Feb. 20, 2006
College Park, Md. -
The pieces look to all be in place for the Maryland men's lacrosse team to not only make a return trip to Philadelphia on Memorial Day weekend, but to take the next step and challenge for the NCAA Championship. But, while the pieces may be there, the Terps' road to Philly is filled with challenges from both inside and outside the Terrapin program.
Entering last season Maryland was faced with rebuilding its entire starting defense and filling in some important holes on the offensive end. This year the Terps return nine of 10 starters, top four short-stick defensive midfielders, top three long poles, top four attackmen, and two of their first line midfielders.
"Last year, every starter on defense was a first year starter and this year they will be second year starters, so that's going to help," said head coach Dave Cottle. "At attack we've got guys with experience and I think we've got two pretty good midfielders on our first midfield. We need to sort out not only who is going to be the third person on the first midfield, but find out who is going to be on our second and third midfield lines. We have a lot of guys, but no one has really jumped out to the forefront yet. That's what we're going to have to figure out in the preseason.
"Our goal remains to win the national championship, but we know that there is a lot of work to do for us to be in position to accomplish that goal."
Attack
Who's Who?: Maryland's corps of attackmen starts with U.S. National Team member Joe Walters, but the Terps return their top four attackmen from 2005. Walters will receive the lion's share of attention from opposing defenses, but All-America candidate Xander Ritz can make opponents pay if too much attention is given to Walters.
Walters' accomplishments are well documented and he is on the verge of becoming Maryland's all-time leader in goals and points, while Ritz has been one of college lacrosse's best kept secrets. He was tied for second on the team last year with 33 points and enters the 2006 season tied for fifth among active Division I players with 58 career assists.
The third starter will likely be sophomore Max Ritz, who started 11 games in 2005 and scored the game-winning goal in overtime to beat Virginia in the ACC Semifinals. According to Cottle, this could be a breakthrough season for Max Ritz and that he has the potential to be a 20-goal scorer.
Junior Mike Phipps started the first eight games for Maryland in 2005, but missed the remainder of the season with a leg injury. Phipps is healthy now and adds yet another passing and scoring threat to the Terp attack. Before the injury he scored eight goals and assisted on six others.
Wildcard: Josh Ardossi's long-awaited arrival in College Park has created quite a buzz in the college lacrosse world, but it's uncertain how the talented Australian will fit into Coach Cottle's plans. But one thing that is certain is that Ardossi gives Maryland another offensive weapon that opponents will have to account for. He is a member of Australia's 2006 National Team and is known for having a quick and powerful shot, as well as being a precise passer.
In the Mix: Junior Jay Feeley has been moved to attack after spending his first three years in the program in the midfield. Jon Beard, the 2005 NJCAA Player of the Year, gives Maryland another scoring threat. Freshman Danny Gallagher, a "Blue Chip" recruit by Inside Lacrosse, could compete for playing time. Scott Tompkins, another freshman, could see time as he picks up the offense.
Midfield
Who's Who?: The Terps return first team All-American
Bill McGlone and honorable mention All-American
Brendan Healy to their first midfield line, but the third member of that unit likely won't be known until the end of preseason practice.
McGlone, one of the top midfielders in the country, can attack a defense as either a spot-up shooter or dodging and firing a shot on the run. He was second on the team with 26 goals in 2005 despite being hampered with a shoulder injury much of the season. That injury is fully healed and McGlone is primed for another All-America campaign in 2006.
Healy struggled with his shot last season, but still finished with 20 goals. He has worked harder than ever in the off-season to improve his shooting and will be a big factor in whatever success the Terps enjoy in 2006.
The second unit will likely be headed up by senior Michael Hartofilis, who played most of last year on the second line. A powerful shooter, Hartofilis will be expected to improved his 2005 production of four goals and three assists.
Will Dalton is an intriguing candidate for the second or third lines. The 6-5, 245 lbs., sophomore has worked to improve his understanding of Cottle's offensive schemes and would present match-up problems for most defenders. Dalton finished the 2005 season on the third midfield line and is getting the opportunity to earn a spot on the second unit this spring.
Wildcards: Patrick Howell has been moved to the midfield full-time after splitting time between midfield and attack the last two years. The junior responded to the move by completely dedicating himself during off-season conditioning. Howell only saw action in three games last year, but has worked his way into a strong contender for a spot on the second or third midfield units.
Thomas Alford has been used primarily as a face-off man during his first two seasons, but could work his way into a more prominent role in the midfield this season. He is another Terp who worked hard in the off-season on his conditioning to make himself into a better player.
Chris Feifs has all of the physical skills to be an impact player in college lacrosse, but needs to put everything together in order to earn a spot on one of the midfield lines. "We would be a much better team if Chris plays up to his potential," said Cottle.
Brent Hargest is an intelligent player who is willing to do the little things to make the team better. The senior is in the competition for a spot on the second or third lines.
In The Mix: Drew Evans saw some time on the second and third midfield lines last year and is competing for playing time in the preseason. Dan Groot is an exciting freshman who could compete for playing time as he gains more experience. Will Harrington, Tom Levesque, Rob Morrison and Nick Ward are all freshmen that will be factors for the Terps in the future.
Defensive Midfield: Short Sticks
Who's Who?: Maryland returns its top four short-sticks making the position one of the team's strongest and deepest spots, according to Cottle.
