach! Champs has the talent to compete in the Tri City, someone just has to step up and lead the team to the promised land. The time has come to look at the playoff pairings and peer into the crystal ball...
#3 12 North vs. #2 Schoen Brothers- Nobody closes the year on a two game win streak like the Gang Green! 12 North has come from the #3 spot to win the Rieban Cup in each of the last 2 years. With league points leader Brandon Davis doubtful for the playoffs, this will be their stiffest test. Roy predicts a one winged Davis will strap it on and make a go of it.
Bob Dicks and Tim Dobs will have to step up the scoring to get the Champions back to the finals. The Schoen Brothers step into the playoffs after a tough loss to Estate in the season finale. The Schoen's and Rose's are putting points on the board. Larry Giglio and Blake Bernard are producing at the midfield and Sean Temple is rippin' it from the left side. Rick Reynolds and Bruce Wright anchor a young but solid defense. The Blue team looks strong. The Coach sees a changing of the guard in this game. It will be close as valiant efforts from Brian Davis, Nick Benjamin, and Geno DeCondo are to be expected. Schoen's by two in a 4th quarter come back.
#4 Rhinos vs. #1 Estate Homes- The Rhinos stomped into the playoffs behind the young guns Chad Wagoner and David Sacossi. Kyle Donnewirth and Nick Zegarelli have Coach Noecker humbly suggesting that the cup is going west. They may be feeding the horn but I'm not sure the Bears are eating it.
It is hard to come up with a scenario in which the Boys in Black lose this game. The Coach expects Andy Farrell and Dan Spinella to secure the ball for Estate. Matt Chapple will be back from his suspension to dish out the assists to Pete Colburn and crew. Tom Kenyon has been sharp in the net. The coach likes Estate by 5 in this one. This will be their year to drink from the Cup.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
It's playoff time and Roy is basking in the glory of his Nostrodomus-like prediction that the season would go down to the last game. The Ol' Coach sends out congrats to the Estate Homes crew for taking the regular season crown. If there were no playoffs, the black crew would have a dynasty on their hands.
The Rhinos get props for mashing the Bananas to get into the big dance. Champs did the sparkle and fade down the stretch as their roster disappeared like a plate of 12 North wings in front of the coach! Champs has the talent to compete in the Tri City, someone just has to step up and lead the team to the promised land. The time has come to look at the playoff pairings and peer into the crystal ball...
#3 12 North vs. #2 Schoen Brothers- Nobody closes the year on a two game win streak like the Gang Green! 12 North has come from the #3 spot to win the Rieban Cup in each of the last 2 years. With league points leader Brandon Davis doubtful for the playoffs, this will be their stiffest test. Roy predicts a one winged Davis will strap it on and make a go of it.
Bob Dicks and Tim Dobs will have to step up the scoring to get the Champions back to the finals. The Schoen Brothers step into the playoffs after a tough loss to Estate in the season finale. The Schoen's and Rose's are putting points on the board. Larry Giglio and Blake Bernard are producing at the midfield and Sean Temple is rippin' it from the left side. Rick Reynolds and Bruce Wright anchor a young but solid defense. The Blue team looks strong. The Coach sees a changing of the guard in this game. It will be close as valiant efforts from Brian Davis, Nick Benjamin, and Geno DeCondo are to be expected. Schoen's by two in a 4th quarter come back.
#4 Rhinos vs. #1 Estate Homes- The Rhinos stomped into the playoffs behind the young guns Chad Wagoner and David Sacossi. Kyle Donnewirth and Nick Zegarelli have Coach Noecker humbly suggesting that the cup is going west. They may be feeding the horn but I'm not sure the Bears are eating it.
It is hard to come up with a scenario in which the Boys in Black lose this game. The Coach expects Andy Farrell and Dan Spinella to secure the ball for Estate. Matt Chapple will be back from his suspension to dish out the assists to Pete Colburn and crew. Tom Kenyon has been sharp in the net. The coach likes Estate by 5 in this one. This will be their year to drink from the Cup.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Sunday, June 1. 2003
The Times They Are A-Changin'
By Coach Tierney
Roy is overwhelmed with the start of the Tri City Season. LOTS of high quality play from more sources on every team in the league thus far. Fish are turning to Rhinos. We have a worst to first start. The old coach has to step back and drink it all in before reporting back to the faithful. Never before has Roy seen so many teams with a very real chance to sip from the Rieban Cup at the first turn!
Schoen Brothers- Give them a Poet and the boys in blue get all kinds of creative. Last year's doormat is this years Cinderella. And she does not like the ball to end at midnight!! It seems as though almost every game, Schoener's are making a dramatic 4th quarter dash to win in overtime. Ben Schoen's providing the guidance but baby bro Steve is putting up points against some of the league's nastier long poles! It hardly seems fair that they let someone teach Larry Giglio to shoot. While everyone was watching the surfer boy tear up the field, Tri- City's elder statesman Paul Rose cut to the net and stole the goal scoring lead. Wright is keeping the score down in the net to give the running blues a chance to stay in front of the pack!
Estate Homes- After a slow start, The Boys in Black are coming around. They have netted 32 goals in the last 2 games! Matt Chapple and Pete Colburn are still puttinn' them in but some old and new faces are sahowing up in the points column. Tom Spinella is shooting like a Thoroughbred (Skidmore, that is!) and Lil' Dan is taking some of the heat off of Crash. Geriatrics Murph, Babs, and even "Peg Leg" Leary are nettin' them too. Tom Kenyon is backing a veteran defense for the Black. What is going to happen when Ron Jones heads south? This may be the key question as Black looks to be a finalist yet again!
12 North- The Champs find themselves in a familiar place for the regular season. Brandon Davis has been a one man gang for the mean green! He wants that league scoring title back! The Stork is flying high after getting a little rust off his wings. Cambier, Nick Benjamin and Geno DeCondo are looking like the premier defensive unit in the Tri City. The Colf boy plays like he's Tom Dibbs on the midfield. The Champions midfield is deeper than in recent years. The Old Coach hears that the Green team may be going goalie by committee the rest of the way. Nobody knows how to break from the pack and run to the finish like the 12 North team, they are Roy's team to beat until they are out!
Rome Rhino's- From Rhino's to Fish and back again! The Red team sure knows how to keep it interesting. Paul Noecker is using Hawks to complete the transformation. Noecker made more trades than George Steinbrenner to bring future MVCC stars Kyle Donnewirth and Adam Morgan to the Rhinos. Chad Wagoner and Dave Siccossi have stepped it up for the Red just when it looked like they may fall out of the race. The Rhino's were the only team to withstand the furious assault of the Schoen middies thus far. Bill Fahy has been a rock on defense and the goalies seem to be getting comfortable in the net. Maybe the cup really is goin' west.
Champs Sports- The Bananas trip the Estate crew on opening night. They have slumped ever since. Kyle Harter has been amazing in goal. Kiel Adams is stepping it up on attack, looking like the USLacrosse photo boy he is! Mike Arcuri is leading a stingy defense. Champs has been trouble getting over the hump at midfield. Roy sees Tom Arcuri kickin' it up hotter than Nimey's wing sauce to get the banana's back in the race!
The four playoff spots may not be decided until the last game if everyone plays well.
Time for the Old Coach to hit the highway and head to the field. See you there!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Roy is overwhelmed with the start of the Tri City Season. LOTS of high quality play from more sources on every team in the league thus far. Fish are turning to Rhinos. We have a worst to first start. The old coach has to step back and drink it all in before reporting back to the faithful. Never before has Roy seen so many teams with a very real chance to sip from the Rieban Cup at the first turn!
Schoen Brothers- Give them a Poet and the boys in blue get all kinds of creative. Last year's doormat is this years Cinderella. And she does not like the ball to end at midnight!! It seems as though almost every game, Schoener's are making a dramatic 4th quarter dash to win in overtime. Ben Schoen's providing the guidance but baby bro Steve is putting up points against some of the league's nastier long poles! It hardly seems fair that they let someone teach Larry Giglio to shoot. While everyone was watching the surfer boy tear up the field, Tri- City's elder statesman Paul Rose cut to the net and stole the goal scoring lead. Wright is keeping the score down in the net to give the running blues a chance to stay in front of the pack!
Estate Homes- After a slow start, The Boys in Black are coming around. They have netted 32 goals in the last 2 games! Matt Chapple and Pete Colburn are still puttinn' them in but some old and new faces are sahowing up in the points column. Tom Spinella is shooting like a Thoroughbred (Skidmore, that is!) and Lil' Dan is taking some of the heat off of Crash. Geriatrics Murph, Babs, and even "Peg Leg" Leary are nettin' them too. Tom Kenyon is backing a veteran defense for the Black. What is going to happen when Ron Jones heads south? This may be the key question as Black looks to be a finalist yet again!
12 North- The Champs find themselves in a familiar place for the regular season. Brandon Davis has been a one man gang for the mean green! He wants that league scoring title back! The Stork is flying high after getting a little rust off his wings. Cambier, Nick Benjamin and Geno DeCondo are looking like the premier defensive unit in the Tri City. The Colf boy plays like he's Tom Dibbs on the midfield. The Champions midfield is deeper than in recent years. The Old Coach hears that the Green team may be going goalie by committee the rest of the way. Nobody knows how to break from the pack and run to the finish like the 12 North team, they are Roy's team to beat until they are out!
Rome Rhino's- From Rhino's to Fish and back again! The Red team sure knows how to keep it interesting. Paul Noecker is using Hawks to complete the transformation. Noecker made more trades than George Steinbrenner to bring future MVCC stars Kyle Donnewirth and Adam Morgan to the Rhinos. Chad Wagoner and Dave Siccossi have stepped it up for the Red just when it looked like they may fall out of the race. The Rhino's were the only team to withstand the furious assault of the Schoen middies thus far. Bill Fahy has been a rock on defense and the goalies seem to be getting comfortable in the net. Maybe the cup really is goin' west.
Champs Sports- The Bananas trip the Estate crew on opening night. They have slumped ever since. Kyle Harter has been amazing in goal. Kiel Adams is stepping it up on attack, looking like the USLacrosse photo boy he is! Mike Arcuri is leading a stingy defense. Champs has been trouble getting over the hump at midfield. Roy sees Tom Arcuri kickin' it up hotter than Nimey's wing sauce to get the banana's back in the race!
