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The Bates men's lacrosse team returns an experienced group of players for the 2004 season. With leaders at every position and an infusion of young, committed talent, head coach Peter Lasagna expects to compete for the NESCAC Championship in his fourth year in Lewiston.
The Bobcats were close to the top in the 2003 season. With four one-goal loses and a two-goal loss to NESCAC opponents, veteran players understand just how close they are. The pieces are in place for the 2004 team to take the next step to a NESCAC title and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Senior Brad Frost '04 (Winchester, Mass.) was the team's leading scorer and most dependable offensive player in 2003. He will lead a veteran attack corps with Scott Duddy '04 (Concord, N.H.) and Peter Friedman '05 (Putney, Vt.). David Pritchard '06 (Narberth, Pa.) gained valuable experience last year and will help carry the offensive load.
Chris Eckhoff '04 (Wolfeboro, N.H.), Justin Platten '04 (Newton, Mass.) and Dan Ross '05 (Chevy Chase, Md.) anchor an exciting, athletic midfield. Greg Leonard '05 (Manlius, N.Y.) returns from a season-ending injury to bolster the face-off position. Brenton Pitt '06 (Duxbury, Mass.), Mark Boccard '06 (Huntington, N.Y.) and Gabe Belsky '06 (Avon, Conn.) made immediate impacts in their first season and will assume important roles this spring. John Sullivan '04 (Concord, N.H.), Ben Clements '04 (Ligonier, Pa.), Billy Ball '05 (Exeter, N.H.) and Ryan Taylor (Yarmouth, Maine) can all make great contributions.
Chas Garrison '04 (Chevy Chase, Md.), Jurgen Nebelung '04 (Preston, Conn.) and two talented first years will battle to succeed three-year starter Mark Dobbyn in goal. They will be supported by returning defensemen John Saunders '04 (Radnor, Pa.), Chip McCletchie '04 (Wolfeboro, N.H.), Will Krawczyk '05 (Lake Forest, Ill.), Ave Cook '06 (Williamstown, Mass.), Ryan O'Connor '06 (Avon, Conn.), B.J. Majeski '06 (Norwalk, Conn.) and Chris Fedullo '05 (Williamson, N.Y.). The Bobcats allowed under eight goals per game last season, and only allowed more than 10 goals in just two games.
Recruiting
The Bates lacrosse program recruits on a national level, attracting the most qualified student-athletes in the country. The Bobcats’ roster includes players from throughout New England, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. The drive and focus that characterize Bates lacrosse players enable them to thrive on and off the athletic field. A supportive faculty, superb resources and a dynamic curriculum allow each student-athlete to explore his potential in every way.
Philosophy
Bates players and coaches possess a passion for the game. From fall captains' practices and preseason conditioning to the spring season, enthusiasm and energy pervade the program. The coaches design individual action plans to help each player improve his skills, speed and strength. “We start with the premise that everyone wants to perform at the highest level,” says Lasagna. “We provide the tools and the support for them to attain their team and individual goals.” Bates plays a fast-paced, transition style that depends on sound team defense, aggressive riding and shared purpose on offense.
Schedule and Facilities
The Bobcats’ preseason begins in February with a warm-weather training trip and games against top Division III opponents. The 2003 campaign began with Southern practices and a game against powerful Washington and Lee. Up North, Bates competes to be among the top seven teams and qualify for the NESCAC tournament and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA championships. The Bobcats use Bates' AstroTurf field for practice and games. Merrill Gymnasium provides an excellent indoor practice space. The Davis Fitness Center gives Bates’ players one of the league’s finest weight rooms. |