Jimmy Borell could be the best all-around athlete on the Maryland team and began last season on the second midfield line. His move to the defensive midfield coincided with the team's resurgence following its 5-5 start. According to Cottle, Borell has the potential to be a "Paul Gillette-type" player, referencing the All-American defensive midfielder who was the team's 2004 MVP.
Jeff Reynolds enters the preseason as one of the team's top two short-sticks, along with Borell. One of the team's best athletes, Reynolds worked his way into the rotation as a freshman in 2005 and is poised for a breakthrough season this year.
Ryan Lang returns to the defensive midfield after finishing the 2005 season on the second midfield unit. The senior captain could also see time on offense and gives the Terps another option in the midfield.
Travis Holmes played in all 17 games in 2005 and is arguably the toughest player on the Terrapin roster. A former state high school wrestling champion, his willingness to get physical with opponents gives Maryland a nice complement to the athletic Borell and Reynolds.
In The Mix: Junior Paul Andrews is a tough, intelligent player who could challenge for playing time. Now in his third year in the program, Andrews has a good feel for the defensive schemes. Spencer McAllister, a redshirt freshman who is coming back from knee surgery, could challenge for playing time as the season progresses.
Defensive Midfield: Long Poles
Who's Who?: Ryan Clarke returns as the Terps' primary long pole. The junior improved every game last year and was fourth on the team with 38 groundballs. Clarke's play this season could be a big factor in how far the Terps play into May.
Sophomore Charlie Wiggins, a 2003 high school All-American, returns as the back-up long pole and face-off wingman. Wiggins' athleticism give the Terps additional flexibility in their defensive zone.
Sean Sullivan moves back to playing the long pole position after playing close defense in 2005. The junior started the first six games last season before breaking his hand in the Dartmouth game.
Wildcard: One of the best athletes on the Terrapin team could be goalie Jason Carter. With Harry Alford entrenched as the starter in goal and senior Teddy Murphy as the back-up, the Maryland coaches played Carter at long pole in the preseason in order to take advantage of his athleticism.
In the Mix: Sophomore Matt Rankin had an impressive fall and has continued to improve during the preseason. He could compete for playing time as the season progresses. Freshmen Chris Rhine and Kevin Slafkosky will also have the opportunity to compete for playing time.
Close Defense
Who's Who?: Entering last season Maryland did not have a defender with one career start. This season the Terps boast three close defenders, Steve Whittenberg, Ray Megill and Joe Cinosky, who combined to make 35 starts in 2005. Individually, each brings a different strength to the table, but together they combine to play tremendous team defense.
Whittenberg, a third team All-American in 2005, is regarded as one of the best on-ball defenders in the country. During the off-season the junior worked hard on his conditioning and footwork to be a more complete defender.
Megill, a 2005 honorable mention All-American, is among the best all-around athletes on the team. He was hampered by an ankle injury at the start of last year, but worked his way into the starting line-up in the seventh game of the season.
Cinosky started Maryland's last eight games in 2005 and showed the ability that made him a 2004 high school All-American. The biggest of the Terrapin defenders at 6-3, 225, he will be counted on for his physical presence and his ability to wear down opponents.
Sophomore Zach Hinton showed remarkable improvement during the off-season and earned the starting nod in the fall scrimmages. He will be one of the Terps' top reserves, but will need to continue to improve as the season progresses.
Wildcard: Freshman Anthony Costanzo is a towering defender at 6-7, 210, and possesses the athleticism to compete for playing time this season. If he can pick up the defensive schemes and adapt to the pace of Division I lacrosse, Costanzo could be a factor toward the end of the season.
In the Mix: Scott Slosson played primarily on the Terps' man-down unit during the 2004 and 2005 seasons and should continue in that role this year. The senior could also see time as a long pole as well. A pair of juniors have also been impressive during the preseason and will give Maryland a lot of depth. Ryne Adolph and Jacob Baxter have each worked with the first team defense in preseason drills and could push for playing time as the season wears on. Freshman Mike Griswold is an imposing 6-4, 230, and could challenge for time as he improves his understanding of defense.
Goalie
Who's Who?: In his first year as a starter
Harry Alford turned in some amazing performances, including a 25-save effort against Georgetown in his first career start. He also endured some growing pains, but enters the 2006 season with a year of starting experience under his belt and is a viable candidate for the Kelly Award.
"In his first year as a starter Harry had some really good games," said Cottle. "I think what you see in most goalies in their second year is that they become more consistent and I think that's what we'll see from Harry this year."
Wildcard: Jason Carter is seeing time at long pole, but is a natural goalie. The Maryland coaches will make sure he's ready if he has to see time between the pipes this season.
In the Mix: Backing-up Alford will be senior Teddy Murphy, who worked hard in the fall to improve himself as a player and will be ready to step in should anything happen to Alford.
Face-Offs
Who's Who?: Coach Cottle identified face-offs as one of the primary areas that needs to improve if Maryland wants to have a shot at winning its first NCAA title since 1975.
David Tamberrino returns as the Terps' primary face-off man. The senior won 55% of his face-offs in 2005 and led the team with 55 groundballs.
Dalton had flashes at the "X" as a freshman in 2005, including winning seven of 10 face-offs vs. Duke in the ACC Tournament final. His size can present match-up problems for some opponents, but he has worked to make himself a more well-rounded face-off man.
Wildcard: Reynolds saw a lot of time on face-offs in 2005, but it was on the wing. This season the sophomore could take some draws for the Terps after some impressive performances in the fall.
In the Mix: Thomas Alford has won 76 of 167 draws in his career and gives Maryland another experienced option facing-off.