The four playoff spots may not be decided until the last game if everyone plays well.
Time for the Old Coach to hit the highway and head to the field. See you there!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Thursday, May 1. 2003
Tri-City All Over The Globe!
By Coach Tierney
It seems like only yesterday that Roy had to squint into the darkness to watch 12 North take home yet another Rieben Cup from the clutches of the Doghouse crew! But that was August my friends and the old coach has been running into Tri-City laxers evrywhere he goes during this off season.
In March, Old Roy was having himself one of those near beers in the seedy Cafe Baghdad when he spotted Shannon Sullivan patrolling the area. Sully was an officer and a gentleman so he tipped his hat to the Old Coach and made me promise to tell the boys from Tri-City that he was missing the lacrosse but freedom fighting was more important! Hope you make it home safe Sully!
Roy's not much for flying so he made his way to the west coast by jumping a Raeman Noodle boat to the shores of L.A. After a long quarintine to make sure the old coach wasn't spreading the SARS Virus (Roy suspects that it has origins in Rhino country!), I was off to see the sights of Los Angeles.
Walking down the street, just drinking in the sunshine, suddenly the old coach heard some Tragicaly Hip...CANADIANS had invaded! And they were warming up for a lacrosse game! "Poets" was blasting from the field. So old Roy got himself a Poet dog and a coke and sat down to watch the game. The referee was about to toss the coin when old Roy saw something that nearly made him drop his catheter bag!
Two Whitesboro guys were at the coin flip! in L.A.! At an NCAA playoff game! Larry Giglio (Whittier Poets captain) and Knickbocker League Player of the Year Matt Grande (Stevens Tech captain). You would have better odds of dropping your cell phone down an elevator shaft! They are playing some serious ball on the West Coast and Tri-City is in the house!
Larry Giglio is too modest to mention this but he was named to the Division III North South All Star Game. Congratulate him when you see him because rumour has him heading back to the Tri-City. Speaking of returning players, the coach thought he saw a few storks headed to Tri-City land.
Bob Dicks & Pete Colburn have added little ones to the lacrosse community. That 2021 program at Sauquoit is going to be awesome! The Farrell, Davis and Schneider families are all expanding. Even J.J. Is getting in on the trend and Brandon Davis is due in mid summer! One storck is bringing his long pole to deliver pain to attackman!
The old coach sees some suprises come draft night. There will be some key names missing from the returning rosters. I hear the Rhino Stomper is turning over his stick for a whistle. You will be missed David Closinski but best of luck with the zebras. It is time to see what stomper in waiting Kiel Adams learned while earning the ring at Herktown. Coach gets misty when he thinks about what a great way Paul Wehrum ended his career. A lot of Tri-City players learned the game at HCCC.
Speaking of junior college lacrosse, Hawk pride was flying at MVCC. The old coach tips his hat to Mountain Valley Conference Coach of the Year Paul Noecker. Hawk/Fish attackman David Sacocci earned all-league honors. Morrisville Mustang Joe Flynt was a one man gang for the father and son coaching duo of Paul and Brian Rose. Joe was also all-league. Cobleskill coach Tim Dobs doesn't want to get one upped by Hawks and Mustangs so he is bringing some all-league talent to the Tri-City.
Well, before you know it Ben Schoen (Utica College captain) will be taking his first pick and the 21st edition of Tri-City lacrosse will be under way.
I'll see you at the games!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
It seems like only yesterday that Roy had to squint into the darkness to watch 12 North take home yet another Rieben Cup from the clutches of the Doghouse crew! But that was August my friends and the old coach has been running into Tri-City laxers evrywhere he goes during this off season.
In March, Old Roy was having himself one of those near beers in the seedy Cafe Baghdad when he spotted Shannon Sullivan patrolling the area. Sully was an officer and a gentleman so he tipped his hat to the Old Coach and made me promise to tell the boys from Tri-City that he was missing the lacrosse but freedom fighting was more important! Hope you make it home safe Sully!
Roy's not much for flying so he made his way to the west coast by jumping a Raeman Noodle boat to the shores of L.A. After a long quarintine to make sure the old coach wasn't spreading the SARS Virus (Roy suspects that it has origins in Rhino country!), I was off to see the sights of Los Angeles.
Walking down the street, just drinking in the sunshine, suddenly the old coach heard some Tragicaly Hip...CANADIANS had invaded! And they were warming up for a lacrosse game! "Poets" was blasting from the field. So old Roy got himself a Poet dog and a coke and sat down to watch the game. The referee was about to toss the coin when old Roy saw something that nearly made him drop his catheter bag!
Two Whitesboro guys were at the coin flip! in L.A.! At an NCAA playoff game! Larry Giglio (Whittier Poets captain) and Knickbocker League Player of the Year Matt Grande (Stevens Tech captain). You would have better odds of dropping your cell phone down an elevator shaft! They are playing some serious ball on the West Coast and Tri-City is in the house!
Larry Giglio is too modest to mention this but he was named to the Division III North South All Star Game. Congratulate him when you see him because rumour has him heading back to the Tri-City. Speaking of returning players, the coach thought he saw a few storks headed to Tri-City land.
Bob Dicks & Pete Colburn have added little ones to the lacrosse community. That 2021 program at Sauquoit is going to be awesome! The Farrell, Davis and Schneider families are all expanding. Even J.J. Is getting in on the trend and Brandon Davis is due in mid summer! One storck is bringing his long pole to deliver pain to attackman!
The old coach sees some suprises come draft night. There will be some key names missing from the returning rosters. I hear the Rhino Stomper is turning over his stick for a whistle. You will be missed David Closinski but best of luck with the zebras. It is time to see what stomper in waiting Kiel Adams learned while earning the ring at Herktown. Coach gets misty when he thinks about what a great way Paul Wehrum ended his career. A lot of Tri-City players learned the game at HCCC.
Speaking of junior college lacrosse, Hawk pride was flying at MVCC. The old coach tips his hat to Mountain Valley Conference Coach of the Year Paul Noecker. Hawk/Fish attackman David Sacocci earned all-league honors. Morrisville Mustang Joe Flynt was a one man gang for the father and son coaching duo of Paul and Brian Rose. Joe was also all-league. Cobleskill coach Tim Dobs doesn't want to get one upped by Hawks and Mustangs so he is bringing some all-league talent to the Tri-City.
Well, before you know it Ben Schoen (Utica College captain) will be taking his first pick and the 21st edition of Tri-City lacrosse will be under way.
I'll see you at the games!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Thursday, August 1. 2002
'Twas The Night Before Playoffs
By Coach Tierney
'Twas the night before playoffs
And all around the turf,
Not a trash talker posted,
Not even Murph!
The fans were all packing
Their burgers and beer,
In hopes that their team would make the finals this year!
Old Coach had been quiet,
Not much to be said,
Brandon had started to think Roy was dead!
But Roy had been studying
Films of the games,
So many new players,
Coach needed their names!
He combed through the tapes
Well into the night.
These were the playoffs,
Roy had to be right!
Coach sat with his Ho-Ho's
And 2 liters of Dew,
Just like Miss Cleo,
Old Roy would see true!
Neck will try magic,
They'll think he's a wino!
He's trying to change
A fish to a Rhino!
Myron's will play hard,
They want the cup west.
But Chapple, the Pistol
And Steele are the Best!
Estate will win big,
They'll laugh and they'll sing
Paint It Black
And they'll go to the Doghouse
For 15 cent wings!
The Banana was bruised,
By the boys from Estate,
But 12 North's bench
Can some tension create!
The game starts at seven,
The Green will be great!
Yellow has trouble,
If Pioneers run late!
Harter will no doubt
Make many great saves!
But who can stop Brandon,
When a goal's what he craves?
They call Team 5 Champs,
And like that they'll play,
But the Cup stays at 12 North,
At least on Thursday!
And I saw Dave Cloz shoot,
And the ball's movin' quick!
And I thought for a moment,
He must be Saint Nick!.....
...or maybe Eric Cartman,
With a nasty lax stick!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
'Twas the night before playoffs
And all around the turf,
Not a trash talker posted,
Not even Murph!
The fans were all packing
Their burgers and beer,
In hopes that their team would make the finals this year!
Old Coach had been quiet,
Not much to be said,
Brandon had started to think Roy was dead!
But Roy had been studying
Films of the games,
So many new players,
Coach needed their names!
He combed through the tapes
Well into the night.
These were the playoffs,
Roy had to be right!
Coach sat with his Ho-Ho's
And 2 liters of Dew,
Just like Miss Cleo,
Old Roy would see true!
Neck will try magic,
They'll think he's a wino!
He's trying to change
A fish to a Rhino!
Myron's will play hard,
They want the cup west.
But Chapple, the Pistol
And Steele are the Best!
Estate will win big,
They'll laugh and they'll sing
Paint It Black
And they'll go to the Doghouse
For 15 cent wings!
The Banana was bruised,
By the boys from Estate,
But 12 North's bench
Can some tension create!
The game starts at seven,
The Green will be great!
Yellow has trouble,
If Pioneers run late!
Harter will no doubt
Make many great saves!
But who can stop Brandon,
When a goal's what he craves?
They call Team 5 Champs,
And like that they'll play,
But the Cup stays at 12 North,
At least on Thursday!
And I saw Dave Cloz shoot,
And the ball's movin' quick!
And I thought for a moment,
He must be Saint Nick!.....
...or maybe Eric Cartman,
With a nasty lax stick!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Monday, July 15. 2002
The Banana Republic
By Coach Tierney
Well it is barely summer, and already the Tri City Lacrosse League is full of surprises. Old Roy is just sitting here with his Helluva Good Dinosaur BBQ dip and a big ol' bag of chips. The dip is limited edition and so is the new 20th anniversary t-shirt that the League is now selling. But let's get down to the field and see where we stand heading into the second round of games.
Team 5 (Champs)- Maybe the name fits. The Ragin' Bananas have taken Tri-City by storm. They avenged an opening season loss to the Estate/Doghouse team on Tuesday to grab the drivers seat for 1st place. How to celebrate? How about having the captain resign and hand over the team in mid season!
Team 5 is full of surprises and Schneider handing the reigns to Mike Arcuri is a shocker. So is the play of Kyle Harter, the league's hottest goalie. Dave Closinski has more assists than goals...Time for the coach to get back to church! The middies are all over the ground balls. The attack is balanced and the D is playing solid in front of Harter.
