BYU vs UCSB - Wed, 3/23/05 - Scoring UPDATES!

[TrainerDan]

The altitude in Provo isn't that high and really shouldn't play a huge part in a player's conditioning. I think the weather was a huge factor today. Cold, rainy, and windy (especially in the second half) took it's toll on both teams. I know several of the Cougar players have been battling flu like symptoms (Tschaggeny, M. Davis) that slowed them down. UCSB really looked out of it in the 4th. No sense of urgency on the sideline or on the field. They looked to me like they didn't know what to do being down by 5. I liked the way BYU never let up. Even when they made mistakes they kept pushing the action and played solid defense. I thought both Cougars goalkeepers played great, thumbs up to Glenn for the second half performance. Great win for the Cougars and 2 other games this weekend to take care of.

[TrojanLaxman5]

I wonder of the altitude had anything to do with the ugly second half from the Gauchos, it seemed like the hit a wall in the second half, much like the A&M/BYU game. Can someone fromt he RMLC (that has actually spent time at sea level) elaborate on this-is it really that big of a deal in Utah?

We played at BYU last year and since USC is at almost exactly the same climate and elevation as UCSB I may be able to comment on that. I personally thought that it was extremely difficult to play in the combination of high altitude and bitter cold weather. It's hard enough to get ample oxygen playing in that altitude, but combine that with sub-freezing temperature (burns the lungs) and it is a great hurdle for a traveling team to overcome. Definitely an advantage for BYU, but also not the reason they won today, they dominated at every aspect of the game. I hope that SB can rally back and finish strong the rest of the season...

[John Paul]

Free science lesson for the day.

In the climbing world, the definition of high altitude, where the lower barometric pressure starts to have a physiological effect, starts at 5,000 feet. Threat of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Illness), which can be debilitating or life-threatening if not dealt with quickly, usually doesn't begin until about 8,000 feet. Provo is at about 4600 feet, so the altitude there really shouldn't have much of an effect on someone coming from sea level, just as it doesn't provide much of a training advantage to those who live there (unless they train in the surrounding mountains, but even then they would not have the benefits of sleeping at altitude). Someone who is in good shape, healthy and hydrated should not feel much of a difference in Provo. If they do get tired quicker, they should improve within a day or two as their bodies produce more red blood cells to compensate for the lower pressure. (It's a common myth that there's less oxygen at altitude. There is just as much oxygen in the air at altitude as their is at sea level. Air, by definition, always has the same amount of oxygen or it's not air anymore. There is less atmospheric pressure the higher you go, thus the air molecules are more spread out, and you are taking in less air in a regular breath.)

By the way, none of this is to say that someone who expects the altitude to effect them might not psych themselves out a bit, thinking they'll feel it.

Some elevations of note:
Santa Barbara: 37 - 850 feet
Ann Arbor: 740 feet -and nothing above 1200 feet for hundreds of miles
Provo: 4600 feet
Boulder: 5400 feet
Mt. Rainier (Washington): 14,410 feet
Mt. McKinley (Alaska): 20,320 feet
Mt Everest: 29,035 feet

[Sonny]

Thanks JP. What is the altitude at Vail?

I officiated some games out there several summers ago and it about whipped me dead.

[TrainerDan]

Thanks for the explanation John Paul. I didn't want to take the time to explain the whole so I appreciate it.

[LaxGuru]

I'm a little stunned, not because of the result but Mike Messina called the score exactly.

[Troy Hood]

Sonny:

I feel for you regarding Vail. According to their info, Vail is at 8,120 feet. That's right about level where JP says it starts to hurt you.

[onpoint]

I don't know if it is a disadvantage for visiting teams, but it was certainly an advantage for us when we came to St. Louis. For some reason that lush air would just feel so thick in the lungs and we (I say we, even though I rarely did) could run forever. Vail can actually be dangerous if you don't hydrate because the altitude is usually accompanied by some pretty hot temps in the middle of July. It can be brutal if you are not prepared.

Back to the game today, UCSB just doesn't have that punch at attack right now. You really need one or two players who aren't afraid to dodge the long pole and get something going from back there. I'm also a little confused on why all teams are so afraid of dodging the LSM. Seems like everyone wants to take him to the crease and out of the play, leaving a team with only two dodgers at any given point. Go ahead and run at him, test 'em out. Just a little observation from all lacrosse right now.

[laxfan25]

The defender ducked, whats up with that. Stay in there and take it.

Remember the NCAA this year is STRONGLY RECOMMENDING that coaches not instruct D men to try to block shots with their bodies. For an old-timer it strikes me as part of the game, but with the unfortunate Cornell incident....

[CSUalum32]

Good showing BYU, from the sounds of the updates, you all played well. Congrads! Didnt get a chance to watch, will have to check out the next telecast.

[byualum]

Just got back from Provo...a couple thoughts...

1. Remember that thread that listed the ideal locations to play lacrosse? Yesterday's accomodations would have been way, way, way down on that list. 35 degrees + rain + wind = below average fan experience.

2. A couple people touched on it...I think BYU's ride was key. That's the most complete game out of the attack unit this season. Haven't seen the box score, but UCSB had a difficult time clearing the ball all day.

3. I don't know UCSB's goalie, but that guy is funny. You've got to love a guy that's running smack even down 4 goals in the 4th.

4. I like Monteath at middie when both Davis' and Stevenson are healthy at attack. Great change of pace from guys like Bateman, really brings some speed to the middies.

5. Still amazed the goalie rotation has worked this well. I take my had off to Glenn M. for for being able to come off the bench and not miss a beat.

[AlumniLax]

3. I don't know UCSB's goalie, but that guy is funny. You've got to love a guy that's running smack even down 4 goals in the 4th.

good ol' brittain. do things ever change with that kid?

[laxfan25]

3. I don't know UCSB's goalie, but that guy is funny. You've got to love a guy that's running smack even down 4 goals in the 4th.

good ol' brittain. do things ever change with that kid?

It's gota be genetic