Conference Previews for the 2023 season - CACC

SPEAKER_01 0:11

Welcome, welcome, welcome to another episode of In the Creed with Danny and Kevin, a coast-to-coast discussion of D2 Men's lacrosse. I'm your co-host, Kevin Stenstrom, and with me as always is the man that always brings the holiday cheer, Danny Moran. Hey, Danny.

SPEAKER_04 0:28

Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho. Merry Christmas, Kevin Stenstrom. How's everything in the new?

SPEAKER_01 0:37

It's beautiful, you know. You've got all the Christmas lights on the houses around here. We have ours up. Uh, we've been up for a little bit now and and just excited. You know, this is basically our our Christmas episode as this drops on the 23rd. Um, so we hope uh people enjoy it. But uh let's let's get started. What do you think?

SPEAKER_04 0:56

Yeah, I'm ready to go. It's Christmas time. I I love Christmas in New York, and Christmas in New York is very, very special, you know, the tree, Saks Fifth Avenue, and all the stuff that goes on in Manhattan. So that's cool stuff. That's the only really truly truly love New York is that time.

SPEAKER_01 1:14

So, as you know, uh our daughter is going to school there, uh, close to New York City and really close to you at Austria University. And and she went into the city this past weekend with her friends and just had a great time. Like you said, you go to Rockefeller Center, you go to all the big spots, you know, Times Square, you kind of do that and see what it's like for the holidays. You can't beat it. It's it's much better than Northern Virginia.

SPEAKER_04 1:37

It's amazing what some of these stores do. I mean, with their with their Christmas decorations, especially, especially Sax Fifth Avenue. It's amazing. Oh, yeah. But Rockefeller Center is amazing as well at at Christmas time, it draws immense a Friday night. It could be 12 degrees, and there'll be 70,000 people out there looking at the tree. Forget about it. Forget about it, you know what I mean?

SPEAKER_03 2:01

That's the way it is over here. Oh, let's stop talking about that stuff, but let's move on.

SPEAKER_01 2:08

So let's move on. You know, Danny, we talk a lot about the Peach Belt and how new the teams are, as well as the conference. Well, the conference that we're talking about tonight rivals that, I think, and that is the CACC Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. You know, the conference has been around since 1961, but they haven't had lacrosse as a conference sport until 2018.

SPEAKER_04 2:36

Yeah, it's a new conference, basically.

SPEAKER_01 2:38

Yeah, yeah, and it probably has a lot to do with a lot of the CAC schools that are that do have lacrosse, their programs didn't start until 2018 or after. Five of the eight teams are relatively new, either 2018 or or after that. Represent four different states. Yeah.

unknown 2:59

Yeah.

SPEAKER_04 3:00

Delaware, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and now uh Bridgeport in Connecticut.

SPEAKER_01 3:07

Connecticut. And that's a nice spot. We've talked to some of those coaches about how it makes travel a lot easier. I mean, we've talked to him, we've talked to the GLVC coaches, you talk to the RMAC coaches, talk about a way to make it easy. And that's and some of the coaches even say that that is a recruiting plus. When you say, hey, look at you get to travel, but it's not that difficult. You're not on a bus for 12 hours at a time. It's two, three hours, you're there, you play the game, you get back to your spot.

SPEAKER_04 3:40

And and these coaches have a decent recruiting bed here where they are. Oh, without a doubt. You know, the Philly, Philly area produces great lacrosse. Uh New Jersey produces great lacrosse. Uh, right in the New York City there with long and then upstate New York. And then they got the kids from up north too.

SPEAKER_01 4:00

So yeah, and Connecticut's gonna pull from Massachusetts. Now they gotta they gotta battle the N to get players. But I'll tell you, I think this conference, not only this conference is trying to make a push to get nationally recognized up there with the granddaddy of them all in the NE10, but I think there's a lot of teams that are making a push for the conference champion, which I think is gonna make this season very interesting in the CACC.

SPEAKER_04 4:27

Yeah, this should be a good season, I think.

SPEAKER_01 4:29

I agree with you. Yeah, so let's get into it. Let's talk about uh last year's conference champion and was conference champion, I think, for the last several years, Chestnut Hill.

SPEAKER_04 4:42

Yes, they were tournament champs. Right. Uh actually, I think we won the conference right last year. They went.

SPEAKER_01 4:51

They went six and oh they were five, they lost, Chestnut Hill lost to Wilmington in the regular season at overtime, but then beat them in the turn. Right by one goal.

SPEAKER_04 5:00

Their only conference loss, Chestnut Hill, uh coach Mike Terranova. They're located in Philly. They went five and one last year, 11-6 over in all. Very, very good team, Kev. Very good team. And their only conference loss came to Wilmington in a one goal overtime loss.

SPEAKER_01 5:17

Yeah, and their other losses get this were to Seton Hill, St. A's, Robert Wesley, and Frostburg.

SPEAKER_04 5:25

Yeah, all very good teams. Two of them ranked, and you know, you know, we talked about how great Robert was last year and how the good they're going to be again this year. And then, you know, Frostburg, you know, they had a little down year, some injuries last year, but they're a very good squad, too.

SPEAKER_01 5:41

Yep.

SPEAKER_04 5:42

Absolutely, 100%. So Chestnut Hill, you know, they're a good squad. They got they will, you know, got players coming back. They got a sophomore, Liam McCann, 49 goals and 13 assists. He was second overall in the conference and scored. So that kid, that kid's a baller right there.

SPEAKER_01 6:01

Yeah, exactly. Now, two of their top scores were seniors, uh, Maurice Kelly and J.R. Howell. Now, I don't think they're returning their 2023 rosters, really not out yet. I I try to look at it. No, J.R.

SPEAKER_04 6:14

Howell is coming, but you got a uh a senior Mike Smith, midfielder. I think he's coming back, and then another senior more Kelly. Kelly. Well, I'm not quite sure, but he had 49 goals last year. I mean, they have some pretty good players, you know. Yeah, I mean, at Chestnut Hill, my bad.

SPEAKER_01 6:33

And and and they they return some depth on D. You know, they've got Carl Gartmeyer, 30 ground balls, 38 cost turnovers, and Dan Grubb, 37 ground balls and 27 cost turnovers returning. That's a good that's that's that's awesome. Once again, they've got that core nucleus that's coming back that they can build on plus their goalie, Austin Jones.

SPEAKER_04 6:56

He's coming back. He led the conference in save percentage last year. So Austin's coming back in goal for them. So they got a lot of really good kids coming back. I expect them to be a really good team again this year. Good.

SPEAKER_01 7:10

Yeah, yeah. And you know, we've talked about uh the coaches saying they they want to win the recruiting in their back door. And I think if you look at them right being in Philly, if they just bring Philly kids right around there, yep, they're always going to be strong. Now, their team stats dropped a little bit last year in 2022. Their man up went was 38%. That was down from 47%. It's still not bad, but 47% in 2021 was was great. That that you just it's almost uh every other time you're scoring a goal, and their face-off dropped to 46% from 71%. So I'm sure there's some things that the coach wants to kind of work on uh this year to get them back up.