Coaches Questions....Can Harter keep up this level of play? Will the transition to Mike Arcuri be seamless? Champs is in the drivers seat...and it is no fluke!
Estate Homes/Dog House- Chapple and Colburn topping the leader board..same old story. But Waite! Mike Steele's on it also! These guys are balanced with 15 players in the points column. They are having a hard time staying out of the penalty box as they lead the league by 4.5 minutes.
Coaches Questions... Can the old guys keep up the pace? Will the 2 weeks without Andy Farrell kill them? The black team will be there in the end.
Myron's Bar- Dave Saccocci on the leader board! The Fish are aiming to take the cup west! Rick Buza and Mike Pinto helping Matt Rogers at midfield. Steve Packard is getting it done in the net. Myron's has the most goals in the league, and the 2nd most allowed!!
Coaches Questions... Will the team gel even more? Can the fish tighten up the ground ball play and defense a little? If they do that, the coach thinks the fish could sip from the cup!
12 North Tavern- Brandon Davis just keeps on going!The defense and Dave Kennedy have been solid. The problem has been scoring goals. Kory Buckley and Adam Griffin have picked it up a notch. Tim Dobs and Bob Dicks are just getting going.
Coaches Questions... Will the fiery Mike Corteaux ignite this team? Are Eli and Benjamin getting ready to return? 12 North is just starting to hit their stride. No team peeks at the right time better than these guys.
Schoen Brothers- Ben Schoen is doing a bang up job in his 1st year. Ryan Phalen leads a fast, young midfield. Sean Temple, Steve Schoen, Greg Slack and the father/son duo of Paul and Brian Rose doing a nice job. Dan McMahon doing a nice job on face offs.
Coaches Questions... Can they find some stability in goal? The Schoen boys are starting to click after a slow start. They are the scariest team on the schedule as they will try to claw their way to the playoffs.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Well it is barely summer, and already the Tri City Lacrosse League is full of surprises. Old Roy is just sitting here with his Helluva Good Dinosaur BBQ dip and a big ol' bag of chips. The dip is limited edition and so is the new 20th anniversary t-shirt that the League is now selling. But let's get down to the field and see where we stand heading into the second round of games.
Team 5 (Champs)- Maybe the name fits. The Ragin' Bananas have taken Tri-City by storm. They avenged an opening season loss to the Estate/Doghouse team on Tuesday to grab the drivers seat for 1st place. How to celebrate? How about having the captain resign and hand over the team in mid season!
Team 5 is full of surprises and Schneider handing the reigns to Mike Arcuri is a shocker. So is the play of Kyle Harter, the league's hottest goalie. Dave Closinski has more assists than goals...Time for the coach to get back to church! The middies are all over the ground balls. The attack is balanced and the D is playing solid in front of Harter.
Coaches Questions....Can Harter keep up this level of play? Will the transition to Mike Arcuri be seamless? Champs is in the drivers seat...and it is no fluke!
Estate Homes/Dog House- Chapple and Colburn topping the leader board..same old story. But Waite! Mike Steele's on it also! These guys are balanced with 15 players in the points column. They are having a hard time staying out of the penalty box as they lead the league by 4.5 minutes.
Coaches Questions... Can the old guys keep up the pace? Will the 2 weeks without Andy Farrell kill them? The black team will be there in the end.
Myron's Bar- Dave Saccocci on the leader board! The Fish are aiming to take the cup west! Rick Buza and Mike Pinto helping Matt Rogers at midfield. Steve Packard is getting it done in the net. Myron's has the most goals in the league, and the 2nd most allowed!!
Coaches Questions... Will the team gel even more? Can the fish tighten up the ground ball play and defense a little? If they do that, the coach thinks the fish could sip from the cup!
12 North Tavern- Brandon Davis just keeps on going!The defense and Dave Kennedy have been solid. The problem has been scoring goals. Kory Buckley and Adam Griffin have picked it up a notch. Tim Dobs and Bob Dicks are just getting going.
Coaches Questions... Will the fiery Mike Corteaux ignite this team? Are Eli and Benjamin getting ready to return? 12 North is just starting to hit their stride. No team peeks at the right time better than these guys.
Schoen Brothers- Ben Schoen is doing a bang up job in his 1st year. Ryan Phalen leads a fast, young midfield. Sean Temple, Steve Schoen, Greg Slack and the father/son duo of Paul and Brian Rose doing a nice job. Dan McMahon doing a nice job on face offs.
Coaches Questions... Can they find some stability in goal? The Schoen boys are starting to click after a slow start. They are the scariest team on the schedule as they will try to claw their way to the playoffs.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Saturday, June 15. 2002
On The Road Again
By Coach Tierney
The coach would like to wish all the fathers in Tri-City a Happy Fathers Day. Remember backto the dark ages when bonding with dad meant that you had to go to a baseball game. The time spent with dad was great, but little Roy would cause a commotion at Yankee Stadium by hitting the poor gentleman in the seat in front of him, not once, but twice with his Bobby Murcer autographed bat.
While the coach was a good kid, the "action" on the field was a bit slow and his attention would wander. The good people at TriCity have come up with a solution so that you don't have to worry about the out of court settlement that Roy II had to pay all those years ago.
Plans are being finalized for this years bus trip to see the best lacrosse players on the planet battle it out in Rochester. Friday, July 12th the Rochester Rattlers will host the Bridgeport Barrage in Major League Lacrosse action. The bus trip will cost $30 per person, including a ticket to the game. This will be a truly unforgettable experience for anybody who goes.
Bridgeport features former Syracuse star Roy Colsey, arguably the best middie in the world right now. Rochester will counter with SU's legendary Ryan Powell. To get an idea of how fast paced and hard hitting the MLL is, tune in to the MLL game of the week on Sundays at 3:30 on Empire Sports or 4:00 on MSG Network.
Last years trip had everything a fan could ask for. League founder "Body By" Jake Stienburg chatted with Tri City's own fitness experts, Body by Leary and Body by Noecker! Shamrock Representative and Estate/Doghouse Legend Mark Murphy raffled off prizes. The Schoen boys got every players autograph from both teams. The players signed autographs after the game for every fan who wanted one.
See the Pictures and Video link from the main page of www.tricitylacrosse.org to see the picture of "Body By" Paul, Bob, and Jake and the Tri-City Ball Boys
Murph got an autograph from NFL legend Bill Bergey (Rattler middie Jake Bergey is his son). The Rochester Rattlers were also gracious enough to honor the Tri City Lacrosse League by including our league on the tickets to enter Frontier Field.
We tailgated with players and their families from Rochester and Baltimore. 2 BULL League players were on the field as ball boys for the game, with equipment autographed and delivered by Ryan Powell! A group of young Romans got their picture in Inside Lacrosse Magazine! I can assure you nobody was bored enough to slug the guy in front of them with a stick!
You don't want to miss this trip. Sign up at the tent near the fields at SUNY Tech or visit Schoen Brothers Lacrosse on Route 49 anytime and support Central New York's only Lacrosse store. The season is just under way, and Roy is impressed! I'll recap the first round of games next time.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
The coach would like to wish all the fathers in Tri-City a Happy Fathers Day. Remember backto the dark ages when bonding with dad meant that you had to go to a baseball game. The time spent with dad was great, but little Roy would cause a commotion at Yankee Stadium by hitting the poor gentleman in the seat in front of him, not once, but twice with his Bobby Murcer autographed bat.
While the coach was a good kid, the "action" on the field was a bit slow and his attention would wander. The good people at TriCity have come up with a solution so that you don't have to worry about the out of court settlement that Roy II had to pay all those years ago.
Plans are being finalized for this years bus trip to see the best lacrosse players on the planet battle it out in Rochester. Friday, July 12th the Rochester Rattlers will host the Bridgeport Barrage in Major League Lacrosse action. The bus trip will cost $30 per person, including a ticket to the game. This will be a truly unforgettable experience for anybody who goes.
Bridgeport features former Syracuse star Roy Colsey, arguably the best middie in the world right now. Rochester will counter with SU's legendary Ryan Powell. To get an idea of how fast paced and hard hitting the MLL is, tune in to the MLL game of the week on Sundays at 3:30 on Empire Sports or 4:00 on MSG Network.
Last years trip had everything a fan could ask for. League founder "Body By" Jake Stienburg chatted with Tri City's own fitness experts, Body by Leary and Body by Noecker! Shamrock Representative and Estate/Doghouse Legend Mark Murphy raffled off prizes. The Schoen boys got every players autograph from both teams. The players signed autographs after the game for every fan who wanted one.
See the Pictures and Video link from the main page of www.tricitylacrosse.org to see the picture of "Body By" Paul, Bob, and Jake and the Tri-City Ball Boys
Murph got an autograph from NFL legend Bill Bergey (Rattler middie Jake Bergey is his son). The Rochester Rattlers were also gracious enough to honor the Tri City Lacrosse League by including our league on the tickets to enter Frontier Field.
We tailgated with players and their families from Rochester and Baltimore. 2 BULL League players were on the field as ball boys for the game, with equipment autographed and delivered by Ryan Powell! A group of young Romans got their picture in Inside Lacrosse Magazine! I can assure you nobody was bored enough to slug the guy in front of them with a stick!
You don't want to miss this trip. Sign up at the tent near the fields at SUNY Tech or visit Schoen Brothers Lacrosse on Route 49 anytime and support Central New York's only Lacrosse store. The season is just under way, and Roy is impressed! I'll recap the first round of games next time.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Saturday, June 1. 2002
Let The Games Begin
By Coach Tierney
No sooner had Roy arrived back in Utica from Rutgers than the Tri City League launched into year 20. The Orangemen brought the title back to Central New York where it belongs and the next thing you know, Roy's goldfish are leaving notes on their tank blithering on about the Cup heading west! It seems that the Tri City fans are lurking everywhere these days.
Let's take a look at the 5 contenders as the season faces off. There are many changes to be noted.
