Monthly Archives: June 2011

Coming back to the Elite Tournament after a year away is the Canadian based Team Sandy. They are representing All-World goaltender Brian Sanderson, who is currently fighting a battle with brain cancer. The Canadians unique stick skills and distinctive hard nose style of play will bring a canuck flair to this years’ tournament. 

Returning teams in the 2011 field include the Brine Elite, The Olympic Club, 83 ½, Team Gutman, BAWLS Gaurana, Team Awesome and Team Sasquatch. New teams this year are True Lacrosse, Tunesquad, and the Sacred Marlins.

With the enormous field of 22 teams in the hunt for on and off the field Vail glory, there are several teams that will feel like champions, even though only one will walk away with the 2011 Vail Shootout Men’s Elite Title.

Merrill Lynch/Lacrossewear

Coach:  Paul Landaiche Jr.

Team Preview:  Team Merrill Lynch/Lacrossewear is attending its eleventh Vail Shootout and has earned a reputation as one of the premier Men’s Elite teams in the tournament. We are proud that our players are leaders on the field, in their classrooms and in their communities. Our mission is always to have a consistent focus on community involvement and philanthropy in addition to our athletic endeavors.
Team Merrill Lynch decided in 2005 that it was time to expand the scope and the significance of our involvement in the Shootout by benefiting the American Cancer Society and organizations committed to finding a cure for breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer; we incorporate pink with our uniforms, the color representing breast cancer awareness, as a visible reminder of our causes. With your support, we can continue our great efforts both on the field and in our local areas, highlighting the impact that individuals can have on everyday lives. This year, the team has accepted donations for the American Cancer Society and through the United Way will make an impact toward funding cancer research. As individuals and a company, Merrill Lynch supports thousands of health and social services causes through contributing to the annual Employee Giving Campaign and through events like the Vail Shootout. Each year we move a step closer to a cure! We would also like to thank our longtime partner, Lacrossewear, and Bo Lamon for his continued support. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management is the world’s leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory firm, with offices in 40 countries and territories and total client assets in excess of $2 trillion.

Team 21

Coaches/Organizers:  David Coors, Ryan Geller

Key Players:  Pierce Derkac (Cornell, 2010), Brad Kamelduski (Cornell, 2010), Matt Sutherland (Cornell, 2010), Andrew West (Cornell, 2014)

Team Preview:  Team 21  is primarily a group of Cornell lacrosse alumni and current players that add support to the squad.
Team 21 continues to be anchored with a core of Cornell alumni that performs better outside the lines and relies on younger, faster current players and recent grads who excel between the lines. Not limited to just Cornell players, Team 21 also gets some great assistance from friends who play for other competitive college lacrosse programs.
At the core of Team 21 is the spirit of George Boiardi.  George wore the number 21 at Cornell University and in 2004 he passed during a lacrosse contest his senior year.  George exemplified everything it means to be a great teammate, showing not only incredible athletic ability and tireless work ethic on the field, but admirable character and a selfless lifestyle off the field.  For the members of Team 21, it is not only George’s athleticism and character that we honor, but his love for the game, the friendships we all shared with him and the legacy he is leaving behind.
Team 21 supports the Mario St. George Boiardi Foundation which was created to carry on George’s passion for athletics and academics.  For more information or to make a donation please visit the website at http://www.boiardifoundation.org/.
We would like to thank our main sponsors: Coors Light, Nike, Concept Capital and Bros Lacrosse.  Additionally we would like to thank the Boiardi Family for all their support and love and all the individuals who help make this team possible. 

“Mario St. George Boiardi. Tireless worker, selfless teammate and loyal friend who gave his life playing the game he loved.”
July 30, 1981 – March 17, 2004