SPEAKER_04 7:52

Yeah, but I I expect Justin Hill to have a solid season again with those players coming back, being in the hospital, see what kind of they brought in and whether those kids can get on the field and get and run for them. But I expect to be a real solid squad.

SPEAKER_01 8:08

Yeah, and their 2023 out of conference includes GMAC powerhouses, Seaton Hill, and Mercy Hurst. So they're keeping their game up as well in trying to play some really tough teams like they did the year before, some ranked teams to get them ready for conference play.

SPEAKER_04 8:28

What they need to do, you know, in order to take that next step nationally, right? Is you know, put some of those teams on their out-of-conference schedule, and then they got to handle business in conference, which they did pretty well.

SPEAKER_01 8:42

Yeah, without a doubt. So let's let's move on. We can talk about the the conference champion, not the tournament champion, the conference champion, Wilmington, the Wildcats. Six and oh in conference, like you said, 11 and 4 overall last year.

SPEAKER_04 8:56

Yeah, Coach Swickett does a great job, huh? He's really he's he's got that team firing, firing on all cylinders. Uh, absolutely. We had one of their best, you know, their best player. We had Gio Marino on our show last year. Yeah, and he was so humbled that we were actually knew that he scored a goal. Like he was just like, who are these guys and why are they watching me? Yeah, exactly.

SPEAKER_01 9:19

That was so much fun having him on. He was a he's a good kid.

SPEAKER_04 9:21

He's and he's coming back. He's a really good yeah, and he led the conference in goals, man. He had 57 goals and and he lit it up last year, Kev.

SPEAKER_01 9:33

Yeah, and so and he's coming in as a junior, and they've got other juniors coming back: Logan Stinson, Jacob Herman, and Jimmy Kava. All of them are returning on the offensive side for them. They are loaded for bear on offense.

SPEAKER_04 9:50

Jacob Herman is midy. 41 assists. The kid must have some great eye, man. Yeah. 41 assists from the midfield. You know, that's amazing. So he's a really good player. And Miles Krause, a good player, 21 goals and 12 assists last year. I expect Wilmington and Chestnut Hill to be battling it at the top of that again.

SPEAKER_01 10:17

I'll tell you, just going a little bit back to last season, you know, they they lost, they were flawless in conference, but then they lost the tournament championship. I think they had a shot at the NCAAs until then. Uh and so, but their other losses too. If you look at the other losses, one goal lost to Mercy, and they lost to Florida Tech and Pace. So, once again, kind of like Chestnut Hill, that they're playing the big dogs, and to get to the next level, they got to get under some of those wins. But I will tell you what, based on who they're bringing back this year, I think this could be this year, their year that they take it.

SPEAKER_04 10:55

I I I totally agree with that. Um, they were really competitive in those losses against those ranked teams. Like they didn't get blown out. They were beaten Mercy. That's right. Well, you know, Mercy was the cardiac kids last year. They let they let everybody in the door and then they slammed it on them on the end. But um, be that as it may, Wilmington was very, very competitive with those big dog games. Again, if they can grab one or two of those wins, might put them over the edge and get them in the tournament.

SPEAKER_01 11:29

Yeah, exactly. But he the the next team we want to talk about, I'll tell you, Coach Mickey Hovert is not going to be one to let Wilmington and Chestnut Hill steal what he wants to do this year. They were at Georgian Court, you know, they were only 6-11 last year. They were three and three in conference. They lost their first five games, which kind of put them in a hole. But four of the five games were against ranked teams. Again, Bentley, Mercy, Adelphi, St. Ace. Yeah. Loaded. And he went again this year.

SPEAKER_04 12:03

In the country. I mean, I I remember in last year. Wow, George and Crown got this guy, they got them on the team. Wow, they're coming in this week. Oh, wow, they're going to play those guys. They had some heck of a tough schedule. They Mickey puts a hard schedule together. Yeah, you got to give him credit. A killer out of conference schedule. Yeah, we had Coach Hover on last year here at Dynamite. I really liked him. And he's got a lot of friends out there. He's well known in the in the in the lacrosse world. And he's in the center of Jersey, man. He's getting good players to come there. And I like what Coach Cover's done at Georgian court. I hope that, you know, they went three and three. I think they had some some injury bug a little bit last year, too, but Talent Smith's coming back, 31 goals, 24 assists. That's a soft. Yeah. So, you know, like that kid was good, man. You got Mike Ventreska coming back, 40 goals, six assists. Joe Zerr coming back, 17 goals, six assists. You know, they're a good squad. Like you said, they lost to Mercy, they lost to Adelphi, Cine's Pace. You know, that's a tough schedule.

SPEAKER_01 13:12

But yeah, and Don Dan Burnham is returning too. He had 36 goals and 27 assists. Add that in. They're face-off specialist, Justin Ina Roan or Ina Roney. I butchered that one way or the other. I hope I got it right on one of those. He's returning. He was at 57% last year. Yeah. Yeah. So, and uh coach sent us some stuff. He has they had some key additions. They've got three freshmen coming in from the same high school, Howell High School in New Jersey. Two twin brothers, Tyler and Vincent Burns, and Doug Mackenzie. And if these guys get play, you already know they know how to play together. There's already a chemistry with those guys. Yep. So I expect Georgian Court to be much better this year. So do I.

SPEAKER_04 14:02

I think they're the game anyway. I don't think that's that that record really reflects that team.

SPEAKER_01 14:08

No. You know. No, I it last year, every time they were playing, I and they got a loss, it just kind of it it I wouldn't say shocked me, but I was I was kind of like, I I yeah, I guess it shocked me. I thought that they were gonna win some games, they didn't, but uh I think they're gonna I think they're coming out this year loaded for bear. They're gonna be they're gonna be guns ablazing to come after not only every team in the CACC, but in their out of conference. And I think what they're gonna try to do is is really upset the Apple cart like they've wanted to in the last past years. One other thing I've got to point out is their goalkeeping. That's one area I think they need some improving. Andrew Candino returns, but they have a 6'5 freshman from Minnesota, Vincent Burkhart. He is Danny 6'5. Danny, if I expect him to get some playing time. I looked at his highlight reel. He is not only big, I mean he is quick. His reflexes are quick. His highlights were so much fun to watch. I was mesmerized by it. So if he gets in there, I expect him to get some playing time, I'm sure. And it will be fun. He will be fun to watch.

SPEAKER_05 15:26

6'5. Oh my god.

SPEAKER_01 15:29

It's a diesel, it's a diesel training between the places. I'll tell you what. It it's it's pretty pretty impressive. Okay, like I said, I mean, I think he's got some more pieces this year.