1. 12 North- key losses: Geoff Eliopolis, Doug Closinski, Nick Benjamin, Ben Schoen, Steve Schoen. New talent: Mike Bowen, Mike Corteaux, John Driscoll, Dennis Herron, Dave Kennedy, Jason Webb, Mike Weyranch. Roy's view: This team lost 2 big scorers, their best defender, and some solid young players. Any other squad with these losses would be in trouble but Roy has this team drinking from the cup yet again. Herron, Webb and Geno DeCondo should form the nastiest defense in the league. Kennedy and Long "The Great Wall" Gu form a solid goaltending tandem. Bowen and Corteaux's unexpected returns should ease the pain of losing the Schoens at middie. Tim Dobs and Bob Dicks will run for long stretches and Brian Davis adds defensive punch. 12 North has no weak links at midfield.
Brandon Davis and Kevin Powers will put up big numbers at attack. 12 North owns the Tom Rieban Cup and they don't intend to give it up this year.
2. Estate Homes-Doghouse- key losses: Brock Morra, Eric Weir, Dan Spinnella, Scott Carlson. New talent: Chris Kallies, Tom Kenyon, Mike Steele, Steve Harmon, Angelo Wooten. Roy's view: The loss of Bob Leary in the scrimmages will hurt the Black teams depth, but the regular season champs are in great shape. Matt Chapple, Pete Colburn, Mark Murphy, Steele, and Eric Reile are the league's deepest attack unit. Many of these guys will see time at middie too. Estate will be able to score. Andy Farrell's face off dominance is the starting point of a deep midfield unit. Dave Babowicz, Tom Spinnella and the Cortese brothers can get up and down the field. Brent Dodge, Paul Colburn and Ron Jones are a solid veteran defense. Wooten will be asked to contribute right away. Carlson was a force in the Doghouse net. Kenyon and Kyle Donnewirth will need to maintain a high level of play to offset his loss. The Boys in Black are a deep veteran team with no real problem areas. They have to be considered a favorite to play in the title game.
3. Myron's- key losses: Matt Condon, Liam Dwyer. New Talent: Rich Buza, John Dykeman, Joe Flynt, Mike Pinto, Scott Rakowski, Matt Rogers, Dave Saccocci, William Schleicher. Roy's view: The fish had a big draft, maybe the cup is heading west! Buza, Saccocci,Steve Fuller and Chad Wagoner will be the leagues most improved attack unit. Rogers, Dykeman, Pinto and the Wizzer will handle the midfield. Nick Zegarelli has to have a big year facing off. Torrey Rutledge, Bill Fahy, Ryan Nicholson and Rakowski form a good young defense. Coach sees some flag flying at this group. Steve Packard and the Big Cat, R.C. Witt will handle the nets. The coach sees the fish in the big dance as the most improved team in Tri City.
4. Champs- Key losses: John LaRock, Matt Grande. New Talent: Josh Bolen, Matt Bolen, Mike Grant, Brandon Heck, Tom Misiak. Roy's view: Team 5 drafted well. The Misiak kid knows how to put the ball in the net. Kiel Adams, Dan Hoeffler and Dave Closinski join him to round out a big attack unit. The Bolens and Grant will join Josh Grande, Chad Schneider and Tom Arcuri to lead the midfield. Jeff Schneider, Tom Arcuri, Jake Mallison, Blaine Heck and Tom Rizzo provide a solid defense in front of Kyle Harter. Team 5 exceeded expectations last year. They are a much deeper team this year. The coach thinks it would be foolish to underestimate their aspirations for the Cup this year.
5. Schoen Brothers Lacrosse- key losses: Shannon Sullivan, Kevin Kogut, Rodney Redeye, Marc O'Shea, Ryan Merritt. New talent: Ben Schoen, Steve Schoen, Bill Barry, Jim Exton, Shane Gallagher, Brian Haley, Lawrence Healy, Dan McMahon, Brian Rose, Paul Rose, Rob Van Vanovest. Roy's view: One of the most impressive teams at the scrimmage, it may take some time to integrate all the new faces but there is talent here. The midfield is filled with young legs. Ryan Phalen, Brett Merritt, John Sullivan and Ben Schoen are fast group. McMahon will get them the ball on the draw. Matt Semo will have an all new defense in front of him this season. Barry and Van Vanovest will have to step it up right away. Jason Semo and Sean Temple will get help from Steve Schoen. the Rose boys will also add experience to the offense. Ben Schoen provides some nice leadership to this team. Beat them early because Schoen's will improve the most as the season evolves. They will have something to say about who sips from the cup.
There it is folks. Looks to me like the most competitive race for the cup ever.
See you at the field!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
No sooner had Roy arrived back in Utica from Rutgers than the Tri City League launched into year 20. The Orangemen brought the title back to Central New York where it belongs and the next thing you know, Roy's goldfish are leaving notes on their tank blithering on about the Cup heading west! It seems that the Tri City fans are lurking everywhere these days.
Let's take a look at the 5 contenders as the season faces off. There are many changes to be noted.
1. 12 North- key losses: Geoff Eliopolis, Doug Closinski, Nick Benjamin, Ben Schoen, Steve Schoen. New talent: Mike Bowen, Mike Corteaux, John Driscoll, Dennis Herron, Dave Kennedy, Jason Webb, Mike Weyranch. Roy's view: This team lost 2 big scorers, their best defender, and some solid young players. Any other squad with these losses would be in trouble but Roy has this team drinking from the cup yet again. Herron, Webb and Geno DeCondo should form the nastiest defense in the league. Kennedy and Long "The Great Wall" Gu form a solid goaltending tandem. Bowen and Corteaux's unexpected returns should ease the pain of losing the Schoens at middie. Tim Dobs and Bob Dicks will run for long stretches and Brian Davis adds defensive punch. 12 North has no weak links at midfield.
Brandon Davis and Kevin Powers will put up big numbers at attack. 12 North owns the Tom Rieban Cup and they don't intend to give it up this year.
2. Estate Homes-Doghouse- key losses: Brock Morra, Eric Weir, Dan Spinnella, Scott Carlson. New talent: Chris Kallies, Tom Kenyon, Mike Steele, Steve Harmon, Angelo Wooten. Roy's view: The loss of Bob Leary in the scrimmages will hurt the Black teams depth, but the regular season champs are in great shape. Matt Chapple, Pete Colburn, Mark Murphy, Steele, and Eric Reile are the league's deepest attack unit. Many of these guys will see time at middie too. Estate will be able to score. Andy Farrell's face off dominance is the starting point of a deep midfield unit. Dave Babowicz, Tom Spinnella and the Cortese brothers can get up and down the field. Brent Dodge, Paul Colburn and Ron Jones are a solid veteran defense. Wooten will be asked to contribute right away. Carlson was a force in the Doghouse net. Kenyon and Kyle Donnewirth will need to maintain a high level of play to offset his loss. The Boys in Black are a deep veteran team with no real problem areas. They have to be considered a favorite to play in the title game.
3. Myron's- key losses: Matt Condon, Liam Dwyer. New Talent: Rich Buza, John Dykeman, Joe Flynt, Mike Pinto, Scott Rakowski, Matt Rogers, Dave Saccocci, William Schleicher. Roy's view: The fish had a big draft, maybe the cup is heading west! Buza, Saccocci,Steve Fuller and Chad Wagoner will be the leagues most improved attack unit. Rogers, Dykeman, Pinto and the Wizzer will handle the midfield. Nick Zegarelli has to have a big year facing off. Torrey Rutledge, Bill Fahy, Ryan Nicholson and Rakowski form a good young defense. Coach sees some flag flying at this group. Steve Packard and the Big Cat, R.C. Witt will handle the nets. The coach sees the fish in the big dance as the most improved team in Tri City.
4. Champs- Key losses: John LaRock, Matt Grande. New Talent: Josh Bolen, Matt Bolen, Mike Grant, Brandon Heck, Tom Misiak. Roy's view: Team 5 drafted well. The Misiak kid knows how to put the ball in the net. Kiel Adams, Dan Hoeffler and Dave Closinski join him to round out a big attack unit. The Bolens and Grant will join Josh Grande, Chad Schneider and Tom Arcuri to lead the midfield. Jeff Schneider, Tom Arcuri, Jake Mallison, Blaine Heck and Tom Rizzo provide a solid defense in front of Kyle Harter. Team 5 exceeded expectations last year. They are a much deeper team this year. The coach thinks it would be foolish to underestimate their aspirations for the Cup this year.
5. Schoen Brothers Lacrosse- key losses: Shannon Sullivan, Kevin Kogut, Rodney Redeye, Marc O'Shea, Ryan Merritt. New talent: Ben Schoen, Steve Schoen, Bill Barry, Jim Exton, Shane Gallagher, Brian Haley, Lawrence Healy, Dan McMahon, Brian Rose, Paul Rose, Rob Van Vanovest. Roy's view: One of the most impressive teams at the scrimmage, it may take some time to integrate all the new faces but there is talent here. The midfield is filled with young legs. Ryan Phalen, Brett Merritt, John Sullivan and Ben Schoen are fast group. McMahon will get them the ball on the draw. Matt Semo will have an all new defense in front of him this season. Barry and Van Vanovest will have to step it up right away. Jason Semo and Sean Temple will get help from Steve Schoen. the Rose boys will also add experience to the offense. Ben Schoen provides some nice leadership to this team. Beat them early because Schoen's will improve the most as the season evolves. They will have something to say about who sips from the cup.
There it is folks. Looks to me like the most competitive race for the cup ever.
See you at the field!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Monday, April 1. 2002
Growing Older, Not Up
By Coach Tierney
Tri City Kicks Off It's 20th Season! It's hard to believe how time flies when your out shooting on the cage. Old Roy can remember 1983 just like it was yesterday. I was cruising to another Jerry Garcia Band show when the vw bug broke down in the middle of nowhere (also known as Whitesboro, NY).
I limped the beloved bug into a junior high parking lot only to find a lacrosse game being played. This had the coach a wee bit confused, I knew they played in Syracuse but Utica/Rome? I must have taken a wrong turn!
But play they did! And 20 years later Roy is still attending the games. The games in the early years looked more like medieval combat but the kids from the Mohawk Valley played hard. You can all be proud of how far this little league has come and how good the competition is now. This season looks to be the best one ever in the Tri City.