Team One’s Jammin’ Salmon

Coach:  John Combs, Brad Heritage, and Justin PorterKey Players: Nick Bonacci (Dartmouth College, 2007); Nick Marks (Bucknell University, 2008); Kyle Feeney (Bucknell University, 2013); Paul Stansik (Bucknell University, 2007); Corey Bulken (Le Moyne University, 2010)
Team Preview:  This year’s Jammin Salmon team will feature a healthy dose of both veteran leaders and young contributors from across the lacrosse world.  As always, the Salmon take pride in compiling the “best of the best” players who will make substantial contributions and “hustle” plays both on and off the field.  On defense, Kyle Feeney will backstop a stout unit led by fellow, but former, Bison Paul Stansik and Tom Izard down low.  Justin Porter, Lee Williams, and Blaine Mitten will patrol up top and between the lines.  Corey Bulken, who faced off at almost 70% this season for the Le Moyne Dolphins, will take the lion share of draws and should provide plenty of extra possessions for the Fish, while Nick Bonacci, Andrew Marks, Kip Dooley, and Jeremy Tissenbaum will stretch defenses with their dodging and shooting abilities down the lines from the midfield.  Todd Heritage and Chase Bailey comprise another, albeit younger, Bucknell tandem that can finish around the cage from the attack.  The Jammin’ Salmon would like to thank our sponsors Team One and Minturn Anglers for their support. 

Brine Elite

Team Founder:  ENS Matt Keller – USNA 2009
Team Managers:  Tom Keller and Jimmy HarrisonKey Players:  Morgan Griff (Penn, 2011),  Edison Parzenese (Notre Dame, 2011gr & Holy Cross 2010) Mike Maggio (Lasell, 2009),  Matt Nelligan (Ithaca, 2008), Matt Cutter, (Ithaca 2009), John Ortolani (Endicott, 2008),  Jimmy Harrison (Holy Cross, 2009)Team Preview:Once again, the BRINE Elite team plays to honor the men and women aboard the USS Vandegrift, a Navy frigate currently deployed with the Pacific Fleet.  Among the 30 officers on board is BRINE Elite team founder LTJG Matt Keller, a 2009 graduate of the US Naval Academy.  The team will wear the ship’s identification number, FFG-48 on their sleeves as a reminder that while we enjoy the 4th of July in Vail, many brave souls serve all around the globe.  The team hopes to make the jump back into the top half of the tournament this year.

BRINE Elite are grateful to the BRINE Co. and the BRINE Elite League for their continued sponsorship.

Rocky Mountain Oysters / Lax.com

Coach/Organizer:  Chris Parsons/Aaron Laaveg

Key Players: Ben Brown (Goalie), PJ Santora (Faceoff Mid),  Alex Moore (Midfield), Neth Wiedemann (Defense), John Loftus (Defense)
 
Team Preview:  Undaunted by the lackadaisical presence of the glimmering summer season, the Rocky Mountain Oysters enter the elite field for the 10th consecutive year with the élan and panache necessary to compete for the Championship. The team consists of a brilliant mixture of local Colorado stars and east coast studs.Looking as sharp and influential as ever, the attackmen of the Oysters will look to batter the opposition with sublime skill and clinical finishes. Talisman Logan Bobzien (2008 All American) will quarterback the rapid fire assault with pulsating precision. On “man up” possessions, this group possesses the ability to carve open an opponent’s defenses like a skilled surgeon.
 
With supreme confidence and blistering fluidity, the midfield unit contains the power and pace to create countless fast break opportunities. Any opposing faceoff specialists in this tournament will need to produce a moment of magic in order to beat PJ Santora (2009 All American). Other players to watch include the tactically astute Alex Moore (2004 All American) and Naval Academy graduate Terrence Higgins.Unwavering organization and commitment characterize the Oysters defense. Between the pipes, Ben Brown’s energy and scintillating reflexes will present a challenge to any shooter. In addition, any capable dodger will need to beat Neth Wiedemann (2008 All American); who can throw lethal checks with a ferocity bordering on barbaric. Lastly, veteran John Loftus (2005 All American) will expertly marshal the clears with ingenuity and regimental efficiency.

Maverik Elite

Coaches and Organizers:  Devin Darcangelo, Paul Carcaterra, Gary Rosenbach and Paul Moskevitz
 
Key Players:  Chris Bocklet (Virginia,2012), John Ranagan (Johns Hopkins, 2013), Jo Jo Marasco (Syracuse,  2013), John Gagliardi (Johns Hopkins, 1997)Team Preview:  Maverik Elite is made up of some of the top current players from Johns Hopkins, Syracuse & Univ. of Virginia. Most of the players come from New York, New Jersey & Connecticut and have played together or against each other during their high school years. With a good mix of Division I and former MLL & Team USA players, look for Maverik Elite  to make a run at the championship again this year. Jo Jo Marasco leads the attack with his ball-handling skills while Brian Megill heads up the defense.  Maverik Elite would like to thank our sponsors:  Maverik Lacrosse  and the Rosenbach Family of Vail.