SPEAKER_04 15:41

Yeah, yeah. Coach Hover's a good coach, and he's like I said, he's got a lot. I'm sure he's gonna put a good team together. And um, I'm looking forward to watching the Lions this year and seeing seeing what they can do. I I watched a bunch of their games last year because after Coach Hover came on, I was like, man, I really like this guy. He's just my kind of guy, you know, just down to earth, really kind of just you know, a blue-collar kind of down-to-earth kind of guy, my kind of guy. And I started watching the Lions last year a little bit more intently. And, you know, again, they were playing tough teams playing place and a Delphi. Yeah, and and and you know what? They're whole they held their own. So if they can make that turn, get new kids on the block, get them going.

SPEAKER_01 16:24

I I'll tell you what, I would be shocked, shocked if they're under 500 this year. Shocked. Me too. Me too. All right, so let's move on. Dominican, the Chargers. One of my favorite coaches, Coach Steigert, because he was DMing us after a game. I'm like, hey, you got some good video. He goes, thanks. I put it up there. It's like I do it all. They actually have a new assistant this year. They added Brian Laughlin, who was he's an assistant or D coordinator. He was a USILA all-north region team honoree last season for them. And now he's coming in and coach helping them coach. So now Coach Steigert's got a little help back there. All right, good for him. Good for him.

SPEAKER_04 17:11

He needs it, he needs the help. You know, it's good to have that help. You know, it's definitely good to have the help. It's hard to run the ship all by yourself. Some these coaches in two, they have to run the ship by themselves in some cases, but glad to see Coach Stegert has some help.

SPEAKER_01 17:27

Yeah, so now last year they were six and seven, three and three in conference. They had a crazy overtime win against Post in April, and that's when uh I reached out to him and he he got back to me, and and we got him on the show. So, you know, they're out of conference is probably fairly suitable for them. They've got, well, actually, it's kind of tough. They start off with Mercy, they've got Deuville, Lynn, Florida Southern. Those games are on their spring break, and then they go AIC, University of Uni, University of District of Columbia, uh St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Rose. So they've got some heavy hitters. If you count in where St. Rose, I think, is going, um, and then Mercy, Lynn, and Florida Southern, that's a tough schedule for them. Yeah, you're looking to make a range too, and take that.

SPEAKER_04 18:20

You know, Dominican, you know, in the past has been a very good team. Last year was a good for them at three and three and going six and seven. You know, they've they've been on the the lower end and they've struggled for a few years, but they I I think they've made that turn. You know, I think they're getting a little bit more depth there at Dominican up in New York. And you know, they they have good players there. Just, you know, last year they only averaged eight goals a game, though. That's Kevin. You know, they got to put the biscuit in the basket a little bit more. They were only averaging 99 shots a game. They cleared the ball well at 75%, but guess what? Last year they had 587 turnovers. Wow. So they're doing a good job. They're not holding on to the ball, they're losing possessions.

SPEAKER_01 19:13

Yeah, but so but I think that comes maybe with a little more seasoning on their team. They've got all top five of their scores returning William Gordon, Daniel Carlson, Cole Ventkak, Kyle Bendado, and Terry O'Laughlin. And they returned their face-off uh specialist, Patrick Rodurka, who was finished in the top 10 in the country in face-off percentage as a freshman. Yeah. So and I'd add one more thing. We've talked about this before with other coaches. Sometimes it takes a while to build just because of the resource they have. We talked to Coach Stargart when he played there, they'd be practicing on a gravel parking lot sometimes. Yeah. And now they are building a turf field through private donations. And Coach Stargard said it should be ready for the season. So they're building a now the re not only the resources, maybe not from scholarships, but in the resources of facilities that will attract players. And actually, as you know, right? If you've got good facilities, it makes you as a player. There's only so much you can do when you're you know practicing on a on a gravel parking lot versus this is a step up for them. So you know, this will this happen incrementally for them. You're right, for years and years. Uh, not that great, but they're starting to build, hopefully, and and let's see where they go.

SPEAKER_04 20:47

Sometimes you get a new AD or a new president to come in and okay, we'll we're willing to do the lacrosse program and and and get it to that next level. Because, you know, again, Dominicans have been around and uh for a while, and they've been struggling like over the years. They had a pretty good year last year. So if they can, you know, again, with those types of facilities, with that type of horses coming in, maybe attract a couple of more, you know, those players that may not have gone there. And you know, it's in a beautiful part of New York, Dominican is upstate, it's beautiful up there. And um it's a it's a nice place to go and play lacrosse.

SPEAKER_01 21:27

I it really is. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, so let's see if they can get over that that 500 hump this year. And to do that, I mean, it's it's gonna be tough. I mean, you they've got a tough in-conference, so they got to try to win some out of conference games for them.

SPEAKER_04 21:42

Let's see what they do. Yeah, the Chargers this year. They had some great games last year, they weren't involved in really good games last year.

SPEAKER_01 21:49

I watched really exciting games to watch.

SPEAKER_04 21:52

Yeah, you know, they're an exciting to watch. I I do. So let's see if Coach Steiger can get them turned next cornering.

SPEAKER_01 22:00

On that next step of that ladder. Exactly. All right. Let's move on to Caldwell. Caldwell University, the Cougars. Three and ten in 2022 and 0-6 in conference. They kind of took a step back from their previous year, and and uh so this year they've got a new head coach, Alex Lopes, who we had on during the uh new the coaching changes episodes. He took over for Matt Clank, who started the program. And you know, he's got some pedigree and and he's got some things he's trying to do. He's really, as he explained to us, start trying to start fresh. They're looking at this as almost like, okay, this is a it's not a reboot, it's it's almost year one for them now. And yeah, you know, he's he's got a small roster of 25, but he built that up from the high teens when he got in. So, and as he says, he has the right 25 guys. I think it'll still be tough, um, but they've got their top four scores returning.

SPEAKER_04 23:00

Yeah, there's Kevin Albright. That kid is an athlete, he's a really, really good player. Not only is he an athlete, he's a midfielder. 6'3, 200 pounds. Okay, and he had 30 34 goals and two assists. 6'3. 200 pounds of athlete coming at you. This kid's a really, really good player. He stood out to me last year when I watched Caldwell. He stood out to me. He's a really good player, and he's coming back. Jaden Paladino's coming back, yeah, and Ben Taylor coming back. Three three top really good scorers. You know, they're good players. They got to put the rest of the team together now, Kev. They were 41 on shots per game. They were only 3%, and uh um, they were at 40%, which isn't bad.

SPEAKER_01 24:00

And uh that's not bad, but like you said, that it's it's almost like you gotta then step up on the D. You can win with 40% face-offs, but you got to be able to turn it to your guys like Albright and Paladino quickly to be able to get the scores up. And you know, they had nine goals per game and 14 and a half goals against last year. So obviously that didn't happen all the time, you know. But like we said, kind of this is a new start. This is a fresh start from so we almost got to throw those stats out the window and see what Coach Wilpes can do. It's still young. I don't think they're going to you know knock it out of the park in their first year. It's gonna take time. He still has to build the roster and build his program, but he's trying to build a free-flowing offense to keep make it a little bit more fun for the players, give them, make it a little bit looser, and let's see where it goes.

