by A.J. Stevens on Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:59 am
Illinois 2008 Men’s Lacrosse Preview
The 2008 Illinois men's lacrosse season marks the teams third playing in Coach Stevens’ system. With a large number of upperclassman on the roster expect Illinois to cash in on the investment made during the past two seasons playing some of the nations best lacrosse programs. The youth orientated team of the past will look to take its place among the MCLA elite. Illinois has all of the tools in place to make the climb with the addition of two highly decorated assistant coaches, Doug Shanahan & Vince Smith.
The Illini return 4 MCLA All America honorees including GRLC Offensive Player of the Year Stephen Black. Black looks to continue his streak of 30+ goals seasons for a third year. Black is joined at the midfield by Andrew Kohl, a 2006 MCLA All America, who looks to return to form after an injury plagued 2007. Doug Sutherland, face off specialist, and Eric Rakoczy, goalie, will continue to go the extra mile to become the best in the nation.
The Illini open the 2008 season on the road against the Hoosiers of Indiana University Saturday (2/23) in the first of 17 regular-season games. The opener will be followed by a March 2 match up against Marquette to be played in Chicago’s McCook Center. The Illini spend the rest of March on the road facing six nationally ranked opponents Simon Fraser, Texas A&M, Arizona State, Arizona, Michigan & Michigan State. April is highlighted with a Saturday afternoon battle against GRLC rival Lindenwood University. The winner of this game has gone on to win the GRLC Championship the past three seasons.
Illinois 2008 men's lacrosse, position by position ...
ATTACK
Starters returning – Joe Dodson (19g-19a-38p), Joe O’Malley (19g-32a-51p) Starters lost - David Schnitzer (23g-19p-42p) Other returning attack - Nate Prescott (5g-1a-6p), Steve Arendt (6g-6a-12p) Other attack lost – none Newcomers – Scott Pfiffner & Josh Shownkeen
Outlook – The Duo of Joe Dodson and Joe O’Malley return for a third year to spearhead the Illini attack. Senior Joe Dodson has named All-GRLC every season at Illinois twice garnering first team honors. Junior Joe O’Malley led the GRLC in total assist for the second straight year. O’Malley was tabbed first team All-GRLC for his efforts. High school All-American Scott Pfiffner will compete with Juniors Steve Arendt and Nate Prescott for the third slot vacated by David Schnitzer.
OFFENSIVE MIDFIELD
Starters returning - Stephen Black (30g-10a-41p), Rick Valencia (21g-10a-31p), Andrew Kohl (14g-7a-21p), Michael Grisko (9g-4a-13p) Starters lost - none Other returning midfield -), Tyler Keller (7g-5a-12p), Joe Sestrich (1g-0a-1p), Brady Collins, Brett Veronico (1g,0a,0p) Other midfield lost - Andrew Gruber (5g-0a-5p) Sean Bunce (2g-0a-2p) Newcomers – Tanner McGrath, Joe Morrison, Steven Sanchez, Tom Scrementi
Outlook - With no starters lost and already existing depth, Illinois could have one of its best midfield units ever. Stephen Black leads a group of veteran midfielders. Black scored 30 goals for the second consecutive season earning GRLC Offensive Player of the Year honors along with third team All-America honors. Back to all-America form after an injury plagued junior season, Andrew Kohl looks to repeat on his sophomore season when he led all GRLC midfielders in goals per game. Mike Grisko and Rick Valencia are both big strong midfielders that are quick and can dodge downhill. Expect both to take advantage of the extra attention Kohl and Black demand.
SHORTSTICK DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD
Starters returning - Paul Dworzanski Starters lost - Adam Costello Other returning SSDM - Greg Bennett, Matt Babcock, James O'Connor, Mike Walker Other SSDM lost - Andy Bosiljevac Newcomers - Chris Pavlovich, Steven Sanchez, Bob Ridlen
Outlook –Senior Paul Dworzanski will lead a group of veterans and athletic newcomers. Dworzanski has been one of the top SSDM in the GRLC the past three years. Newcomers Chris Pavlovich and Illinois First Team All-State Mdifielder Steven Sanchez will compete with a talented group of veterans to round out the defensive unit.
LONGSTICK MIDFIELD
Starters returning - Starters lost - none Other returning LSM - none Other LSM lost - none Newcomers – Chris Fallon and Connor Lucas
Outlook – With Starters Joseph Gancarz and Dan Fox moving to close defense the Illini will turn to two athletic newcomers to get the job done. Chris Fallon is a transfer to Illinois who showed he can be a rising star in the GRLC. Joining Fallon will be Connor Lucas a former defensive back on the Illinois football team. Lucas has impressed coaches in the weight room and has the speed to make an immediate impact for the Illini. Both have the speed to create transition along with the ability to neutralize a team’s top scoring midfielder.
FACE-OFF
Starters returning – Doug Sutherland (182x221) Starters lost - none Other returning face-off – Paul Dworzanski, Mike Grisko Others lost - none Newcomers – Scott Pfiffner & Joe Morrison
Outlook – Doug Sutherland dominated the face-off X in 2007. He won 182 of 221 face offs with an 82% win percentage. Sutherland is expected to improve this season after being named Honorable Mention All-America and twice to the All-GRLC First Team. Sutherland will have some help at the face off X with the addition of High School All-American Scott Pfiffner and Joe Morrison
DEFENSE
Starters returning –Phil Dodson, Dan Fox, Joseph Gancarz Starters lost - Paul Arendt, Jack Gainey Other returning defense – Mike Howlett, Neal Sullivan Other defense lost - John Pulka, Brandon Cruz Newcomers – Bob Higgins, Matt Dixon, Matt Gruber, Jeremias Perez
Outlook – Defensive MVP Phil Dodson will lead a talented group of close defensemen for the Illini. Phil has quickly established himself as a rising star among GRLC defenseman. Joining Dodson in the starting rotation will be Sophomore Mike Howlett and Junior Bob Higgins along with seniors Dan Fox and Joseph Gancarz.
GOALIE
Starters returning – Eric Rakoczy (214 saves, 6.1 GAA, .673 save %) Starters lost – none Other returning goalies –Joe Lucido (10 saves 4.5 GAA, .526 save %) Other goalies lost – Mike McAvoy (5 saves, 7 GAA, .417 save %) Newcomers – Sam Phelps
Outlook – Eric Rakoczy returns in net after a successful freshman campaign in which he garnered first team All-GRLC along with HM All America honors. Junior Joe Lucidio is joined by sophomore Sam Phelps in the bullpen.
NOTES
• Illinois has played in the GRLC championship game every year since its founding.
• Illinois plays six nationally ranked teams from 2006 in the month of March (#24 Simon Fraser, #16 Texas A&M, #10 Arizona State, #8 Arizona, #4 Michigan  Michigan State).
• Illinois returns to the University of Michigan for the first time since leaving the CCLA.
• Ten returning players have been named All-GRLC.
• Illinois returns five players that scored 20+ points in 2007.
Head Coach
Colorado Mesa University