The Olympic Club

Organizer: Brian Schimaneck & Matt Fredericks

Key Players:  Nate Whitaker (Penn State), Harper Cullen (Trinity), Billy Mattimore (Bucknell),  Bobby Edmundowicz (Fairfield), Brad Patterson (Denver), Brian Schimaneck (St. Ignatius College Prep.)

Team Preview:  Established in San Francisco in 1860 and dedicated to the pursuit of amateur athletic excellence, The Olympic Club enjoys the distinction of being America’s oldest athletic club. Comprised of more than 5,000 active members and with historic clubhouses located in downtown San Francisco and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Club members regularly participate in athletic and social events wearing the Club’s internationally recognized ‘Winged O’.
The Olympic Club Lacrosse team is comprised of former and current Division I, II, III and MCLA college players.

Team Chipotle

Coaches:  Tom Konkel and Dan Murray

Key Players:  Alex Demopoulos (Denver, 2012), Davey Emala (Georgetown, 2013), Justin Schneidman (Cortland, 2011), Joey Murray (Denver, 2009), Austin Konkel (Denver, 2009), Tim Katz (Sacred Heart, 2010)

Team Preview:  This team is made up from players from the Univ. of Denver, Georgetown Univ., Cortland State, Sacred Heart Univ, Univ of North Carolina and Colo State Univ. and former and current MLL and NLL players who have been friends since childhood or college. The goal for this team is to continue to grow their lifelong friendships in the Vail Valley in a healthily safe way.

We would like to thank our long time sponsor Chipotle. Food with integrity, which means serving the very best sustainably raised food possible with an eye to great taste, great nutrition and great value. Food with integrity is a journey that started more than a decade ago and one that will never end.

True Lacrosse

Coaches:  Ryan Covert

Key Players:  Mike Gabel, (Vermont, 2006), Jake Deane (UMass, 2006)

Team Preview:  True Lacrosse brings together its veteran coaching staff and friends to compete this year at the Vail Shootout for the first time. True lacrosse will look to make a splash both on the field and on Vail’s famous Bridge Street.

Tunesquad

Coaches:  Ed Condon, Ken Bowman, Spencer Curley, Nick Condon

Key Players:  Keegan Bowman (Carthage, 2012), Andrew Bellville (Carthage, 2012), Ryan Knautz (Adrian, 2011), Sam Hurster (Brown, 2014) Keaton O’hara (Bellarmine, 2012)

Team Preview:  A team made up of almost entirely midwest lacrosse players that has a total of 9 MLC all-conference awards and multiple NCAA Division III national tournament appearances. A young team consisting of all current college students except for one who graduated this past May. Many of the players have known and played with each other for many years. All but one play on an NCAA varsity team in both Division I and Division III. The coaches have quite a resume as well.  Ed Condon is the head coach at Christian Brothers College, a high school in St. Louis, MO which is a powerhouse for the state title annually and Ken Bowman is the head coach at New Westminster Secondary in Vancouver, BC where he won multiple provincial championships.

Team Gutman

Organizer: Jamie Duke, Tom Petty

Key Players: Alex Palmisano (Middlebury, 2007), Jim Cabrera (Middlebury, 2008), David Hild (Middlebury, 2011), Skyler Hopkins (Middlebury, 2009), Henry Clark (Middlebury, 2012)

Team Preview:  This year, Team Gutman is adding several new faces to the team, most of which are from the 2011 Middlebury Lacrosse team. Alex Palmisano will be returning between the pipes and anchors an aggressive defensive lineup. In the Midfield, Veterans Michael Murray and Aaron Herter will gain some additional speed from Chris Teves and Jeff Begin. The strength of the 2011 midfield will be the ability to create space. On attack, veterans Jamie Duke and Jim Cabrera will be joined by rookie David Hild. This line up boasts a very impressive shooting arsenal and a knack for finishing. Overall, Team Gutman enjoys the advantage of instant team chemistry since most of the team has been playing with one another for many years.

Prestige Lacrosse Club

Organizer: Greg Sprenzel and John Sprenzel 

Key Players: John Sprenzel (St. Thomas, 2004), Bill Harris (Marymount University, 2004)
Team Preview:  Prestige Lacrosse Club is made up of some of the best players from the Midwest. Prestige was started in 2009 and plays in tournaments all over the nation. With a good mix of players from NCAA Division I, II and III, and MCLA Division I and II stars and role players, look for Prestige Lacrosse Club to be in the hunt both on and off the field. John Sprenzel is in goal backstopping a solid Prestige defense while Greg Sprenzel and Jake Misner head up the midfield. Prestige Lacrosse Club would like to thank our sponsors: Illinois Bone and Joint Institute and Waterhouse Bar and Grill.