SPEAKER_04 24:51

You know, because they're not they're not very deep with only 25, 26 players. They're gonna have to play that loose and free kind of offense and and and hope for goals. And again, it's gonna be tough for them with the smaller roster. They're again a new kind of not like you said, not like a reboot, okay, they're gonna be starting all over again. And it's gonna be difficult for them. No knocks, but they've got they have season players there. You know, guys that have been through the ropes already. So let's hope let's hope that Coach Lopes can get them balling out. They play Delphi, Franklin Pierce, UDC. You know, they got some good teams there on their on their schedule this year. Exactly. So I I think you know, going 0-6 in conference is tough, but they did go 3-10 overall. Again, new kind of program, new coach, new system. Do what they do for the Cougars.

SPEAKER_01 25:49

Yeah, and I think you pointed it out. I think you pointed it out. They're out of conference, it's well balanced for them. They got some tough games, but they've got some games that they could win. And I I have circled on my calendar the game, uh, Caldwell against AIC, up at AIC, Spallone against Lopes, who play together. Yeah, that should be pretty cool.

SPEAKER_04 26:10

They're both gonna want to kill each other, you know. Then they'll just have a drink afterwards together, I'm sure. Exactly. Exactly. They'll probably bet like a case of beer or something like that, you know. But but that that should be fun. You know, it's again, Coach Lopes first year, he's a nice guy. He came on the show, he was great with us, um, has a lot of really good vision for the team. And then I I I wish him the best of luck. I I do the Cougars they're in a tough spot, but they'll they they can they got guys there. So let's see what happens.

SPEAKER_01 26:44

Yep. Okay, so let's move on to Felician, the Golden Falcons. They were seven and seven in 2022 and two and four in conference, which was a huge improvement from the year past. So they're 20, just to let everyone know, their 2023 schedule is not out yet. We're gonna have the head coach Brendan Bonner come on in a little bit. And I'll I'll tell you, you know, when we talk to him, the he's the roster is building. The roster is building to where he wants. He's got it at a level now with a few more seasoned and senior folks, uh, that I think, you know, just like we talked about Lake Erie at that 500 point, they could be at the tipping point to kind of push above that and and really make a run, maybe even in conference.

SPEAKER_04 27:38

I I agree with that, you know, junior Robert Grasso last year as a sophomore, as a sophomore, put up 46 goals and 20 assists. Yeah, that's a hell of a season. Sophomore. Okay. And then uh again, another sophomore, Javes Escalante, put up 20 goals and five assists.

SPEAKER_01 27:56

I mean, they got players there, they got guys that he's six foot, 200 pounds.

SPEAKER_04 28:03

Jesus, Marion Joseph, these are just getting bigger and bigger now. I mean, I mean, my lord, I can imagine a six foot one, six foot two, two hundred-pound midfielder coming at me full, full boat, man. That's gotta be tough for tough for defenders.

SPEAKER_01 28:19

I would want to be a bull in my hand, that's all I'm saying.

SPEAKER_04 28:22

Yeah, I would not want to be a whackham.

SPEAKER_01 28:25

I would not want to be a short 50 midi.

SPEAKER_04 28:27

Yeah, yeah. They're gonna have their hands filled with those guys. And Felipe Correa comes back with nine goals last year. So Felician, they went 500 last year, really good season for them. Um, Coach, he's in his sixth season now. He's got them Jersey boys balling. They were kind of short, like you said, on the roster last year, but man, they cleared the ball well and left your face off 64 percent.

SPEAKER_01 28:54

Yeah, yeah. And on defense, they're returning Liam Dunn, Kyle Such, and Matt Branko. And so like they're I don't think they're skipping a beat on having lost many players. That uh I think they're just gonna go for a run. And I now that they've built steadily over the years and have that more senior roster, the coach told us they want to play fast.

SPEAKER_04 29:21

Yeah, yeah. He's got some players there. They do pretty they do some pretty good stuff again. 80% 64 days off. That's just they just they're they're at 500. It's time for them to just make that make that next step up.

SPEAKER_01 29:37

Yep, and now here's the team, next team that I would not be shocked at all if they get 500 or higher this year or better, and that's post. They were four and eight last year and two and four in conference, but just like Coach Dunn at Malloy, Coach John Jez brought the post-Eagles to a four-game improvement in one year. And they beat Georgian Court 15-14 last year. That was a statement win for them.

SPEAKER_04 30:11

I I I don't know what to say. You know, Coach Jez is a legend, and he's going to get that team better. So he took over a team that was struggling last year. There was a his year. He's got his voice coming in.

SPEAKER_01 30:27

They have a he's built that roster to 42 this year, Danny.

SPEAKER_04 30:32

I was just gonna say his roster is over 40 now. Like in a year, man. Bang. Like he's got 10 new freshmen this class. That's that's that's a good club. You know what? They have uh sophomore Braden Lockier as a freshman last year, had 26 goals and assists. That's what the kid is a middy. He is I gotta get my horn ready. Six six two hundred pounds. Are you kidding me? Oh my lord, I can't, I couldn't even imagine. And then they got they got Dylan Heel back. He was how many times did we mention his name last year? Good. He's good. Just he's just a solid player. He had 23 goals and 11 assists. That might not sound alike a lot, but he he's a good player. And they got junior Nick Meyer coming back. Yeah, you know, they're they're young, Kev. They're a young team. They average 34 shots per game, not as much as you'd like. Their man up was only at 27 last year. Yeah, so you know Coach Jez wants to really change that up.

SPEAKER_01 31:53

Yep, along as well as face up, which was at 37 percent. I I think you're right. Yeah, I think both is kind of where they need a little improvement. But uh I I think Coach Jez is gonna have a different team this year than he had last year.

SPEAKER_04 32:10

Oh, it's gonna be a completely different team. I I can I can almost guarantee that. Coach Jez, he knows what he's doing, a lot of pedigree. Um, a legend in Division II. Um, played for a legend, coached with him. Yeah. Um, yeah he's got a lot going on, Coach Jez. He came on our program twice last year, and we we we loved him.

SPEAKER_01 32:35

And um I think they're gonna be a lot better. Yep. And so just to go over their their out-of-conference schedule for 2023, they play St. Michael's de Uville, Alderson Bratis, St. Rose, St. Thomas Aquinas, AIC, Drew, which is a D3 team, and then Malloy. So, you know what game I've got circled in that out of conference, definitely Malloy against Post.

SPEAKER_04 33:02

Yeah, that should be a great game. And and two legends against each other. I might even go see that game if I can.

SPEAKER_01 33:10

Yeah, I'll tell you the other two, the the two they're playing in the NE 10 with St. Michael's and St. Rose are good matchups for Post right now.

