11th Man

[Flanders]

In every sport there is a catalyst for the rest of the team. Whether in basketball as a sixth man or in baseball as middle-reliever, there is always somebody there for your team in the clutch. Unfortunately, these players aren't always given their due respect. I was just wondering who some of these players are around the league (in both divisions). Maybe this way some of these guys can finally get some of the respect they deserve.

[BearcatLax]

Linfield has a long pole middie #17 who seems to come up with a bunch of clutch plays for them. I know against us every random ground ball was his and he even had a goal or two, I don't remember how many exactly.

SOU's defenseman #1 was all over our guys, smothering them in the corner and stripping them often.

Whitman's whole defense seemed clutch to me, good stick skills and they really play solid in the shadow of Sadler and Co.

There's guys everywhere out there, and they need respect. They set the picks, they make the scoops, but they are not the ones who get the glory. Keep up the hustle.

[woulax23]

I think that a real key 11th man player is # 28, Arne Hakanson, for Linfield. The guy doesn't have that impressive of numbers as far as points are concerned, but he is only a sophomore and he is such a hard worker. In the games we played against Linfield, and the ones we went to watch, he worked his butt off out on the field. He groundballs so well, and he is fast and is able to really help clear the ball to their offense. that seems to be his main job for Linfield, but he does it well and it really contributes to their ability to control the tempo of a game with their offense. My hat is off to you Arne!

[Basquelax]

from PLU: Dave Rose and Matt Wuerffel

[Another Dumb Jock]

For those of you who have read the post by the PLU guy who wanted Oregon to acknowledge players form other teams, let me appease you needs.

The best midfielder in the league is UW’s Eric Weitz due to his great field sense and ability to attack cage. UW also has some great poles in the form of Kevin Bass and Pat Campbell.

The best face-off guy has to be Gonzaga’s. His name and number is lost to me, but I can assure you he is the only face-off guy who has given Scott Miller and I any trouble.

Simon Fraser fields a strong cohesive team where individuals have a hard time standing out. I’m sure this is largely due to Mike scoring all of their goals.

Idaho was fun. In a few years, with lacrosse growing out there, they will begin to field a powerful team.

As for the 11th man award, I would have to sing the only song I know, Oregon’s. I did my best to give a shout out to the rest of the league, but really guys. What did you expect?

Tamir Elterman #19 for Oregon is the MAN!!
Face-offs are breezy with this kid on the line. He makes smart decisions with the ball, and takes advantage of his opportunities. You will not score on this kid; defensively he is the best we got. Just pay attention at the playoffs when our opponents attempt to take this short pole to the rack. I can assure you they will do one of the two, pass or drop it. He plays with the respect that the rest of your team in the eyes of the league seems to be lacking, yet brings the intensity to the game we need to win. A duck with no energy cannot fly! Come now, he was the Most Inspirational Player on his team in high school!!! What else could you ask for of the 11th? Ooops, he starts. The 11th man is a poor title anyway. Lets call it……..”the second to last option for this weeks pole is the correct one award.” http://forums.uslia.com/viewtopic.php?t=1443 (click there)

[TheNino57]

If you want an 11th man from CWU, I would have to throw two names into the mix. Those names are Jon Stenson, #12 and Kevin Norris, #14. These two guys work so hard during games. Big hits and clutch assists from Norris and Stenson's hustle, positive attitude, and ability to run the ball upfield in a tight clear make these guys so vital to our team.

[WouMiddie]

For our team i wouldn't say we have one distinct 11th man because our starting rotation is always changing. But i guess for us it is a mix of four guys, Adam Mckee, mark haner, kyle mcwhirter, and kyle nilson. each has been in and out of the starting rotation and each has played great when it mattered. Not big names but big hearts who are vital to western oregons success this year.