Playoff predictions

[BaylorLax4]

It must really suck for a team like SMU that deserves a playoff spot to not even have an opportunity to play... and to see others just not show up.

[tulaxcoach06]

I do not disagree with you in the least. Please, though, blame this on me if you'd like. I would like to be the one held accountable for this team, if you are to criticize them, please forward it to me. Please do not do it publically. I can entertain e-mails all day, however, I do not want to damage these kids' reputations any more than what has already happened. I know that the common complaints will be:

1. They do not deserve any sort of slack, they knew what they were getting into.
2. Other teams have fielded teams in similar situations, why couldn't we.
3. Similar situations have occurred where teams have been kicked out of the league, why shouldn’t we.
4. This is irresponsible and no response would vindicate this action.

I agree with all statements and any related sub-statements. Again, when you see Adam Porter’s response, it’s one that is trying to defend a whole team in a league where they haven’t truly existed for longer than 2 years. I know I played them my freshmen year and their organization then accurately resembled the organization I came into. I, as a first year coach just 6 months out of playing, have been working hard to make them a respectable team and organization. I am very pleased that they played who they played and beat who they beat and more importantly, lost to who they lost to. I lost players through the season to injury and apathy and by the time everything came around, an obligation that these kids tried to work around as early as the middle of march became a severe issue. Our attempts to reschedule our game with Texas State University became a frivolous endeavor and in the end, when all attempts to try to bring a team to Houston had come to the table, my remaining 15 kids became 9. I went to St. Louis and played with 10 kids, only two of which were poles, for the first 2 quarters of our Lindenwood game. I went with 13 kids to Tennessee. I was used to having a short bench, but not a deficit of players on the field. Understand that organizations such as Texas A&M, TSU, U of H, UNT, TTU, UT, SMU et al. have had coaches and organization for a comparative infinite period of time. I am their first coach to actually coach. I am the first student to organize their fiduciary matters. I am the first person to vie for them as an organization without playing for them. I am trying desperately to build them from the ground up and any and everything that you say in regards to them, should in actuality be directed to me. I am sorry and there is nothing that I can do about this now; I can only go so far as to assure you that this is not a usual circumstance that will happen in subsequent years. I apologize and if there is anything else to be said, please e-mail me at mali@lsuhsc.edu. Thank you.

Mohammed Irfan Ali; B.A. - Philosophy, B.S. - Physics
MD/PhD Program - LSUHSC
School of Medicine and Department of Physiology
1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
Head Coach - Tulane University Lacrosse

[SFALAXDrew]

While what happened with Tulane and the Div A playoffs is somewhat disturbing, this isnt the only thing in the LSA that needs attention. The playoff situation needs to be addressed in the Div B as well, particularly the South. All but two teams in the south forfeited their season and/or their rights to play in the playoffs. Southwestern more than deserves to be in Waco, I have no doubt about that. But why should St Ed's have a walk into the playoffs when they are technically third in the bracket and fifth or sixth in the Div? Also, in my eyes, forfeited a game to us and failed to rechedule it for some reason or another. Maybe they thought that since it was between brackets that it didnt matter for their record and wouldnt affect their standing. I know we agreed upon the way the playoffs would work at the league meeting, but there needs to be some sort of back up plan when things go arry during the season. There probably also needs to be a clause somewhere that states if you forfeit a game during the season then you lose playoff rights.

[Karl Lynch]

St. Ed's did not forfeit any games this season.

The Bylaws already state that a forfeit prevents a team from participating in the playoffs. SFA was given a copy of the bylaws at the league meeting. SFA did not vote to amend or change anything about anything at any time. The bylaws passed by a unanimous vote.

If you would like to give me a call, 940-243-5738.

[jessexy]

it seems i may have offended some by my comments earlier. i stand behind them and will continue to say that every school in the LSA and USLIA has to deal with homework, class, studying, exams, and everything else that students do in college. There are many schools in the LSA that have extremely difficult curriculums and are considered top in the nation. this is college and there is no easy way out. there is always challenge and you deserve respect when you have the degree in your hand.

you make your own decisions in life and you choose where you want to go to school. no excuses when you have to deal with life, the choices you make, and the conflicts it may bring. everyone else has to do it too

[tulaxcoach06]

So, are you addressing the kids, the coaches or the organizations? You were rather a-specific as to who you were referring to when you said that you may have “offended some.” I for one am extremely insulted…

[CP18]

This is a playoff thread gentlemen. Take your discussion to the PM.

Thanks.

[benji]

So fellas .... Predictions for this weekend?

[JStoops]

So we got some big games in the A division this weekend.

Tech - vs - A&M I think Tech takes this one in a close game. They were my favorites all year to win it and their performance last week did nothing but confirm to me that they are focused and ready to go to Blaine.

TSU - vs - UT I think UT will slip past TSU in another close game. UT has playoff experience and finished the year strong with wins over Tech and A&M.

If the matchup is Tech and UT, I think Tech will take UT and secure their spot in the national tournament.

[Anderson]

I think that our loss to UT was the slap in the face we needed to wake up. Bout time.

As for this weekend it seems we could all make predictions but it will really come down to who comes to play. Every one other these four teams has had its ups and downs all season. We'll find out on Sat/Sun.

[CP18]

It will be a GREAT weekend of lacrosse in Waco, on both sides, Division A and B! I encourage all LSA players, board lurkers, or just fans to get to Waco to watch and support. I have been associated with this league for seven years now and this weekend could easily produce overtime games each round, each contest, NO DOUBT.

Also, Jessexy will be organizing a LSA forum tailgate before the championship games on Sunday. At the tailgate all posters will circle up, hold hands, share grievances, apologizes for any malicious statements made on the boards, then sing Kumbaya!

By the way, if Tech v A&M goes into overtime on Saturday it will be settled by Coach Anderson and Coach Park going one-on-one, with Coach Park starting with the ball top left.

[Brent Burns]

I am really looking forward to some Div A and B games this weekend, and I will be more likely be out there around 2 pm.

Mark is correct that we can make predictions until we are blue in the face, but it will be the team that has the drive, heart, desire, and intensity to get the ultimate prize. It will be fun and nice to see all the teams HUSTLE and fight for every loose ball.

[Anderson]

Park,

Do you think you still got it? Or did you get a bit rusty? Or maybe a better question is did you ever have it over me? Good luck this weekend....I love playing/coaching against yall, see you and Tony in Waco. Bring you stuff even if we don't go into OT we'll settle this feud once and for all.

[ACE]

Mr. Moderator,

Please stay on topic. As an avid message board participant, as I'm sure Mr. Jessexy would agree, we don't need former players reliving their glory days (or not so glory days) with personal conversations. Please take this to PM as to not disturb the rest of the LSA community. I also don't believe we can settle the game on this type of OT procedure. Coach Park may get by Coach Anderson, but when that silly behind the back shot gets taken (I can already hear the peanut gallery), Coach Park will look foolish, thus resulting in a draw.

[benji]

I'm rather interested in this little Park vs. Anderson skirmish. Hmmm...

A few of you are right though; all teams are coming with a full head of steam. My only advice is that if you're not a player or coach, take a step back and watch when this all collides, its gonna be a great show.