SPEAKER_04 33:21

Oh, 100%, 100%. I mean, I I think it's gonna be a a season for Post uh Eagles this year in Coach Jeff. He needed to just sink his teeth into the team, see what he had, see what he's got going, and then and then make adjustments from there, and then try to get the players in to fill in spots where he needed help.

SPEAKER_01 33:43

And I'm sure that he did quite well with that. Yeah. Getting the roster up to 42, just the having then those numbers to practice with, and having the depth. Maybe not the depth and experience, but the depth to be able to kind of you know weed your way through injuries if you've got them.

SPEAKER_04 34:01

You know, they're still gonna be young, they're gonna take here and there, but they're gonna be much improved, uh, in my opinion. That's my uh I my I'm with you. Uh I'm with you.

SPEAKER_01 34:14

I think I'm with you, the great Karnak. I'm with you.

SPEAKER_04 34:18

Yeah, I think they're gonna be much better.

SPEAKER_01 34:20

Now, here's the last school that we don't know much about, and that's the new program, Bridgeport, the Purple Knights. They brought in brand new program this year, playing the first time. They hired in coach Steven Tempone last year, November 2021. So he's been building the program, he's got a lot of pedigree. He's launched other programs like Palm Beach Atlantic. He was the offensive corner for NYIT for five years, so he knows what he's doing. Now, the only thing is their roster and schedule are not out on their website, so we don't have a lot to go on, but you know, we can see it's a new program, all new players. They will take their lumps, but I'm sure Coach Tempone will have them learn from that, and then they'll go from there.

SPEAKER_04 35:08

Kevin, there's such a new program that they don't even have the lacrosse team on their website yet. There's no page for the men's lacrosse team yet. So they're still that's how new the program is.

SPEAKER_01 35:24

The girls does have their pages, but I I think Coach Tempone is just playing mind games with us. That's what I think. You think so? It's possible. But it's still great, it's still great to see the the CACC growing and add another team, and I think it's gonna be great. It'll be interesting to see them play, and uh I wish their schedules up just to see who they're they're going against out of conference as well. But we I'm sure you do too. We in the crease wish them the best of luck their first season, and and I hope they they bring it this year and are competitive in some games.

SPEAKER_04 36:03

Yeah, it's gonna be you know, they're brand new programs, so they're gonna be tough.

SPEAKER_01 36:08

Yeah. Okay, let's move on to our coach's interview. We recorded this interview a couple weeks ago with coach Brendan Bonicum from Felician, and as we discussed in the preview, Danny, he has been building steadily through the years since its inception, and now could be at the cusp of contending in the CACC. So, what do you say? Should we just fire this interview up? Yeah, let's get him on. Hey, coach, how are you doing tonight? Welcome.

unknown 36:40

Good.

SPEAKER_00 36:41

How are you guys? I appreciate you guys having me on the show.

SPEAKER_04 36:43

Hey, coach, thanks so much for coming on in the crease tonight with us. We really appreciate that. The two knuckleheads have never played a game of lacrosse in their lives, but just have a passion, and we got this show, and we're thank you uh so much for coming on and spending some time with us. We appreciate it.

SPEAKER_00 36:58

No, I again I appreciate you guys having me on.

Coach Bonacum of Felician

SPEAKER_00 37:00

It's always good to take some time and talk about Division II Lacrosse as much as possible. Good. How's it been going so far? Sorry, Kev. How's it been even so far? Uh, it's been going well. Um, you know, it's kind of hitting the reset button for us a little bit. We had a lot of guys graduate and move on, fifth year guys are done. So it was a lot of time to kind of uh re re kind of set everything, reteach, and kind of, you know, spend some time doing what I love the most and kind of explaining it as much as possible. As much as it may drive my guys crazy, you know, but they think they already know, right?

SPEAKER_01 37:33

At least the ones that have been there before.

SPEAKER_00 37:35

Yeah, absolutely. You know, you try to fine-tune a couple things and someone's like, well, this isn't how you've done it in the years past, and sorry guys, we got to change a couple things, and it blows their mind every once in a while.

SPEAKER_01 37:44

So just on that, changing things, is that based on the players you have coming in and you see that you can do things differently, or is it more about what you see from the competition in the CACC and what you want to do to get to that next level?

SPEAKER_00 38:01

I think it's a little bit of both, to be honest with you. I I think we um, you know, we we brought in some very talented guys in this recruiting class, um, and I think it allows us to be a little bit more dynamic and maybe pick up the pace of play that we play with a little bit. Um, I mean, last year it was no secret for anyone who played us where we wanted to play fast and you know, try to force ourselves among people rather than kind of sitting back. Um, but I think you're right, like the conference is definitely taking a step forward, and I think you know, by you know, fine-tuning a couple things and changing a couple things up, we'll be able to kind of close the gap with the the guys at the top of the conference a little bit and make it a little more competitive across the board.

SPEAKER_01 38:40

That's that's interesting. And so let me just step back for you at Felician. You built this program from its inception, and the way I look at it, you really made a leap last year getting to seven and seven. You were a little bit more in the bottom dweller as far as uh your records on wins and losses, but last year that was a huge, kind of a huge leap. So, what has that journey been like for you? And what do you think the difference was? Maybe it wasn't between 2021 and 2022, maybe it was uh more of a progression thing. But what do you think that changed to get to that 500, which I I consider you at the tipping point now to in the conference?

SPEAKER_00 39:20

I think for us it was about kind of not straying off the path that we wanted to do. When I took over the program, um I wanted to build it from the ground up with gentlemen who wanted to kind of be there for four years. Um, I didn't really want to go diving into uh the transfer portal wasn't a thing then, but you know trying to find transfers or the JUCO route. I wanted to have guys around for four years that we could lean on and they could kind of continue to build the program with us.

SPEAKER_02 39:47

Right.

SPEAKER_00 39:48

Um and of course, as we went along, we we lost guys. You know, it was gonna happen. Guys, you know, they they it wasn't what they thought it was gonna be, you know, whatever the thought may be. Um, but last year I think we had that solid base of guys who had stuck it out. You know, um, Cody Hildebrand comes to mind. He was on the roster with us for five years, he'd been around since we started it. Um, you know, we've had uh other guys like Robbie Grasso who were in their third year, you know, A.J. Guerrero was in his second year, but they've been around a tremendous amount. So we were kind of leaning on those guys who had stuck it out with us as we were going through these infancy stages to take us to that next level, which I think was uh an important factor and something you know we'll have to continue doing here in the next couple of years. How many are carrying on the roster this year, Coach? We'll travel with 27. Okay. So it's we ideally, you know, my my ideal roster size is 35. Um, you know, we've we make that very well known in recruiting. Like we don't want to be, you know, uh a super roster of 60 guys. You know, we like knowing what's going on in guys' lives and helping them as much as possible. Um so you know, we'll lose actually this year. We we're really only set to lose one guy in in our face-off guy, Taj McLean Byrd. Um, and then with the recruiting class, we'll be right at that 35-36 line next year. So it's uh long enough to finally be where we wanted it to be. Perfect, perfect.