20 years of doing anything is a feat. Roy is proposing that the time is right to celebrate the history of the greatest summer lacrosse league in the world. It is time to reflect back and honor the past. So Roy has compiled a list or two of the people who have made Tri City Lacrosse into what it is today. Maybe the time has come to open the Tri City Hall of Fame. Here are a bunch of the people who would merit consideration. If I have forgotten anybody, please forgive the old coach as brain cells are dropping left and right.
The 1980's- Ah yes! Miller Beer beats the orange and blue clad Estate Homes in 1983. The Killabrew Loons and Schoen's Mobile Homes can only wait 'til next year!
League Founders- Jack Angrasano, Geno DeCondo, Bob Dicks, Mike,Tim and Tom Schoen, and Bob Leary. Guidance also provided from Coach Warwick(RFA). The Officials- Bob Smith and Doug Meiss. Great '80's players (some of these guys could break dance)- Todd Conley, Gary Flisnik, Matt Chapple, Ben Atkinson, Steve "Action" Jackson, John Van Slyke, Brett Holmes, Keith Hughes, Brian Haman, Jerry Fiorini, Billy Gardinier, John Colburn, Bruce Shuck, Dave "Disco" Davidson (deceased), Rob Liddell, Paul Liddell, Glenn Harcourt, Mike Bartlett, Eugene Simons, Bob Pettinelli, Dave Babowicz, Dave Angelhow, Mark Murphy, Ed Bragg, Phil Rosato(deceased), Chris Murphy, Kevin Derhak, Rob Derhak(yes, the bass player from Moe.), Dave Semo, Don Wisniewski, Tom Handley, Brian Byrnes, Andy "Crash" Farrell, Gary Grey, Mark Semo, Bill Rieben, Kurt Lorenz, Cliff Bertrand. Those are just off the top of the coaches head. Feel free to post on the message board if anyone else deserves praise.
The 1990's- This was the era of dynasties and change. Miller became 12 North and then Bert's. 4 C's and Rascals were no longer around. Rick's Village Market became the 5th team and then merged into 12 North. Schoen's became B-Dry became 12 North. Killabrew lost Decondo to Rochester(only to return to Schoen's) and became Jim Brock became Big Apple. Confused? You could always count on the Boys in Black, Estate Homes to show up in the finals and lose. Big Apple and Schoen's reeled off championships and drank from the Tom Rieban Cup.
Greg "Tort" Norris and Dan Dombrowski joined the officials.
Great '90's players (some of these guys could rap)- Tom Jordan, Steve Hughes (nasty), Terry "I Didn't Trip Him" Goetz, John Massoud, Pete Zogby, Steve Rotkiewicz, Darren Kraft, Mike Bowen, Mike Cuchiarelli, John "Frosty" Stainbrook (yes, the Maryland Assistant), Shaun Hapanowicz, Dan Nolan (oh my god!), Scott Buddle, Rich Schaad, Tom "Newspaper" Kraft, Doug Closinski, Dave Closinski, Brian Lewinski, Brian Davis, Brandon Davis, Tim Dobs, Shannon Sullivan, Kevin Kogut, Rob Buck, Kyle Schwenzfier, Dom D'Arcangelo, Dave D'Arcangelo, Paul Colburn, Pete Colburn, Mike Corteaux, Mike Pauley, Mike Brown, Dave Yang, Mark Riolo, Kevin Powers, Keith Loftis, Greg Loftis, Jeff Dicks, Steve Stone, Fred LaBella, Bill Cerosky, Sean Temple,Anthony Colon(deceased), Anthony Sparacino, Brent Dodge, Joe "1st Pick" DiMaggio, Mike Joyce (wicked), Dave Bartell, Chris Thornhill, Tim Mody (mean), Tom Campbell, Paul "Empires" O'Connor, Don Hindenburg, Pete Previte, Anthony Previte, Chuck Salomon, John Catalano. Again, post the names I've missed.
The 21st Century brings the Redeye's and Benjamin's and a second generation of Semo's and Schoen's. Jeff Schneider leads Team 5 to the playoffs in their 1st season. Paul Noecker's Rhino's are feeding teams the horn and trying to bring the cup west and Estate Homes is still losing in the finals!
If you are reading this, you will no doubt be a part of Roy's history on the 30th anniversary. We have lost 3 great guys already and more will follow as that is the nature of things. Enjoy the great people you play with and against and love the greatest game on earth while you are out there. You are blessed to play in the Tri City League. The best summer Lacrosse league anywhere!
See you at the games!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Tri City Kicks Off It's 20th Season! It's hard to believe how time flies when your out shooting on the cage. Old Roy can remember 1983 just like it was yesterday. I was cruising to another Jerry Garcia Band show when the vw bug broke down in the middle of nowhere (also known as Whitesboro, NY).
I limped the beloved bug into a junior high parking lot only to find a lacrosse game being played. This had the coach a wee bit confused, I knew they played in Syracuse but Utica/Rome? I must have taken a wrong turn!
But play they did! And 20 years later Roy is still attending the games. The games in the early years looked more like medieval combat but the kids from the Mohawk Valley played hard. You can all be proud of how far this little league has come and how good the competition is now. This season looks to be the best one ever in the Tri City.
20 years of doing anything is a feat. Roy is proposing that the time is right to celebrate the history of the greatest summer lacrosse league in the world. It is time to reflect back and honor the past. So Roy has compiled a list or two of the people who have made Tri City Lacrosse into what it is today. Maybe the time has come to open the Tri City Hall of Fame. Here are a bunch of the people who would merit consideration. If I have forgotten anybody, please forgive the old coach as brain cells are dropping left and right.
The 1980's- Ah yes! Miller Beer beats the orange and blue clad Estate Homes in 1983. The Killabrew Loons and Schoen's Mobile Homes can only wait 'til next year!
League Founders- Jack Angrasano, Geno DeCondo, Bob Dicks, Mike,Tim and Tom Schoen, and Bob Leary. Guidance also provided from Coach Warwick(RFA). The Officials- Bob Smith and Doug Meiss. Great '80's players (some of these guys could break dance)- Todd Conley, Gary Flisnik, Matt Chapple, Ben Atkinson, Steve "Action" Jackson, John Van Slyke, Brett Holmes, Keith Hughes, Brian Haman, Jerry Fiorini, Billy Gardinier, John Colburn, Bruce Shuck, Dave "Disco" Davidson (deceased), Rob Liddell, Paul Liddell, Glenn Harcourt, Mike Bartlett, Eugene Simons, Bob Pettinelli, Dave Babowicz, Dave Angelhow, Mark Murphy, Ed Bragg, Phil Rosato(deceased), Chris Murphy, Kevin Derhak, Rob Derhak(yes, the bass player from Moe.), Dave Semo, Don Wisniewski, Tom Handley, Brian Byrnes, Andy "Crash" Farrell, Gary Grey, Mark Semo, Bill Rieben, Kurt Lorenz, Cliff Bertrand. Those are just off the top of the coaches head. Feel free to post on the message board if anyone else deserves praise.
The 1990's- This was the era of dynasties and change. Miller became 12 North and then Bert's. 4 C's and Rascals were no longer around. Rick's Village Market became the 5th team and then merged into 12 North. Schoen's became B-Dry became 12 North. Killabrew lost Decondo to Rochester(only to return to Schoen's) and became Jim Brock became Big Apple. Confused? You could always count on the Boys in Black, Estate Homes to show up in the finals and lose. Big Apple and Schoen's reeled off championships and drank from the Tom Rieban Cup.
Greg "Tort" Norris and Dan Dombrowski joined the officials.
Great '90's players (some of these guys could rap)- Tom Jordan, Steve Hughes (nasty), Terry "I Didn't Trip Him" Goetz, John Massoud, Pete Zogby, Steve Rotkiewicz, Darren Kraft, Mike Bowen, Mike Cuchiarelli, John "Frosty" Stainbrook (yes, the Maryland Assistant), Shaun Hapanowicz, Dan Nolan (oh my god!), Scott Buddle, Rich Schaad, Tom "Newspaper" Kraft, Doug Closinski, Dave Closinski, Brian Lewinski, Brian Davis, Brandon Davis, Tim Dobs, Shannon Sullivan, Kevin Kogut, Rob Buck, Kyle Schwenzfier, Dom D'Arcangelo, Dave D'Arcangelo, Paul Colburn, Pete Colburn, Mike Corteaux, Mike Pauley, Mike Brown, Dave Yang, Mark Riolo, Kevin Powers, Keith Loftis, Greg Loftis, Jeff Dicks, Steve Stone, Fred LaBella, Bill Cerosky, Sean Temple,Anthony Colon(deceased), Anthony Sparacino, Brent Dodge, Joe "1st Pick" DiMaggio, Mike Joyce (wicked), Dave Bartell, Chris Thornhill, Tim Mody (mean), Tom Campbell, Paul "Empires" O'Connor, Don Hindenburg, Pete Previte, Anthony Previte, Chuck Salomon, John Catalano. Again, post the names I've missed.
The 21st Century brings the Redeye's and Benjamin's and a second generation of Semo's and Schoen's. Jeff Schneider leads Team 5 to the playoffs in their 1st season. Paul Noecker's Rhino's are feeding teams the horn and trying to bring the cup west and Estate Homes is still losing in the finals!
If you are reading this, you will no doubt be a part of Roy's history on the 30th anniversary. We have lost 3 great guys already and more will follow as that is the nature of things. Enjoy the great people you play with and against and love the greatest game on earth while you are out there. You are blessed to play in the Tri City League. The best summer Lacrosse league anywhere!
See you at the games!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Monday, February 25. 2002
Roy From Around The World
By Coach Tierney
Hello again to my faithful readers! Sorry to have taken such an abrupt and sudden sabbatical from Tri City Lacrosse. Now that the whole Enron affair has been blamed on someone else, it is finally time for the coach to return from abroad!
My travels have taken me to many exotic ports of call and I have much to tell you about. Old Roy's first stop was Zimbabwe to hunt some Rhinos. They are even harder to bring down in the bush than they are in Rome. After some big game hunting, I felt the need to get back in touch with my more basic instincts so I turned to Lacrosse.
I set sail on my tiki boat and headed for the exotic lands of the Orient. I hit land in Hong Kong and spread the lacrosse gospel to the Chinese. Hong Kong has launched a national team that will compete in the World Games in Perth, Australia from July 5 through 19, 2002. The boys from Hong Kong are doing there best, but something was missing. Then the old coach thought back to the Tri City League and told them to recruit "The Great Wall of China" Long Gu to man their goal. After turning back shots from Pete Colburn and Matt Chapple, Gu should have no problem handling Team Tonga or Argentina! Congratulations to Long on being the first Tri City Lacrosse player to play in the World Games!
