2009 Preseason Rankings, Buffs to be 'Movin' on Up?'By: Cortney Kesselman, Public Relations, CU Lacrosse
Boulder, CO (Feb. 3, 2009) - After being ranked 16th in Lacrosse Magazine’s annual preseason college rankings, the University of Colorado Men’s Lacrosse Team has much to prove in the season ahead, especially after a disappointing 2008.
Ranked 16th, out of the 106 teams in MCLA-Division I, is more than more than respectable. CU Head Coach, John Galvin, concurs: “Coming off a 3-7 season, being pre-season ranked 16th is impressive. However, we still need to prove we even deserve this ranking.”
For the Buffs, proving themselves on the field this season will be no simple task. CU is set to plays nine of the 15 teams ranked higher in the poll.
While the season’s schedule may be daunting, this doesn’t faze the Buffs, who are confident in their abilities. CU attackman, senior Joel Packer, has no doubts about what the Buffs can do: “We set our team goals as high as possible and, if we play to our potential, we have the talent to achieve them.”
The team undoubtedly has their work cut out for them, especially when it comes to defeating their biggest rivals, #4 BYU, who made it to the Final Four of the 2008 MCLA National Championship, as well as #6 Colorado State. CU Associate Head, Coach Peter McGraw, admits, “The team struggled scoring goals last season, and if we are going to beat the top teams in the country, we need to improve our offensive production.”
The preseason ranking is clear about one thing: the Buffaloes have the opportunity to improve their ranking. The team will find out if they can hold their own with the upper-echelon. As Coach McGraw points out, the Buffs definitely have a lot going for them. “Our team has many strengths, including a strong defense and a large group of returning players. The question will be whether we can effectively and quickly incorporate our new players into the mix.”
Packer is optimistic about the 2009 spring season and CU’s rank going into it, pointing out that, “16th is a starting place. You can’t put too much stock in it either way. Lucky for us they don’t give out a trophy on preseason rankings.”
The season ahead will undoubtedly test the Buffaloes from beginning to end. The lacrosse season opens on February 28 for Colorado, who will play host to their first opponent, #14 Boston College. For now, fans will have to wait a bit longer to see how the season unfolds for the Colorado Buffaloes.