Team Sandy

Organizer:  Brad Brewster and Mickey Hover

Key Players: Joe Moore (Syracuse, 2012), Jeremy Noble (Denver, 2014), Pete Coleman (Syracuse, 2013), Jay Card (Hofstra, 2012), Kevin Hover (Rutgers, 2012), Thomas Guadagnlo (Syracuse, 2011)

Team Preview:  Back from a one year hiatus, Team LaxGrip / Team Last Call is headed back to Vail. Team Sandy will be playing for Chris Sanderson, All World Goalie, who is battling brain cancer and beating it. The team is comprised of a mix of Canadian and American players, Division I and III. The youth of the team brings a lot of skill, while the vets bring experience. The veterans will be a mix of box and field players; Thomas Hajek (Boston Blazers), Ryan McClelland (Philadelphia Wings), David Brock (Philadelphia Wings), and other professional players.  For the St. Lawrence crew this isn’t their first rodeo; bringing four players, five Rutgers players will be on the squad; as well as three from Lynchburg, who will be making their first appearance in Vail. Syracuse will have a strong showing with two additional players and the always dangerous… players to be named later.  The glue of Team Sandy is Organizer and Coach, Brad Brewster. He put together a great group of guys together to represent Chris. Keep fighting 17!

Lacrossewear Red Lions

Head Coach: Jon Bock

Key Players: Nikki Dysenchuk (Dartmouth, 2013),  Matt Kuglar (Virginia, 2013), Jacob Bock (Penn, 2012), RC Willenbrock (Dartmouth, 2013), Wyatt Melzer (Virginia, 2013)

Team Preview:  The LacrosseWear Red Lions were formed from the original Victorious Secret U-19 team. However, with many of the original players now at top Division 1 schools, a new powerhouse has been formed. With a very sound mix of Dartmouth, Virginia, Syracuse, Notre Dame, and Penn players, the LacrosseWear Red Lions are ready to make a run. Two players, fresh off an NCAA Championship victory, Wyatt Melzer and Matt Kugler, are hungry for a second title and will help the defensive and midfield units respectively. Two original team members and now Ivy Leaguers, RC Willenbrock and Jacob Bock, both hailing from Colorado, will assuredly give the Lions a lethal midfield unit. Dartmouth scorers Chris Costabile and Nikki Dysenchuk along with shifty Frazier Cavness look to lead the attack unit. Dartmouth’s Big Boy Bernie Susskind and his unique charisma will hold up the net and lead the Lions’ defensive unit headlined by Dartmouth and Virginia personnel. The LacrosseWear Red Lions would like to sincerely thank our sponsors: LacrosseWear and The Red Lion. Your help and support is much appreciated.

The Lofers

Coach and Organizer:  Ted Baruch

Key Players:  Chris Bluse (Colorado, 2004), Pat Logiudice (St. Leo, 2010)

Team Preview:  The Lofers are sponsored by Colorado’s own Lacrosse Outreach Foundation with the Baruch family at its nucleus.  Tyler and Luke Baruch have created the team out of strong friendships forged through the great game of lacrosse over the past 15 years.  We are strongest in the goal with  Colorado’s own Chris Bluse, who has previous MLL experence.  Pat Logiudice, leads our defense and a bevy of Benedictine Monks from St. Leo University who bring the secret weapon of sobriety to Vail and an ancient discipline that will eventually wear down even the deepest, most talented teams.

Denver City Lax

Coaches/Organizers: Ben Allison, Dillon Roy and Andrew Lay

Key Players:  Mark Matthews (Att, Denver, 2012), Andrew Lay (Mid, Denver, 2011), Sean McCarthy (Def, Hofstra 2006)

Team Preview:  This is the first Denver City Lax team to compete in the Vail Shootout, yet many of the team’s players are tournament veterans (don’t think old though).  This talented group of current college players, recent graduates, and professional players are meeting in Vail to represent and support City Lax, a non-profit youth organization focused on introducing the sport of lacrosse to under-served neighborhoods while also using the sport to teach life values and the importance of education.
Thanks to our Vail sponsors – Boathouse Sports & US Lacrosse.  A huge thanks also goes out to all the volunteers and contributors that have helped make Denver City Lax a success.  Your time, donations and financial support have made it possible to bring new opportunities to kids on and off the field.  Enjoy Vail and have a great tournament.  For more information or to make a donation please check in with us at the Shootout and visit us at:  www.DenverCityLax.com.