SPEAKER_01 41:10

So let's talk about some of the players. It looks to me like your top scores, you said Robbie Grasso, he's returning, and James Escalante, is he returning as well?

SPEAKER_00 41:21

Yes, sir, they're both back.

SPEAKER_01 41:22

So who who else are you looking to to step up? Uh did you lose some players on the offensive side from from graduating?

SPEAKER_00 41:31

No, so we actually bring we bring back every piece on the offensive side this year, um, and we added a couple pieces to that that group as well. Um it's the defensive side that we've saw a lot of the graduation and the leaving part. Um but on the office on the offensive side, outside of Robbie and and Jabez, um, you know, we're looking for AJ Guerrero to be stepping up and filling a little bit more of a role. Um Drew Gissinger to kind of take those next steps. Um he's been he's been converted from an attackman to a midfielder this year. So we've seen some really good things out of him in the in the fall so far. So we're hoping he kind of takes those steps. And um same with Finn Crocker. Um, you know, Finn last year was great for us, um, although the numbers may have not shown it. Um he was you know a freshman captain for us and everything like that. So he you know, we're just looking for him to kind of progress a little bit on the field, and I think he's gonna you know take those final steps for us.

SPEAKER_01 42:26

That's that's awesome to hear. Then on the defensive side, uh the one person that stuck out to me as I was looking through the stats is uh you had a you have a he's now a sophomore, but his freshman LSM Liam Dunn. Yes, I mean his he had an unbelievable year, like 64 ground balls and 26 cost turnovers. So you are you shaping around him, or is your close D the one that you've got to like look at, you know, he had all the graduations from that you're trying to now find the anchors to?

SPEAKER_00 42:55

Yeah, and Liam's gonna play a vital role for sure. Um, you know, obviously the stats for him last year you kind of can't replace. Um, but our we're trying to just fine-tune a couple things on the defensive, uh the close defense side. Yeah. We bring Matt Bronco back, which is huge. Um the crazy thing with Liam and Matt was at the beginning of the season for us last year, Matt was actually our starting LSM. Um and Liam with Liam was coming off the bench in a in a fill role and stuff like that. Um and then about seven or eight games in, we made the switch for Matt to go low and bring Liam on the field just because of how dynamic they were together. We had to keep him out there. So that's nice then.

SPEAKER_04 43:35

Those are the things you learn as the season goes on. You see stuff that goes on, you're like, let me try that, you know. And it works.

SPEAKER_00 43:42

And the crazy thing is now if you ask Matt to go back to LSM for us, he won't do it. He's often close, he loves the you know, the ability to kind of take a break and not have to be chasing around guys in the middle of the field for sure.

SPEAKER_01 43:55

Oh, that's awesome. That's good, though. That's good. So, what is your outer Conference schedule look like?

SPEAKER_00 44:02

So for us this year, you know, we kind of we had some agreements with some guys to be, you know, returning some trips this year. Um, we're gonna open again with Aldison Broughtis down at the U.S. LaCrosse facility on February 19th. Uh, we have the the first year program Malone coming to town on February 25th, playing Stack in early March. Uh, we're playing St. Mike's, we're playing Assumption. Uh, and then I think the one we have circled the most is probably our trip to Buffalo on March 11th, where I get to go see my old assistant Jack Wilson. So, Bill. It's gonna be uh it's gonna be an interesting trip. I know we're all excited to kind of see each other, but it's uh we try to line it up um and try to, you know, obviously we've got a lot of young bucks in the in the farm this year, but we think it kind of preps us for our conference schedule uh a hundred percent.

SPEAKER_01 44:51

Oh, yeah. Certainly we've got a good mix, and I think those NE 10 teams will really be the competition to really season you for the CACC. But I I would circle the one with Duville too, and I'm sure Coach Wilson's got that one circled on his calendar as well.

SPEAKER_04 45:11

You know what, though, it's it's good that the younger guys that are gonna get in there and get their run this year play play teams like that. It's gonna, you know, just sharpen their game. You know, they're gonna learn the NCAA game pretty quick playing squads like that.

SPEAKER_00 45:24

Yeah, and I I think it was something we definitely tried to emulate in the fall for those guys. Like we did scrimmages with uh Farmandale State, Army Prep, and Stack. Um, and we just we felt it was gonna give us a good competitive balance to kind of prep those guys and you know get their feet wet so maybe they weren't in full shock mode when February 19th rolls around.

SPEAKER_04 45:45

Yeah, man, sure is.

SPEAKER_01 45:47

Yeah, and we it's funny, we've talked to some of those coaches. Obviously, we've talked to Coach Wilson, we we have talked to the coach at Slack, and all their, I mean, they all make me believers for their team. They are prepping and they're getting ready that their teams to play. And I think I think you'll see improvement in in those teams that you're playing against. And they're all going to be looking at those out of conference gonna be looking at you as well of like, how do we stack up? Can we can we take a W from Felicia? So it'll be good competition, but let's now move on to the CACC. It is a young conference with a lot of new programs. Now, they may be not new like a year ago, but still within the last four or five years. What is that like as you play with all those kind of teams? I think as I look at it, we talk about the parody in the peach belt, but I think the parody is just as good in the CACC. I agree.

SPEAKER_00 46:44

Well, I think it's I think it's been an interesting dynamic because you know, if you look at it, myself and uh Wilmington came in at the same time with Coach Weichert. Um, and you know, they've you know had tremendous success out of the gate. Um, and you know, if you ask me, I think they were, you know, I don't know if I can say it, but they were snubbed to get into the NCA tournament last year.

SPEAKER_01 47:04

Oh, you can say it. You can say it. They were they I think I think their uh what was it, their last game? I think losing the championship is the one that that got them out, unfortunately.

SPEAKER_00 47:17

And unfortunately for us, like we were always that conference that was done a week earlier while everyone was still playing. We've kind of reworked that a little bit, which is a great thing. Now we're kind of you know playing the same kind of schedule as everyone else. But I think for us with the conference, you know, being so new and a lot of newer programs, Caldwell adding it, you know, Bridgeport's gonna make the jump in. Um we're gonna see Holy Family next year in 2024. So it's something where I think a lot of us have you know shared ideas, helped each other out, um, but at the same time, you know, you you have a lot of respect for each other because you're going through the same growing pains, maybe not so much, you know, some of the other teams that were established in the old ECC. Like I can remember when Chestnut Hill came in when I was a you know a junior in college, and then you know, Georgian Court's been around as an independent, Post was around. So I think you know, you you get the chance to kind of see a lot of the growth and you know be proud of it as a conference. I think that's probably the most important thing because you know we know we all want to continue to take those steps and progress this conference to what it could be and should be.

