BUFFALOES ANNOUNCE 2011 CAPTAINS & NEW ASSISTANT COACH
Tyler Padzik (#18) Andy Carstenson (#32) Ryan Emerson (#12) Marcus Alley (#40) 
by Nick Salen, Public Relations. CU Lacrosse
Only 2 months since Colorado's Quarterfinal Loss to National Champion Runner-Up Arizona State, the Buffs are geared for the 2010-2011season. Coaches Ryder and Short have named their team captains for the upcoming season. Seniors Defensive Midfielders Tyler Padzik and Andy Carstenson will be joined by Junior defensman Marcus Alley and Junior Defensive Midfielder Ryan Emerson as captains for the Buffs 2011 campaign. All four players were integral parts of the 2010 Quarterfinal run.
Tyler Padzik a senior from Cherry Creek, will lead the defensive midfield after the departure of 1st Team All-American Mike Britt. When asked about Tyler Padzik, Coach Ryder stated “Tyler is one of the toughest hardest working guys on and off the field. If it wasn't for Mike Britt being on the team, Tyler would have been an All-American in 2010. He puts that off the field work in that really makes him fearless on the defensive end”.
Joining Tyler Padzik is Senior Andy Carstenson (Littleton, CO). Andy has been a part of the Buffs for four seasons now and will be the complimentary defensive midifielder to Tyler Padzik. Ryder calls Carstenson “One of the smartest players on the field and will be the voice of reason for the Buffs this upcoming season”.
Junior Defender Marcus Alley (Regis Jesuit High School), was plagued by injuries in 2010. Blowing out his knee in the pre-season, Alley rebounded to be an integral part of the stunning victory over previously undefeated and current MCLA National Champion Michigan. Alley later was sidelined due to continued aggrivation to the injured knee before the Buffs 2010 playoff season. “Marcus is one of the most dependable defenseman on the field.” Said Ryder. “We expect a lot of leadership from him after the departure of 1st team All-American Mike Geocaris and MCLA All-tournament player Marty Taffet”.
Another Junior, Ryan Emerson (Park City, UT) will also be a captain for the 2011 season. Emerson lead the team in groundballs in 2010, being one of the best wing players in the MCLA. Emerson also proved to be a threat in the transition game, scoring pivitol goals in many of the Buffaloes huge upset victories during the second half of the season. Ryder says “If the ball is on the ground, Ryan will be the one to pick it up and go to the goal. With one more year under his belt, Ryan will be tough to stop in 2011”.
The Colorado Buffaloes begin fallball play August 30th and have a host of talented freshman and transfers that will add to the depth of the already talented Buffs.
Coaches Ryder and Short have also named a new assistant coach. Cory Smith, a 1999 graduate and National Champion from Salisbury University will serve as Assitant Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Buffs this season. Coach Smith has had the priviledge of being a personal trainer to a host of Professional and Division I athletes over the years and will be an important addition to the Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff.
Ryder on Smith:
Cory is going to be a huge asset to this program. His passion for the game and experience with both lacrosse and athletic training make him a valueable addition to the Buffs. Coach Smith, Coach Short and myself all come from the same colliegiate background as Salisbury Seagulls and have the same outlook on where we want this program to go.