Gu has to raise his own funds to travel to Hong Kong and then on to Perth. He has the chance to represent his country in international competition. Long will depart right after he completes the semester at SUNY Tech. Coach Roy is proposing that all Tri City Lacrosse players consider donating some money to help Long reach his goal. Geno "First Source" DeCondo and the coach will get together shortly to set up a fund for the Gu-Man.
After that last bit of fun in the Baths of Hong Kong (Roy suggests American Express at this venue!), It was time to depart for greener pastures. And folks, they don't come any greener than the Emerald Isle! Roy was enjoying a pint of Guinness or two when he started to see some peculiar sights. Fair skinned Long Islanders were running about Dublin with Lacrosse sticks in tow! The leader seemed to be Roy's old coaching nemesis Richie Moran from Cornell. Now I was sure someone had slipped some Old Bushmill's into my pint! Walking around behind Richie was a wee, little leprachan.....CHECK PLEASE!
I grabbed the leprachan, hoping to get some loot to spend in Amsterdam! Turns out it was no fairy folk at all but none other than height impaired D.O.G. Timmy "Dirt" Boyle, the head coach at Dowling! He explained that Moran had put together a Team Ireland and that they would be playing against Hong Kong in Perth! Moran was desperate for help so he let Dirt be his Assistant Coach! Yet a second guy with Tri City ties goes to the World Games! Congratulations are also in order for Tim, who gets to serve beside a legend of the game to coach his Grandparents homeland. If you want to help Coach Boyle raise funds contact Bob Leary at 792-7516.
Look for an article about Long Gu in the Syracuse Post Standard. See you at the games!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Hello again to my faithful readers! Sorry to have taken such an abrupt and sudden sabbatical from Tri City Lacrosse. Now that the whole Enron affair has been blamed on someone else, it is finally time for the coach to return from abroad!
My travels have taken me to many exotic ports of call and I have much to tell you about. Old Roy's first stop was Zimbabwe to hunt some Rhinos. They are even harder to bring down in the bush than they are in Rome. After some big game hunting, I felt the need to get back in touch with my more basic instincts so I turned to Lacrosse.
I set sail on my tiki boat and headed for the exotic lands of the Orient. I hit land in Hong Kong and spread the lacrosse gospel to the Chinese. Hong Kong has launched a national team that will compete in the World Games in Perth, Australia from July 5 through 19, 2002. The boys from Hong Kong are doing there best, but something was missing. Then the old coach thought back to the Tri City League and told them to recruit "The Great Wall of China" Long Gu to man their goal. After turning back shots from Pete Colburn and Matt Chapple, Gu should have no problem handling Team Tonga or Argentina! Congratulations to Long on being the first Tri City Lacrosse player to play in the World Games!
Gu has to raise his own funds to travel to Hong Kong and then on to Perth. He has the chance to represent his country in international competition. Long will depart right after he completes the semester at SUNY Tech. Coach Roy is proposing that all Tri City Lacrosse players consider donating some money to help Long reach his goal. Geno "First Source" DeCondo and the coach will get together shortly to set up a fund for the Gu-Man.
After that last bit of fun in the Baths of Hong Kong (Roy suggests American Express at this venue!), It was time to depart for greener pastures. And folks, they don't come any greener than the Emerald Isle! Roy was enjoying a pint of Guinness or two when he started to see some peculiar sights. Fair skinned Long Islanders were running about Dublin with Lacrosse sticks in tow! The leader seemed to be Roy's old coaching nemesis Richie Moran from Cornell. Now I was sure someone had slipped some Old Bushmill's into my pint! Walking around behind Richie was a wee, little leprachan.....CHECK PLEASE!
I grabbed the leprachan, hoping to get some loot to spend in Amsterdam! Turns out it was no fairy folk at all but none other than height impaired D.O.G. Timmy "Dirt" Boyle, the head coach at Dowling! He explained that Moran had put together a Team Ireland and that they would be playing against Hong Kong in Perth! Moran was desperate for help so he let Dirt be his Assistant Coach! Yet a second guy with Tri City ties goes to the World Games! Congratulations are also in order for Tim, who gets to serve beside a legend of the game to coach his Grandparents homeland. If you want to help Coach Boyle raise funds contact Bob Leary at 792-7516.
Look for an article about Long Gu in the Syracuse Post Standard. See you at the games!
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Friday, July 27. 2001
The Elusive Two Game Win Streak
By Coach Tierney
The sun has set on the most exciting season in Tri City Lacrosse history. The games were meaningful right down to the last tick of the clock as Estate Homes wrapped up 1st place by feeding the Rhinos the horn! The Rhinos are out. Other than that fact, the coach has more questions than answers as he prepares to tell you what to expect in the playoffs. Who will string together 2 wins and sip from the Rieben Cup? Lets take a look:
Champs vs. Estate Homes- This match up has the league champs playing against the leagues most consistent team. Champs attack is putting up some points of late as Kiel Adams, Dave Closinski and Dan Hoeffler have jelled as a unit. Josh Grande, Dan Matthews, John LaRock and especially Tom Arcuri are getting it done at the midfield. The Defense has been solid and Kyle Harter is playing well in the cage.
Estate is dominating the face off x with Andy Farrell doing the grunt work. Pete Colburn is scoring at will. Matt Chapple and Chris Thornhill should give Champs fits on the wings. Mike Cortese returns from Empire States hockey to join an already solid group of middies. Joe Cortese, Dave Babowicz, Tom Spinnella, Mark Murphy, Eric Reile and Bob Leary should all contribute. Scotty Carlson is the leagues best goalie and the defense is smothering the opposition.
Coaches call: Champs has had a great inaugural season but it ends Tuesday night. Estate 10 Champs 7
Tony's Pizza vs. 12 North: On more than one occasion, the coach has thought that this game was going to be for the cup. Tony's is the league's most improved team. The attack took a hit when Sean Temple broke his finger lifting weights.(The coach never lifts anything heavier than a twinkie to avoid these kinds of problems!). Jason Semo, Marc O'Shea, the Merritt brothers, and Ryan Phalen will have to step up their games to advance. The defense is solid and Johnny Sullivan has improved as a face off middie.
12 North is peaking at the right time. Brandon Davis has been tearing it up lately. Geoff Eliopolis and Doug Closinski are also racking up the points. Bob Dicks and Tim Dobs are leading a midfield group that is the heart of the team. If 12 North has an achilles heal, it's a defense that can be too generous. Long Gu is alternatly spectacular and dreadful in the net.
Coaches call: Tony's can't overcome the loss of Temple. 12 North is on a mission to take back the cup. 12 North 12 Tony's 10.
The coach was darn near teary eyed watching the Mohawk Valley youth mingle with the games greatest stars at the Rochester Rattlers game. Great work by Mark Murphy, Tim Dobs, Shannon Sullivan, and Paul Noecker ensured that those youngsters had a night to remember.
Jeff Schnieder deserves a round of applause for making the BULL East an unprecedented success. The volunteers that helped Jeff pull this off are too numerous to mention, they also are to be commended.
The games move to the big field at SUNY next week, see you there.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
The sun has set on the most exciting season in Tri City Lacrosse history. The games were meaningful right down to the last tick of the clock as Estate Homes wrapped up 1st place by feeding the Rhinos the horn! The Rhinos are out. Other than that fact, the coach has more questions than answers as he prepares to tell you what to expect in the playoffs. Who will string together 2 wins and sip from the Rieben Cup? Lets take a look:
Champs vs. Estate Homes- This match up has the league champs playing against the leagues most consistent team. Champs attack is putting up some points of late as Kiel Adams, Dave Closinski and Dan Hoeffler have jelled as a unit. Josh Grande, Dan Matthews, John LaRock and especially Tom Arcuri are getting it done at the midfield. The Defense has been solid and Kyle Harter is playing well in the cage.
Estate is dominating the face off x with Andy Farrell doing the grunt work. Pete Colburn is scoring at will. Matt Chapple and Chris Thornhill should give Champs fits on the wings. Mike Cortese returns from Empire States hockey to join an already solid group of middies. Joe Cortese, Dave Babowicz, Tom Spinnella, Mark Murphy, Eric Reile and Bob Leary should all contribute. Scotty Carlson is the leagues best goalie and the defense is smothering the opposition.
Coaches call: Champs has had a great inaugural season but it ends Tuesday night. Estate 10 Champs 7
Tony's Pizza vs. 12 North: On more than one occasion, the coach has thought that this game was going to be for the cup. Tony's is the league's most improved team. The attack took a hit when Sean Temple broke his finger lifting weights.(The coach never lifts anything heavier than a twinkie to avoid these kinds of problems!). Jason Semo, Marc O'Shea, the Merritt brothers, and Ryan Phalen will have to step up their games to advance. The defense is solid and Johnny Sullivan has improved as a face off middie.
12 North is peaking at the right time. Brandon Davis has been tearing it up lately. Geoff Eliopolis and Doug Closinski are also racking up the points. Bob Dicks and Tim Dobs are leading a midfield group that is the heart of the team. If 12 North has an achilles heal, it's a defense that can be too generous. Long Gu is alternatly spectacular and dreadful in the net.
Coaches call: Tony's can't overcome the loss of Temple. 12 North is on a mission to take back the cup. 12 North 12 Tony's 10.
The coach was darn near teary eyed watching the Mohawk Valley youth mingle with the games greatest stars at the Rochester Rattlers game. Great work by Mark Murphy, Tim Dobs, Shannon Sullivan, and Paul Noecker ensured that those youngsters had a night to remember.
Jeff Schnieder deserves a round of applause for making the BULL East an unprecedented success. The volunteers that helped Jeff pull this off are too numerous to mention, they also are to be commended.
The games move to the big field at SUNY next week, see you there.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse.
Sunday, July 1. 2001
Down The Home Stretch
By Coach Tierney
Wow, what a year this is turning out to be for Tri City Lacrosse. The season is 2/3 completed and all the horses are still bunched together jockeying for position. Thursday's games will have big playoff implications.