SPEAKER_04 48:23

Well, that just shows you the growth of Division II uh on a whole across the country. I mean, it's just growing. There's just they're growing. It's there's more teams, like Peach Bell Conference is a new conference. You know, we have a new conference, three years old, and now you're bringing in two more squads into the into the C A C C. I mean, it's just it's the game is just growing. But you know what I like about the C C A C C really competitive lacrosse. Like you guys get after it. It's no, it's no joke, man. You guys, when it's the you know, you coaches are all friends, you all know each other, you recruit, you hang out. Yep, sometimes you're recruiting the same kids, you're talking about the same kids. But I know when it's time to step on the line uh between the lines, you you you want to win. Absolutely. But the competition's great at the CACC. I mean, I think it's great.

SPEAKER_00 49:13

And I think we've kind of benefited from a lot of the um other sport rivalries that you have. You know, basketball is probably the most well-known sport in our conference. Um, but there are some big rivalries when it comes to that, and I think you're gonna see some of that rollover into like the lacrosse world for us going forward. You know, I'm excited to see like when Holy Family does start their program, you know, what the rivalry between them and Chestnut Hill both be in Philadelphia is. Right. And you have us around the corner from Caldwell, those are always big basketball games, us as mentioned, you know, just because you know, basketball, but then I went there. I'm such close friends with Coach Steigert and stuff like that. So I think you're gonna get, you know, as the conference continues to grow and the teams continue to grow, I think you're gonna get a lot of you know good uh midweek or Saturday games coming up here pretty soon. It's awesome.

SPEAKER_04 49:59

It's awesome, it's awesome for the game, it's awesome for the conference, and it's awesome for Division II.

SPEAKER_01 50:04

Yeah, we Danny and I talk about the NE10 as being the granddaddy of them all, and we talk about that not only from the level of competition, but really how long they've been around, right? So now you take the CAC, give it a few more years. Give Holy Family and Bridgeport three years, four years in the program, kind of like you. If they bring them up with freshmen, bring them the fourth or fifth year, watch what your conference looks like in four or five years. And it's gonna be 100%. It's gonna, Danny, it's gonna be a barn murder, burner every game.

SPEAKER_04 50:37

It's gonna be a barn burner of a conference for sure.

SPEAKER_00 50:41

And and that's what you want. I mean, you don't want like, you know, I don't even know the way to describe it best, but you know, you want every game to matter as much as a championship in the conference. And you know, I lean back on my days when I was at Dominican and we were in the old school ECC when you know you had New York Tech, you had Dowling, Mercyhurst was in our conference, Seton Hill was in our conference before Delphi left for the NE 10.

SPEAKER_04 51:07

It's like murderer as well.

SPEAKER_00 51:08

It's like it was it's it's funny to think, but in the four years I played College Lacrosse, uh, we had uh participants from our conference in the national championship. So and you you knew if you lost the game, you were just done. So you wanted to kind of you know emulate that as much as possible. So hopefully we can get it to that level and um have it be just as competitive if or if more than what you know everybody else is dealing with.

SPEAKER_01 51:35

Yeah, so let's now roll back just to Felician. What are your goals for the 2023 season?

SPEAKER_00 51:42

I think it's to one to continue the growth of the program. I mean, you mentioned before us going in seven and seven was a huge stepping point for us. Um but again, though, it's it's now there's expectations. You can't fly under the radar anymore. Um people are gonna people are gonna give you their best game no matter what, which at the same time can mean because you know, in some areas where we are so young, it you know, we could struggle a little bit out of the gate or something like that. But I think it's about hitting our stride at the right time and winning the games we need to to can kind of continue that growth. Um, and you know, obviously if I can walk away with a conference championship, I'd love to walk away with a conference championship. But like you were saying, there's so much parity across the board that you know if you sleep up or you have a bad quarter against somebody, you're gonna pay the price. So I think limiting those issues is probably the most important thing for us going into this year.

SPEAKER_01 52:36

Well, you know, coach, we've seen we've seen Wilmington and Chestnut Hill in the championship game the last couple seasons. I I think it's time for a change.

SPEAKER_00 52:44

I think I think if you were to ask a couple of us, we would love to say that it's time for a change. At the end of the day, when you know, and they're there for a reason. Those guys are super competitive, and then you throw in you know Mickey's group from Georgian Court, you know. Those seem to be the three right now, and it's about the rest of us finding a way to do whatever we have to to close that gap. And you know, um put somebody else there on a championship Saturday or Sunday is what it comes down to. Until until somebody else can do it, they're gonna they're gonna have the reputation of doing it, unfortunately. So different than different than 1880 hockey is what it comes down to.

SPEAKER_04 53:22

You know, and the and the teams in the CACC, they're just gonna get more, they're gonna get bigger. I I think, you know, like like Kevin said, I think two, three years, I just think that it's a it's still a growing uh conference. But you guys, what I like about the CACC is like all you guys, you guys schedule some pretty rough out out of schedule, out of conference schedules. And it's like, okay, so you're playing big dogs and you're getting yourself lined up, which is I I love that. I I love when you play the big dogs.

SPEAKER_00 53:53

Uh and but we tell the guys around here all the time, iron sharpens iron, you know, you've got to be prepared. And the last thing you want is to kind of not challenge yourself early on. And again, we're all gonna challenge ourselves in conference, but if we're not gonna go challenge the big dogs in some aspect or another, you're just gonna pay the price for it down the line, I think is what it used. So now you got to see what you have, and that's the best way to do it. And whether it be the NE10 teams or an ECC team, or you know, for us, or for anyone else who travels into a GMAC or down south, you've got to find the right fit, and you you gotta make sure you guys are prepared as much as possible.

SPEAKER_01 54:27

Excellent. Yeah, coach. Well, all I can say is this has been a real treat having you on. I'll have to give our producer a lot of grief. Oh, yeah, that's me, for not getting you on earlier because uh it was it was great having you on, and and we are looking forward to watching Felician and seeing what you guys can bring this year in the CACC and in your out-of-conference schedule.

SPEAKER_00 54:52

No, I appreciate you guys having me on, and uh maybe we can get you guys out to East Rutherford and have you come watch a game and show you guys around a little bit so you get a better uh vantage point of what we're all about these days.

SPEAKER_04 55:03

Excellent. Coach, thank you so much for taking the time. We've learned a lot. You're an excellent guy. You're an excellent guest tonight. We wish Felician all the best of luck. You know, maybe a Felician Georgian court game would be a good game. That's good. You guys.

SPEAKER_00 55:17

Hey uh selfishly, I would say Felician Dominican, just because it's my me and Coach Stigger. Me and Coach Stigart are so close. Like if you would have followed us around at the Fall Classic this past weekend, you probably would have found us on the same field half the time. Um but it's it's one of those things.

SPEAKER_01 55:33

I those are maybe see him at some watering hole afterwards, too, is what we find.

SPEAKER_00 55:39

Yeah, it wouldn't shock me if I could get him to just come down to my house and you know hang out for a while.

SPEAKER_01 55:43

So I'll have to look at that. I'll have to look at that when you guys are playing each other and see where I'm at at that time. I may may be able to swing up for a little job in North Virginia.

