Lone Star Alliance News & Preseason Polls

[Sonny]

LINK:
http://www.uslia.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=269

2006 LSA Division A Preseason Poll
1. Texas Tech
2. University of Texas
3. Texas A&M
4. Texas State University
5. University of North Texas
6. Southern Methodist University
7. Baylor University
8. University of Houston
9. Tulane University
10. Louisiana State University
11. Oklahoma State University
12. Rice University

2006 LSA Division B Preseason Poll
1. Southwestern University
2. University of Texas at Arlington
3. Trinity University
4. Texas Christian University
5. Stephen F. Austin University
6. St. Edwards University
7. Austin College
8. Nicholls State University
9. University of Oklahoma
10. St. Gregory's University

[Brent Burns]

I guess I will have to instigate by encouraging anyone within LSA to comment on the LSA Preseason Poll for LSA Div A and LSA Div B. C'mon, let's talk...

[SFALaxStud10]

I would like to say that Tech deserves the #1 spot and Southwestern as well its good to see powerhouses from the LSA are making the national tourney. But how can u put TCU in front of us at SFA no offense but we spanked them in the regular season last year. I think this year teams that havent been as strong in the past will come forth and get it done this year. Congrats to the teams from OU and St. Gregorys for joining the LSA. Good Luck this season guys.

[Brent Burns]

I want to remind everyone that the LSA preseaon poll was done by head coaches and team presidents present at the LSA meeting last Saturday.

[monkeylax]

its good to see powerhouses from the LSA are making the national tourney.

I'm not quite sure how you equate Texas Tech being a "powerhouse" from the LSA, remember the LSA Representative hasn't won a game at Nationals in quite some time, must have been A&M when they won a game in early 2000's ( I think, I'm sure someone can chime in and help)
I think the Preseason Polls are neat and all, but they aren't worth the paper they are printed on, until the LSA Champions actually WIN a game at Nationals. I am a huge fan of the LSA, but we gotta aim a little higher than just being represented at Nationals. We are always represented, but these "powerhouses" need to be bringing home some OOC WINS.
That is all I am asking for X-Mas this year, Lots and Lots of LSA OOC Wins!!

[ACE]

It was 2003 with A&M.

2005 Texas Tech 0-3
2004 Texas 0-3
2003 A&M 2-1 Won first round then lost a close game to eventual champ CSU.
2002 A&M 2-1 Lost first round though
2001 A&M 2-2 Lost first round.
2000 A&M 1-3 Won first round then lost next three.

[LaxC21]

I am not going to get into the powerhouse thing and nationals. A&M represented well when it was there but that was then and this is now. I am just hoping first for some OOC wins against quality opponents, then I will talk about the National Tourney.

Now for some criticism of the LSA and my opinion of the current state of affairs. I don't think the LSA truly understands what level of dedication is required to compete with the top teams in the MDIA. If they do, then either the teams are lacking the dedication on the coaching level or on the player level to be successful. Plain and simple, other teams/programs are better organized, better prepared and more dedicated to seeing themselves succeed than the LSA teams.

[LaxTastic]

Yes please, let's hear your criticism of the LSA before Fall ball even starts.

There are a lot of reasons why the LSA isn't up the snuff with the other leagues out there, but I don't think dedication is the underlining factor. Top high school recruits every year leave to go out of state to play for another team. The LSA really needs to appeal to the high schools and show more effort. It's those kids who are going to make up what the LSA is now.

I think that the term "powerhouse" can apply to certain teams in the LSA when they are playing other teams in the LSA. That was what SFALaxStud10 meant when he said it. I agree that there is no national powerhouse in the LSA. The only way we're going to get recognition or an at-large team at nationals is to win games. There doesn't need to be any negativity before the season even begins. We should all be looking forward to the upcoming season, and cheer for the LSA against any OOC team.

[LaxC21]

Interesting you said you don't think it is dedication, but then you said they need to show more effort, referring to keeping or recruiting top H.S. players. How is that not dedication to become more organized? You become more organized when LSA coaches/players/schools decide to dedicate the time, effort, resources to make their teams a true "virtual varsity" program...therefore the underlining factor becomes "dedication".

Anyways, criticism now or in the Spring...it doesn't really matter. At some point the LSA is going to have to realize what it is and is not doing. I am not trying to be negative, just stating the facts. It is better to realize these things now so you can do something about it.

On a positive note for you LaxTastic. There is maybe one team or two teams that have realized the situation and have started to make the necessary changes in how the program is organized and ran so that it/they can become more competitive with other top teams in the future. However, they still have a long a way to go.

[Mikeylacrosse03]

LETS JUST WIN OOC GAMES, one team from TX beat someone(CSU) we should have a little pride knowing that they came to Texas and kick the crap out of every team they played. Thats one OOC game that would be good to win.

eh

[emo]

Speaking of OOC games, has anybody scheduled any big games or trips?

Also, in regard to making our conference stronger:
We need our lower level teams to step it up and play better. Some of the mid-level teams stepped up last year and beat some of the big ones(TSU, UNT, SMU). If they can continue raising their level of play, it will make everyone else work harder to keep up.

[bobcatlacrosse13]

I don't appreciate being called a mid level team, i'll be looking for you emo

[emo]

Oh god just don't use the woody.

Really though, yall have competed with us, A&M, and Texas. SO I guess saying your in the top tier of the league is more appropriate.

[Karl Lynch]

EMO,

I agree with you about OCC games. North Texas is making the trip to Southern California this year to play Chapman and UCLA.

We are also making a trip to Lubbock. Any chance you guys could bring in an OCC opponent that weekend?

[emo]

That's a little over my head, but we'll probably try. I'm sure you wanna get your gas money's worth for that trip.