Just when it looked like a four team race, Team 5 upset 12 North to close in on the Rhinos. They meet Thursday with the winner claiming the tie breaker in a race for the playoffs. Tony's Pizza and Estate Homes face off in a game that will put the winner in the drivers seat for the top spot heading into the playoffs. 12 North sits alone in 3rd place but they could finish 1st or 5th if they put together a winning or losing streak.
Lets take a look at the coaches findings through 8 games:
Tony's Pizza - After a red hot start, things have slowed down a little for the doughboys. They bickered their way to a 2-2 record in round 2. Jason Semo, Sean Temple, and Marc O'Shea are putting points up. The defense is outstanding and Matt Semo has been solid in goal. The middies are sucking up ground balls at a league leading rate. There is more to like than hate here. Mark Semo has been a big surprise, providing more quality minutes than he has been able to offer in recent years. The coach hears that Mark has been wearing his old Michael Jackson zipper jacket to the games and he's feeling 20 years younger.
Estate Homes - They finally got the rust off and ran the table in round 2. Matt Chapple & Pete Colburn continue to amaze. Dan Spinella has joined Andy Farrell to dominate on the face offs. The defense has been nasty of late. There is a rumor that Scotty Carlson has been working under cover to learn the secrets of the doughboys. These guys like to eat, if they get a sandwich it could be all over.
12 North - Losing to team 5 puts a dent in the plan to take 1st. Long Gu leads the league in saves. Doug Closinski will help an already loaded offense. Brandon Davis dishing the ball nicely. Tim Dobs has improved on the draw. The defense could use Dan Caitlin back.
Rome Sign - The Rhinos have not been feeding anybody the horn of late. Jeff French has been throwing heat. Torey Rutledge, Bill Fahy, and Liam Dwyer may be the most under rated defense in the league. Ben Mack has been reported missing, he was last seen before the rhino roast at Bob Dicks' house over a week ago to celebrate Bob's 40th birthday.
Team 5- Dan Hoeffler continues to play well. Kiel Adams is starting to distribute well. John LaRock scores the goal that could lead the new kids to the promised land. Harter has been huge in goal. Tom Arcuri is also making his mark. Chad Schnieder and Dave Closinski are huckin' heat. They may make a run.
The coach wants to clue his readers in to some fine summer reading. Use the league's link to amazon.com and order "Ten Bears". It is the true story about Morgan State's now defunct lacrosse program. Morgan State was the only black college to ever field an N.C.A.A. Lacrosse program...and they were good!
Morgan St. lax started in the sixties during the civil rights era. They made the N.C.A.A. Playoffs in the early 1970's and shocked #1 Washington & Lee in the deep south during a period of racial tension. Trust me, you will be riveted by this inspiring book.
Best of luck down the homestretch fellas. See you on the bus to Rochester.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse
Wow, what a year this is turning out to be for Tri City Lacrosse. The season is 2/3 completed and all the horses are still bunched together jockeying for position. Thursday's games will have big playoff implications.
Just when it looked like a four team race, Team 5 upset 12 North to close in on the Rhinos. They meet Thursday with the winner claiming the tie breaker in a race for the playoffs. Tony's Pizza and Estate Homes face off in a game that will put the winner in the drivers seat for the top spot heading into the playoffs. 12 North sits alone in 3rd place but they could finish 1st or 5th if they put together a winning or losing streak.
Lets take a look at the coaches findings through 8 games:
Tony's Pizza - After a red hot start, things have slowed down a little for the doughboys. They bickered their way to a 2-2 record in round 2. Jason Semo, Sean Temple, and Marc O'Shea are putting points up. The defense is outstanding and Matt Semo has been solid in goal. The middies are sucking up ground balls at a league leading rate. There is more to like than hate here. Mark Semo has been a big surprise, providing more quality minutes than he has been able to offer in recent years. The coach hears that Mark has been wearing his old Michael Jackson zipper jacket to the games and he's feeling 20 years younger.
Estate Homes - They finally got the rust off and ran the table in round 2. Matt Chapple & Pete Colburn continue to amaze. Dan Spinella has joined Andy Farrell to dominate on the face offs. The defense has been nasty of late. There is a rumor that Scotty Carlson has been working under cover to learn the secrets of the doughboys. These guys like to eat, if they get a sandwich it could be all over.
12 North - Losing to team 5 puts a dent in the plan to take 1st. Long Gu leads the league in saves. Doug Closinski will help an already loaded offense. Brandon Davis dishing the ball nicely. Tim Dobs has improved on the draw. The defense could use Dan Caitlin back.
Rome Sign - The Rhinos have not been feeding anybody the horn of late. Jeff French has been throwing heat. Torey Rutledge, Bill Fahy, and Liam Dwyer may be the most under rated defense in the league. Ben Mack has been reported missing, he was last seen before the rhino roast at Bob Dicks' house over a week ago to celebrate Bob's 40th birthday.
Team 5- Dan Hoeffler continues to play well. Kiel Adams is starting to distribute well. John LaRock scores the goal that could lead the new kids to the promised land. Harter has been huge in goal. Tom Arcuri is also making his mark. Chad Schnieder and Dave Closinski are huckin' heat. They may make a run.
The coach wants to clue his readers in to some fine summer reading. Use the league's link to amazon.com and order "Ten Bears". It is the true story about Morgan State's now defunct lacrosse program. Morgan State was the only black college to ever field an N.C.A.A. Lacrosse program...and they were good!
Morgan St. lax started in the sixties during the civil rights era. They made the N.C.A.A. Playoffs in the early 1970's and shocked #1 Washington & Lee in the deep south during a period of racial tension. Trust me, you will be riveted by this inspiring book.
Best of luck down the homestretch fellas. See you on the bus to Rochester.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse
Friday, June 15. 2001
That's Brandon Davis!
By Coach Tierney
The coach has been enjoying Tri City Lacrosse games at various Central New York venues over the years. Used to be, I could just stroll up to the field at game time with my box of Dunkin Munchkins and enjoy an uncontested front row view.
A quick scan of the growing crowds at SUNY Utica on Tuesdays and Thursdays shows that things have changed.
The coach now has to bring 2 boxes of munchkins to the field. There are a lot of BULL League players and parents watching the games. During Thursday's late game (12 North vs. Tony's), the coach was sitting near the bleachers scouting out the local talent when he overheard a conversation between a boy and his father and grandfather.
Geoff Eliopolis drove past Shannon Sullivan for a goal. "Dad, did you see that?" asked the boy who looked to be around 10 years old, "He just scored on Shannon Sullivan!"
You could tell this guy was a Sully fan and he was surprised that this could happen. The coach told him that his hero was fine but Eli can play also and he will score once in awhile.
A minute or two later, Brandon Davis took Rodney Redeye to the cooker from behind the cage and netted a jump shot. "Dad, that's Brandon Davis, He's awesome!" ,said the wide eyed youngster.
Now the coach knows it's hard to fathom anybody idolizing Brandon Davis but the evidence is clear. There may be a BULL league player who is practicing your moves as you read this. Think about that next time you want to drop a Bad word out on the field or as you come to the bench.
Here is a proposal from the coach for you. Get to the field early or stay late the next time you are at the field. Watch some BULL league ball. Find a kid who plays your position and study his game. After he is done, introduce yourself and give him some tips. Next time, check back and see how he's doing. You will be the Brandon Davis for this future star perhaps!
Time for some behind the scenes props from the coach:
Andy Farrell- Have you ever seen any league with a better web site? Andy receives ZERO for his time and effort. Thank him before the next game.
Mark Murphy- Put together the bus trip and bar night packages to raise funds to help grow the league. The coach is pumped for the bus trip! Get your tickets and let's let Rochester know that Tri City is in the house.
Jeff Schneider- Besides doing a great job with Team 5, Jeff is the driving force behind the BULL League. His t-shirt and 50/50 raffle sales are helping to offset the cost of running the BULL.
Mark Semo- does the Tri City accounting for ZERO reimbursement. His business acumen has been an invaluable asset to the league.
Brent Dodge- Dodger is getting us ink in the Observer Dispatch and Rome Sentinel. Schedules and scores are now being printed in both. Pay....ZERO.
Geno DeCondo- a founding father, DeCondo has the unenviable task of overseeing the entire Tri City operation. Imagine trying to run a meeting with these clowns. Pay....ZERO.
Bob Dicks- The sole reason we still have the opportunity to take two teams to Lake Placid. With the talent in Tri City these days, it will truly be an honor if you are asked to represent the league in Placid. No Pay.
Paul Noecker- The man who brought the D.O.G's to the national level through his tireless efforts to secure a USCLA team.
Bob Leary- doesn't really do much except drive that cart all over the field, but the coach knows he would feel left out if he didn't mention him.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse
The coach has been enjoying Tri City Lacrosse games at various Central New York venues over the years. Used to be, I could just stroll up to the field at game time with my box of Dunkin Munchkins and enjoy an uncontested front row view.
A quick scan of the growing crowds at SUNY Utica on Tuesdays and Thursdays shows that things have changed.
The coach now has to bring 2 boxes of munchkins to the field. There are a lot of BULL League players and parents watching the games. During Thursday's late game (12 North vs. Tony's), the coach was sitting near the bleachers scouting out the local talent when he overheard a conversation between a boy and his father and grandfather.
Geoff Eliopolis drove past Shannon Sullivan for a goal. "Dad, did you see that?" asked the boy who looked to be around 10 years old, "He just scored on Shannon Sullivan!"
You could tell this guy was a Sully fan and he was surprised that this could happen. The coach told him that his hero was fine but Eli can play also and he will score once in awhile.
A minute or two later, Brandon Davis took Rodney Redeye to the cooker from behind the cage and netted a jump shot. "Dad, that's Brandon Davis, He's awesome!" ,said the wide eyed youngster.
Now the coach knows it's hard to fathom anybody idolizing Brandon Davis but the evidence is clear. There may be a BULL league player who is practicing your moves as you read this. Think about that next time you want to drop a Bad word out on the field or as you come to the bench.
Here is a proposal from the coach for you. Get to the field early or stay late the next time you are at the field. Watch some BULL league ball. Find a kid who plays your position and study his game. After he is done, introduce yourself and give him some tips. Next time, check back and see how he's doing. You will be the Brandon Davis for this future star perhaps!