FoCo Alumni

Coaches/Organizers: Greg Rushing and Brian Leistikow

Key Players:  Greg Rushing (F/O, UMASS), Connor Saller (Midfield, University of Northern Colorado), Henry Miketa (Attack, Denver), Devin Arruabarrena (Midfield, Bellarmine)

Team Preview:   FoCo Alumni is composed of mostly Fort Collins Unified Alumni including a large amount from the 2007 Colorado State Championship team. The state title team had several members who  will be in attendance, play college lacrosse at universities like UMass, Bellarmine, and Denver. Look for the FOCO Alum made up of Division I, Division III, and MCLA players to be on a quest to return to glory as in 2007 on and off the field. Look for Greg Rushing to provide solid wins at the faceoff X, with Connor Saller providing leadership and scoring from the midfield. At defense look for Mitch Hansen and Brian Leistikow to lead the defense. The FOCO Alum would like to send a special thanks to all our sponsors.

Team Awesome

Coaches/Organizers: Drew Bower, Mark Parets
Key Players:Garret Beach (Goal, Butler), Chris Linko (Mid, Lehigh), Donny Gallegos (Def, Regis University)

Team Preview:  Team Awesome has been in existence for five years now and has left a lasting impression at tournaments all over the country. This team, made up of weekend warriors, have been pulling players from all sorts of bars, dark alleys, and gutters from all over the world. The Team, made up of “oh those guys and “Ughh Him” is a very tight group. This group of “Blacklisted wherever they go” guys is a perennial “lets hope they remember they have a game the next day group!”
Team Awesome is excited for another unremarkable showing at the tournament, and an above average All American performance off the field.

BAWLS Gaurana

Coaches/Organizers: Zach Nisson

Key Players:  Ty Thompson, Eric Law, Chase Carraro

Team Preview:  This team is made up of guys from all over the U.S.  As a team we are looking forward to the high level of competition that will be up in Vail.  BAWLS Gaurana has a lot of high powered scorers and a tough defense that will look to prove their metal against the Shootout’s best.

Warrior XCoach

/Organizer:  Tom Conrad, Craig Haynes

Key Players: Greg Colosimo (Attack, Drexal, 2014); Brian Kormondy (Attack, Delaware, 2014); Hunter Hall (Midfield, Whittier College, 2014); Dylan Leary (Midfield, Air Force, 2013)

Team Preview:  These are Colorado boys, born and bred. Warrior X is made up primarily of Arapahoe High School Alumni (Centennial, Colorado) who played on the 2009 Colorado State Championship  team.  Many of them are currently playing for CU, CSU and UNC, others are playing for Division I and Division III teams including Drexel, Delaware, Air Force and Whittier College. 
This will be Warrior X’s first trip to the Men’s Elite division but they are no strangers to the tournament. The Coaches have played in the Masters, Supermasters and sad to say Grandmasters for the last decade and many of the players have played in the U19 division for Team Colorado. 

Team Sasquatch

Coach/Organizer:  Craig McGuinness

Team Preview:  Team Sasquatch is back in Vail for our second year in the elite division. This is a group of of mostly Division I players who have met over the years at camps and other lacrosse outings. Some of the schools represented are Denver, Hofstra, Loyola, Ohio State, Hobart, and Bryant.  We look forward to a great time in Vail.

83 ½ Lacrosse

Coaches/Organizers: Thomas McKinley (Bowdoin, 2006)

Team Preview:  83 1/2 Lacrosse is comprised of Bowdoin college alums and current players, along with friends of the program that get together in Vail to relive their glory days on and off the field.  A team mixed with old age wisdom and youthful grads they look to improve on last year’s inaugural effort.  The team would like to thank its many supporters in the Bowdoin Lacrosse family and most importantly its major sponsor Smathers & Branson (www.smathersandbranson.com).

Sacred Marlins

Team Preview:  The Scared Marlins are a new entry to the Vail Lacrosse Shootout and will look to make an impression in their first year. The fish look forward to seeing how their swimming will work at 8000+ feet!