Men’s Lacrosse: 2008 Season Outlook – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/13/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
The 2008 Buckeye Squad
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 31/13
Starters Returning/Lost: 7/3
Captains: Kevin Buchanan, Josh Funk, Ricky Pages
Head Coach: Joe Breschi, 11th year
Breschi on the 2008 Team:
“I’m extremely pleased with the preseason leadership of the senior class and how well the team has responded and come together as a group. More than any team we’ve had in the past, this group has encouraged more team activities throughout the year, from community service activities to team paintball Saturdays. They are a tight group of guys led by three terrific captains in Kevin Buchanan, Ricky Pages and Josh Funk who have taken great pride in our team’s success both in the classroom and on the playing field.”
Goalie:
Top Returnee
Stefan Schroder (Sr., 6-1, 180) 2007 Second Team All-GWLL
Breschi on the goalies:
“We have the good fortune of returning our starter from a year ago in Stefan Schroder. He did a terrific job last year of controlling the defense in front of him and has helped ease the transition this fall for some of the inexperience we have at close defense. Stefan has the ability to change the outcome of a game with his tremendous quickness and saving ability. His vocal leadership and clearing game are his strength, pushing transition with his teammates and causing havoc for opponents. The experience of Brandon Freeman has solidified some depth at the goalie position.”
Close Defense:
Top Returnees
Scott Matthews (Jr., 6-0, 190)
Scott Foreman (So., 5-11, 200)
Breschi talks about the close defense:
“Junior Scott Mathews has really stepped into the leadership role at close defense. Scott is a two-year starter who has great field sense for the game and plays solid on ball defense. His stick skills are terrific and his savvy around the cage helps the young guys around him settle in nicely. Sophomore Scott Foreman has worked extremely hard in the off-season and is determined to grab a starting spot. A hard worker, Scott brings tremendous toughness and physical play to the game. Three guys are battling for the third starting spot in senior Matt Cornell, sophomore Keith Lovett and freshman Matt Kawamoto. Each of these guys brings something special to the game, with communication, athleticism and lacrosse field sense. The depth looks solid coming into the season but we will have to play like veterans with a tough early-season schedule. Junior Tim Pedersen and a host of freshmen in Packy Campbell, TJ Smith and Andrew Klontz continue to battle the depth chart for playing time.”
Defensive Midfield:
Top Returnees
Ricky Pages (Sr., 6-2, 175) Two-time First Team All-GWLL (2006, ’07)
Josh Funk (Sr., 6-0, 190) Second Team All-GWLL (2007)
Chris Friel (Sr., 5-9, 175)
Breschi’s thoughts on the defensive midfield:
“Senior captain Ricky Pages will anchor a starting group that consists of three, four-year starters who have played since they stepped on campus. A two time first team all-conference performer, Ricky plays every opponent’s best midfielder and really enhances our team’s transition game. Senior captain Josh Funk, a second team all-conference player, has established himself as one of the premier defensive middies in the country. He plays with a vicious mentality on defense and has really improved his transition ability, becoming an offensive threat between the lines. Senior Chris Friel is a consistent performer who is versatile enough to play everywhere on the field, from wing on face-offs to man-down situations. These three guys will lead a group of inexperienced players who are determined to make an impact. Long pole midfielders led by senior Charlie Billingsley, sophomores Conor Anderson and Chris Lowery will all compete for playing time this spring. Short-stick defenders Steve McKinlay and Steve Smith have improved in the offseason and hope to make an impact this season with monster freshmen Dan Bain and Scott Lathrop chomping at the bit for serious playing time. The quality leadership from the veterans as well as the athleticism of the underclassmen should make for a deep and talented unit this year.”
Face-off:
Top Returnee
Nick Carr (Jr., 5-9, 175)
Breschi on the X:
“Junior midfielder Nick Carr will be called on to make a huge impact for the team this season at the face-off X. An injury-plagued career his first two seasons and a part time face-off man, Nick will play a major role in the outcome of the 2008 season. He’s worked hard to gain back his 4.4 speed from high school and he continues to gain confidence in his stick skills. After a solid fall performance, Nick should play with great confidence this year and help our inexperienced guys develop in a hurry. Longstick sophomore Keith Lovett has shown good improvement at the face-off X and will help Nick when needed.”
Midfield:
Top Returnee
James Green (So., 6-1, 185), 2008 U.S. Under-19 Team
Breschi talks about the Buckeye midfield
“Sophomore middie and Team USA Under-19 member James Green has really developed a total game, with a terrific shot on the run and break-down ability on offense. Jim has become a two way player, gaining confidence on the defensive end and creating transition opportunity for the O. Peet Poillon, the 2007 Junior College Midfielder of the Year from Howard Community College, will make an immediate impact with the first group with his speed, quickness and outside shot. His leadership and confidence will help the young guys develop quickly.
“Sophomores Ryan Lowe and Andrew Stimmel, a transfer from Penn State, will add great speed and depth to the midfield. Both can break down a defense off the initial dodge and have great toughness between the lines. Junior Brian Lalley has stepped up his game with a solid fall performance and a terrific offseason work ethic. Two freshmen, Zach Boyt and Bryce Woodson, hope to contribute to the top two midfield lines. Zach has shown great toughness and a rifle shot on the run. Bryce adds a threat from all spots on the field and has a knack for the cage. Several other veteran middies – seniors Mat Ballay and Peter Schell, along with junior Corey Bentine and sophomore Patrick Hansen – have all improved over the fall and are looking to make an impact this spring. Jarred Bowman is another young middie who has really come on in the offseason.”
Attack:
Top Returnees
Kevin Buchanan (Sr., 5-10, 185), Two-time First Team All-GWLL (2006, ’07)
Joel Dalgarno (Jr., 6-0, 180), First Team All-GWLL (2007)
Jeff Ryan (Jr., 5-10, 170) Second Team All-GWLL (2007)
Breschi on the Ohio State attack:
“Senior captain Kevin Buchanan will spearhead the offense again this year by starting on attack and playing every minute he can. His experience and leadership will help fine-tune this veteran group of attackmen to get back their edge on offense this spring. Three-year starter Joel Dalgarno will dominate the left-handed spot again with great skills and has the best finishing ability in the program. Joel has developed his carrying and feeding skills in the offseason to be a triple threat on attack. Right-hander Jeff Ryan has made great strides learning the system over last season and will have a huge role in quarterbacking the offense this year. His confidence and vocal leadership will be invaluable in the spring. Sophomore Mario Ventiquattro made big steps at the end of last season as a finisher and will play a big role inside. Versatile junior Doug Ruhnke will make a huge impact at attack and midfield with his speed and quickness around the cage. Junior Andrew Pace and three freshmen, Mike Pires, Scott Gerland and Tyler Dolphin, have all developed in a hurry and could be contributors come spring time.”
