2008 RMLC Pre-Season Poll (courtesy of rmlax.com)

[James Foote]

2007-2008 RMLC Pre-Season Poll

Written by: Dave Leach
November 13, 2007

The 2007-2008 Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference Pre-Season Poll, selected by the coaches themselves, was released this week with Brigham Young and Utah Valley State taking the top spots in their respective divisions.

With a multitude of pre-season events including scrimmages with NCAA programs and tournaments from the Vegas strip to the peaks of the Rockies RMLC programs abound have kept busy.


DIVISION I

Brigham Young, most notably, defeated the Virginia Military Institute (a NCAA Division I program). Along with being a participant of the 2008 Price Modern “Lacrosse for Leukemia” Fall Invitational Tournament, the Cougars achieved a "top level" preseason. Combined with the 2007 National Championship, as well as a newly signed multi-year deal with Harrow sports, and fresh-off of a successful "Best of the West" Tournament in Las Vegas, NV; BYU received unanimous votes for No.1.

Colorado State and Utah remained busy this fall as they both competed in the "Best of the West" tournament against some teams they will surely see in the spring season filling in the middle of the RMLC Division I bracket at No. 2 & 3.


DIVISION II

The UVSC Wolverines return, after a season of eligibility misfortune, as the top-ranked RMLC Division II program. After defeating the 2007 National Champions, Montana, along with Final-Four attendee, Westminster College, this fall, the Wolverines built a strong case for their #1 status. When RMLC Division I, Utah fell to the Wolverines for the first time in recorded history, it was enough to push them over the top.

Westminster College, having a terrifically busy summer, has 17 new faces with 14 freshman and 3 transfers. The Griffins took two squads to the "Best of the West" and competed against teams such as Colorado State and Arizona State. Their inaugural success and competitive pre-season trials earned them the rank of No. 2 – behind UVSC by a single first place vote.

Fort Lewis College and Northern Colorado tie for third in the division after several meetings this past summer and fall. Both two-time MCLA National Tournament participants had exceptional recruiting efforts and field teams worthy of their stature. Come spring, there are no ties.

No. 5 Montana State and No. 6 Northern Arizona lead the pack of the other nine RMLC Division II hopefuls that have, I recent seasons, been outside looking in. Within these nine organizations, is there a sleeping giant? One that will rise above such top-fleet teams? Only time will tell.


RMLC DI Preseason Poll (points) (1st place votes)

1. BYU (16) (4)
2. CSU (11)
3. Utah (7)
4. CU (6)

RMLC DII Preseason Poll

1. UVSC (73) (3)
2. Westminster (72) (2)
Tie 3. Fort Lewis (65) (1)
Tie 3. Northern Colorado (65)
5. Montana State (50)
6. Northern Arizona (47)
7. Mines (41)
8. Metro (38)
9. Regis (28)
10. Utah State (26)
11. Western State (21)
12. New Mexico (12)
13. Wyoming (10)

[ktrost58]

It will be fun to see how UVSC bounces back, after the way last year ended, they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and fight to get back to the national championships. from the looks of this fall, they will be hard to knock off that top spot.
BYU seems to be a program on fire right now with a lot of momentum. I'm sure they will also start on top of the national polls again this year, and it will be a shocker if anyone can top them, they really are very good. Good luck to all the RMLC, it will be a great year!

[BigheadTodd]

Once again, nothing about Colorado....I think I remember a post that they got a transfer from oregon, but nothing else. They are up to something, and it might not be good for their opponents...

[MountaineerLax]

According to Coach John Galvin, the CU Buffs "are taking fall off". They were not mentioned because there has been little to no news from Colorado.

We are working on getting a story out on the current situation in Boulder, but contacting coach Galvin has been difficult. Please stay tuned.

[Duffy34]

According to some people affiliated with the CU team, they are taking the fall off because most of last years team is not returning due to a various amount of reasons, including many kids getting suspended or leaving the team after events that took place at the end of last years season(i dont know the events that took place and Im not trying to start rumors, just what I heard from people that I know are affiliated with the team) Their entire starting attack either graduated/is not returning to the team and same with their defense. Most of their freshman that played last year are not coming back to the team as well as many other role players and contributers on both the D and O side of the ball. I heard it was something like 6/7 kids returning. BUT i did hear they got some good freshman and a few butler transfers that are supposed to be good...who knows though but I dont think they are staying low on purpose

[Ballaholic]

I thought Westminster was petitioning to move up to Division 1, anyone care to explain. thanks

[MountaineerLax]

Nope - according the rep. at the league meeting, they are remaining at Division II.