Time for some behind the scenes props from the coach:
Andy Farrell- Have you ever seen any league with a better web site? Andy receives ZERO for his time and effort. Thank him before the next game.
Mark Murphy- Put together the bus trip and bar night packages to raise funds to help grow the league. The coach is pumped for the bus trip! Get your tickets and let's let Rochester know that Tri City is in the house.
Jeff Schneider- Besides doing a great job with Team 5, Jeff is the driving force behind the BULL League. His t-shirt and 50/50 raffle sales are helping to offset the cost of running the BULL.
Mark Semo- does the Tri City accounting for ZERO reimbursement. His business acumen has been an invaluable asset to the league.
Brent Dodge- Dodger is getting us ink in the Observer Dispatch and Rome Sentinel. Schedules and scores are now being printed in both. Pay....ZERO.
Geno DeCondo- a founding father, DeCondo has the unenviable task of overseeing the entire Tri City operation. Imagine trying to run a meeting with these clowns. Pay....ZERO.
Bob Dicks- The sole reason we still have the opportunity to take two teams to Lake Placid. With the talent in Tri City these days, it will truly be an honor if you are asked to represent the league in Placid. No Pay.
Paul Noecker- The man who brought the D.O.G's to the national level through his tireless efforts to secure a USCLA team.
Bob Leary- doesn't really do much except drive that cart all over the field, but the coach knows he would feel left out if he didn't mention him.
See you at the games.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse
Friday, June 1. 2001
As We Round The First Turn...
By Coach Tierney
Wow! There is so much going on that the old coach is having a hard time processing all the data (even though coach is an Ivy League guy, he does sometimes show the mental capacity of a Herkimite!). Let's start with what's happening in the race for the Rieben Cup.
With all teams having played 4 games we have last years doormat in first (undefeated no less!), the champs in last. The Rhino's, who were rumored to have no offense, are the only team in the league to top 10 goals in a game (twice). 12 North,who was rumored to be jacked with scoring potential, can't find the net. The expansion Team 5, a collection of castoffs from the original 4, is playing the most consistent ball this side of the pizza boys. Nobody has told them that they are not supposed to be any good.
Tony's Pizza: Be honest! How many of you thought that Jason Semo, Sean Temple, and Marc O'Shea would be the most productive attack in the Tri City? Me either! All three are getting it done. The coach is impressed with this teams movement off ball and the long poles can rip it in transition. Matt Semo is playing with a lot of confidence. Best in the league in ground balls, that's good. Near the bottom on the face offs, that's why the coach doesn't think they can run the table. If these pizza boys take 3 of the next 4, they should have pole position for the playoffs locked up.
Rome Rhino's: Last week they "fed the horn!" to the teams from last year's title game and "not for nothing!", they put 10 goals on both of them! The Rhino's are 2nd in ground balls and face offs, so they aren't going to disappear. "The Big Cat" R.C. Witt leads the league in saves, his point blank save on Bob Leary was a turning point in Thursdays win. The Rhino's are led into battle by "Mac Daddy" Noecker but the reason for the improved play has been Ben "Daddy" Mack (I apologize for the reference to lousy rappers Kriss Kross but I couldn't resist!). Since Mack signed on, the Rhino's have been a different team. Maybe the cup is going west!
12 North: This team is last in ground balls and goals allowed. Brandon Davis has only 2 assists. Bob Dicks and Larry Giglio are both only 1g 1a. They could easily be 0-4. Don't expect this trend to continue. The coach knows that 12 North will pick it up down the stretch. "The Great Wall of China" Long Gu has made 32 save (2nd to Witt) but allowed 32 goals, a little improvement will go a long way. Beat them now because you may not be able to later.
Estate Homes: The champs are last in goals scored. Throw out Eric Reile's 4 goals (scored from the attack) and the black middies have combined for 2g 2a! Bob Leary is 0g 3a. Things look bad for the boys in black. The coach expects things to change quickly. Estate is 1st in face offs and 2nd in ground balls. Matt Chapple and Pete Colburn are starting to turn it on. Scotty Carlson returns from vacation (from what?!) this week. Once Leary and the middies get the saran wrap off the cage, this will not be a team you want to see on the schedule.
Team 5: The expansion boys have scored the same number of goals as they have allowed (25), only 1st place Tony's has a better differential! Team 5 is getting consistent play in goal, on defense and scoring from a number of players. They are right in the thick of things. 2 troubling trends have to be addressed for Team 5 to make a run. They are last in face offs and next to last in ground balls. Team 5 only has 2 assisted goals so far but that should change as the players get to know each others games. Dan Hoeffler is my early choice for most improved player. This team wont win the cup, but they will ruin someone's chances along the way. Bring your 'a' game or suffer the consequences.
Can anybody remember a more competitive year in the Tri City? Me either.
Now on to some ramblings from the coach:
The BULL league begins play right next to Tri City on Tuesday at 5:30. The league has doubled in size from 90 to over 180 in the past year. If you want to help out, see Jeff Schnieder (Team 5). They need coaches and officials, people to help with the books, clock,etc.
Speaking of helping out, if you can stand behind the goals and shag balls while watching a game you are not playing in, it will help the games move along and reduce the cost of balls lost in the high grass.
There will be some fund raising activities going on for both the BULL and Tri City in the next few weeks. The BULL has SWEET t-shirts for $10 in most adult sizes (small to XX-fat!). They will also be holding a 50/50 at the field every tues. & thurs. Help support the youth!
The league is looking into a bus trip to see the Rochester Rattlers of the body by jake league. If you have any other fund raising ideas run them by Mark Murphy (Estate). We will have bar nights soon & we would ask you to go out & support our sponsers on those nights (provided you are 21 or older!)
Tri City is going on the most ambitious campaign to promote lacrosse in the Mohawk Valley ever. If you want to help out, please see your team captain.
There has never been a better time for Lacrosse in this area than right now! It is because of great people like you. Keep up the good work.
See you at the field.
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Wow! There is so much going on that the old coach is having a hard time processing all the data (even though coach is an Ivy League guy, he does sometimes show the mental capacity of a Herkimite!). Let's start with what's happening in the race for the Rieben Cup.
With all teams having played 4 games we have last years doormat in first (undefeated no less!), the champs in last. The Rhino's, who were rumored to have no offense, are the only team in the league to top 10 goals in a game (twice). 12 North,who was rumored to be jacked with scoring potential, can't find the net. The expansion Team 5, a collection of castoffs from the original 4, is playing the most consistent ball this side of the pizza boys. Nobody has told them that they are not supposed to be any good.
Tony's Pizza: Be honest! How many of you thought that Jason Semo, Sean Temple, and Marc O'Shea would be the most productive attack in the Tri City? Me either! All three are getting it done. The coach is impressed with this teams movement off ball and the long poles can rip it in transition. Matt Semo is playing with a lot of confidence. Best in the league in ground balls, that's good. Near the bottom on the face offs, that's why the coach doesn't think they can run the table. If these pizza boys take 3 of the next 4, they should have pole position for the playoffs locked up.
Rome Rhino's: Last week they "fed the horn!" to the teams from last year's title game and "not for nothing!", they put 10 goals on both of them! The Rhino's are 2nd in ground balls and face offs, so they aren't going to disappear. "The Big Cat" R.C. Witt leads the league in saves, his point blank save on Bob Leary was a turning point in Thursdays win. The Rhino's are led into battle by "Mac Daddy" Noecker but the reason for the improved play has been Ben "Daddy" Mack (I apologize for the reference to lousy rappers Kriss Kross but I couldn't resist!). Since Mack signed on, the Rhino's have been a different team. Maybe the cup is going west!
12 North: This team is last in ground balls and goals allowed. Brandon Davis has only 2 assists. Bob Dicks and Larry Giglio are both only 1g 1a. They could easily be 0-4. Don't expect this trend to continue. The coach knows that 12 North will pick it up down the stretch. "The Great Wall of China" Long Gu has made 32 save (2nd to Witt) but allowed 32 goals, a little improvement will go a long way. Beat them now because you may not be able to later.
Estate Homes: The champs are last in goals scored. Throw out Eric Reile's 4 goals (scored from the attack) and the black middies have combined for 2g 2a! Bob Leary is 0g 3a. Things look bad for the boys in black. The coach expects things to change quickly. Estate is 1st in face offs and 2nd in ground balls. Matt Chapple and Pete Colburn are starting to turn it on. Scotty Carlson returns from vacation (from what?!) this week. Once Leary and the middies get the saran wrap off the cage, this will not be a team you want to see on the schedule.
Team 5: The expansion boys have scored the same number of goals as they have allowed (25), only 1st place Tony's has a better differential! Team 5 is getting consistent play in goal, on defense and scoring from a number of players. They are right in the thick of things. 2 troubling trends have to be addressed for Team 5 to make a run. They are last in face offs and next to last in ground balls. Team 5 only has 2 assisted goals so far but that should change as the players get to know each others games. Dan Hoeffler is my early choice for most improved player. This team wont win the cup, but they will ruin someone's chances along the way. Bring your 'a' game or suffer the consequences.
Can anybody remember a more competitive year in the Tri City? Me either.
Now on to some ramblings from the coach:
The BULL league begins play right next to Tri City on Tuesday at 5:30. The league has doubled in size from 90 to over 180 in the past year. If you want to help out, see Jeff Schnieder (Team 5). They need coaches and officials, people to help with the books, clock,etc.
Speaking of helping out, if you can stand behind the goals and shag balls while watching a game you are not playing in, it will help the games move along and reduce the cost of balls lost in the high grass.
There will be some fund raising activities going on for both the BULL and Tri City in the next few weeks. The BULL has SWEET t-shirts for $10 in most adult sizes (small to XX-fat!). They will also be holding a 50/50 at the field every tues. & thurs. Help support the youth!
The league is looking into a bus trip to see the Rochester Rattlers of the body by jake league. If you have any other fund raising ideas run them by Mark Murphy (Estate). We will have bar nights soon & we would ask you to go out & support our sponsers on those nights (provided you are 21 or older!)
Tri City is going on the most ambitious campaign to promote lacrosse in the Mohawk Valley ever. If you want to help out, please see your team captain.
There has never been a better time for Lacrosse in this area than right now! It is because of great people like you. Keep up the good work.
See you at the field.
Back to Tri-City Lacrosse
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