SPEAKER_04 55:54

I'm in Long Island, it's like an hour for me.

SPEAKER_00 55:56

So on a good day. We all know the custom you could spend three hours.

SPEAKER_04 56:01

Well, I I gotta leave early Saturday morning to get there by for a one o'clock game. But uh but anyway, coach, thanks so much for coming on tonight again. You were an excellent guest. We wish Felicia the best of luck the season this season. We'll be watching you guys and the CACC.

SPEAKER_00 56:17

We I appreciate it again. And uh we're uh we're looking forward to one hell of a season for everybody in the CACC. And hopefully everyone stays healthy and we get the best kind of results out for a conference 100%.

SPEAKER_01 56:29

Uh sounds good. Thanks, Coach.

SPEAKER_00 56:31

Appreciate it, guys.

SPEAKER_01 56:32

Coach Bonacum was was really great to talk with. I love getting the perspective of coaches who have been in the trenches from the inception of a program.

SPEAKER_04 56:41

Yeah, you know, they've made a great stride in the last couple of years. And um I'm best of luck, you know. Felician, they're stuck in in heart of Jersey. They get good players out there. So I expect, you

Final thoughts

SPEAKER_04 56:56

know, the the Felician to do well. I do. And I like Coach Ponicom. He was a great guest tonight.

SPEAKER_01 57:02

Yeah, and he brought up a lot of good insight on the CACC as well. And like we talked about in the preview, and he kind of added to it, it is going to be a competitive uh conference this year. Really exciting to watch and and see who comes out on top.

SPEAKER_04 57:17

Much like the Peach Belt, you know, like you said at the at the top of the show, they're relatively new conference with, you know, a lot of teams, but a couple of them, you know, have been around, Dominicans, touching up or Georgian court, whatever. But uh be that as it may, it's a pretty um much like the Peach Belt, there's a lot of parody in in the conference. So, you know, Wilmington, Wilmington and Chestnut Hill are kind of standing out right now, uh, especially Wilmington. I mean, I it's uh it's a toss-up between those two. They're so evenly matched. They're so evenly matched, Chesnut Hill and Wilmington. So you know, it'll be interesting. I think Georgian Court's gonna make a step up. Felician is poised now to make the next step. Um, Coach Jez at post, I think they're poised to take a step forward uh on that next, you know, like the that those ingredients, those building blocks to get a program going. I think Coach Jez is gonna be just fine there. And I think anybody who goes at host to play lacrosse, you're you're going to be with an aligning coach. So if you chose to go there, you're gonna have a good career. And then you know, Coach Lope, our new coach at Caldwell, you know, it's it's it's just a lot of fun, this conference. It really is.

SPEAKER_01 58:43

Yeah, it really is. I think all the coaches bring really unique perspectives and their own twist on what they're trying to do, and I think it'll be it'll be exciting to watch. Um, but oh 100%. Exactly. But before we go, Danny, I have got a little Christmas present for our listeners. You know, we've been posting on our Instagram site when we see D2 Prospect Camps. So they come out now and then, and we've actually had some listeners DM us and say, hey, I'd love to get a whole list of that. So I try to write them all down and so that we could do them. So I thought tonight we'd just kind of run through them really quickly for our listeners. Either they need it, or if they know parents that have kids, or they know student athletes in high school that are looking to play college lacrosse. Here's some great opportunities coming up soon in January. So you ready? Yeah, let's rock. All right, Danny, here's a laydown. It really starts in the south. On January 7th, both Anderson and Flagler have prospect camps, followed a couple days later on January 9th with Embry Riddle. Then we head to the Carolinas the next weekend with Barton and Newberry on January 14th, both having prospect camps, and Lenore Ryan following that up on January 15th. Yeah, good schools having their prospect days, trying next class. Yeah, exactly. Then the the following weekend after that, there's several once again. So there's two on January 21st, St. Leo down south in Florida, as well as Maryville on January 21st. So you got to pick, are you gonna go warm or roll the dice on weather? What do you think? I don't know, man. You know, I'm going warm. Yeah, I'll tell you what. Yeah, Coach Stark has got a great program go, so I hope he gets a lot of players there too. But just following up, there's a few more down in Florida. So January 22nd is Rollins, followed by Lynn the weekend later on January 27th. And the final one that we have right now is up in Canton, Ohio. Malone University has their prospect camp on January 28th. So those are all the ones we know of right now. So if there are some coaches listening and you hear this, and there's some that are in January that we can get the word out, please let us know. We'd be happy to share that. I'm willing to share them on our Instagram page when they come out. So I thought that would be good to get those out there.

SPEAKER_04 1:01:20

Yeah, remember parents getting kids in front of those coaches at prospect days is a real good way to start that conversation and get it going with a coach. Might cost you $100, $150 or so. Uh might cost you a plane ride, it might cost you a hotel room for the night. But that's the way to really get in front of these coaches is get to these prospect days. And the ones in Florida after Christmas, my arm, come on. Exactly. Be like, Ma, Ma. If that was me, I'd be like, Ma, we're going to Florida.

SPEAKER_01 1:01:51

Exactly. Well, and I'll point this out. You know, my son was being recruited by several different schools. This D2 school he ended up going to, he was not recruited by until he went to a prospect camp, just before his senior year, the summer before his senior year. And then that was the school he went to. Happens a lot.

SPEAKER_04 1:02:13

You go to a prospect camp, you play real well, you stand out, you do some good things. Next thing you know, coach is like, hey, I'd like to talk to you.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:20

Exactly. All right. And just a reminder to our listeners that we will also be dropping a New Year's Eve Eve episode. So on December 30th, we will review the SAC as we head into the new year. That'll be fun. It'll be a long one. There's only what 35 teams in the SAC. Oh my god, forever. I mean, think of what we did tonight. We had so much fun going through about eight teams. Oh my God.

SPEAKER_05 1:02:49

But you know what? There's a lot to talk about with these teams. There really is.

SPEAKER_01 1:02:53

And the coaches are positive stuff. And the coaches have been really great in getting this information. We're trying to get as much information out there as possible to get our listeners ready and prepared for the 2023 season.

SPEAKER_04 1:03:06

Yeah, 100%. And uh I want to take this time to wish all our listeners a very, very Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah and great holidays. Thank you so much for listening to our show, the two knuckleheads, one from Long Island and one from Northern Virginia. We love doing this show. We really enjoy it. We listen to your comments, we listen to your ideas and keep them coming, folks. Please keep them coming. Um, if you think that there's something we should talk about, let us know. DM one of us, and and and and we'll do it if we think it's a good idea. And again, one more time, I'd like to ask our listeners to please start sharing our podcast with the parents and coaches of high school level kids. It's time to let some of these other people know everything and all the good things that D2 has to offer.

SPEAKER_01 1:04:00

Danny, you stole the words right out of my mouth. So with that, that's a wrap for this Christmas episode. Merry Christmas, buddy. Same to you. That's a wrap.