Aug. 6, 2002
By Mitchell Tischler
Athletic Media Relations Intern
Trying out for the 23-man roster was the easy part.
For University of Maryland men's lacrosse senior Michael Howley and the rest of the United States World Team, the tough part was flying 15,000-plus miles, and competing against the best the world had to offer.
"They [the Canadian national team] had 23 or 24 professionals," Howley said. "We were playing against guys that we looked up to when we were growing up."
The 17-team field that competed in Perth, Australia was split into three groups. The United States along with Canada, Australia, England and the Iroquois Nationals, were in the blue division which comprised the top 5 teams from the last Lacrosse World Championship held in 1998.
Despite playing every game, and being a starter all his life, Howley found himself in the unfamiliar position of coming off the bench at times.
"It was frustrating to not be starting, and have to come off the bench, but whatever I can do to benefit the team and make the team better, is what I'm going to do," Howley said.
The team certainly benefited from player sacrifices as the United States went on to defeat Canada in the championship game, to capture its sixth straight World Championship. Despite not being a consistent starter, Howley still describes the experience as a career highlight, but also a building block.
"On the plane ride home, I thought a lot about what we can do differently [at Maryland]," said Howley. "I know that after this experience, I will be able to bring a lot more to the table."
From his experiences in Australia, Howley has seen what hard work, dedication, and a strong team bond can do. "I know that in the past I've been one of the guilty, but now I've really seen that how you practice is really how you play," Howley says.
This year's Maryland team has a great chance at being a top contender, but hard work in the weight room and practice field are going to be some of the determining factors. Along with working hard, the team has to continue to gel, not only on the field, but off the field as well.
"It all begins with the leaders, and even if I'm not one of the captains, I know that I will lead by example, and there is no reason that we shouldn't be able to accomplish any goal," says Howley.
On a personal note, Howley is described as "strong and tough", and a great leader. University of Maryland head lacrosse coach Dave Cottle says "Michael is a great stopper, and a great individual defender. He is one of those players that is hard to find."
The two- time All American defender has higher goals for his final season here at Maryland. "After that final whistle blew, and we took our victory jog around the field in Australia, it was like a dream," says Howley. "Now I want that same dream to follow me here in College Park."
