Denver Pioneers 2023

[molo]

While it’s no secret that I am no fan of the guy on a personal level, Tierney is deservedly is recognized as the greatest lax coach of all time. Not only is his winning NCs at two different schools unprecedented, but look at the places where he did it. Princeton was, in the words of writer Mike Candel (sp.?), the number eight team in a seven team league when he took them over and earned the NC pretty quickly. Denver had made the NCAAT two years before he took over, but I believe they were basically an AQ representing lax west of the Mississippi. They played respectably against the Terps in what used to be called Byrd. Things fell apart the next season, rescuing the coaching change. Tierney made Denver a regular tourney participant and won it all in 2015. While the Pios have recently had some contributors from the hotbeds, he built the program with players outside of NY and Maryland, tapping the best talent in the West along with a heavy dose of Canadians. A trailblazer, he is a true Pioneer. Congratulations on a great career, and I assume Matt Brown will continue to honor Tierney’s legacy by returning Denver to their pre-Covid level.

[Bagattawayhoo]

WoW
That 1972 team...
Emmer, Werhum, Glenz, Rostan, McGetrick - all great coaches coaches ( I think G. Walsh coached as well ) and probably a few more ... and B. Tierney what a great Cortland legacy

[10stone5]

‘72 Cortland team,

“ This tournament saw the entry in the tournament of two early innovative lacrosse programs, Cortland State and Washington and Lee. Cortland was notable for going 14-2 that season while knocking off defending champion Cornell, Syracuse and Navy, and earning the number 3 seed in the tournament. Cortland was coached by Jack Emmer who later took Washington and Lee to consecutive NCAAs before moving on to be the longtime coach at Army “

[10stone5]

Tierney for whatever reason heavily recruited from
Episcopal Academy (PA) and similar SE PA schools where
these players had not been all that much recruited to DI
programs early on at Princeton.

I’ve always been surprised that Tierney was not able to get Brian Dougherty, also from Episcopal, to Princeton.

[cherrylax]

Interesting to see that not anywhere in the Denver press release does it state that Matt Brown would be taking over after this season. Speaking with some alumni this news came as a total shock and seemed to come out rather suddenly. Can't believe the new AD would make this move with anyone else besides Matt Brown in the mind.

[JPAtlantic]

Interesting to see that not anywhere in the Denver press release does it state that Matt Brown would be taking over after this season. Speaking with some alumni this news came as a total shock and seemed to come out rather suddenly. Can't believe the new AD would make this move with anyone else besides Matt Brown in the mind.

Tierney quote to USA Lacrosse "“Not much is going to change,” Tierney said wryly. “Because in reality, Matt will be running the program and I’ll be yelling at the refs.”"

Sounds like he retiring in Denver also.

[10stone5]

Look at this (presumably) first Tierney freshmen incoming class
it is hardly surprising he won a title a few years later,

Tierney was going to summer club games, recruiting camps as
early as 2008 as I recall in CA, and/or sending his son, so he
didn’t waste time bringing in CA talent,

2012 Roster
# Name Pos Yr Hometown G A P Sh GB TO CT F/O
14 Wes Berg M Fr New Westminster, BC 26 11 37 0 0 0 0
34 Eric Adamson A Fr Anaheim Hills, CALIF 5 3 8 0 0 0 0
44 Sean Cannizzaro A Fr Cazenovia, NY 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
24 Tyler Ekeroth M Fr San Diego, CALIF 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
# Name Pos Yr Hometown % Saves Faced Rating
10 Ryan Laplante G Fr Fort Collins, COLO 0.535 114 213

[10stone5]

Here is Tierney’s 3rd class,

I find this stuff endlessly fascinating,
he brought in Bobzien as a transfer but also Pace and Miller as freshmen, and Pios were poised to win the Title the next season,

2014 Roster
# Name Pos Yr Hometown G A P Sh GB TO CT F/O
11 Jack Bobzien A So Littleton, CO 42 21 63 0 0 0 0
33 Zach Miller A Fr Steamburg, NY 38 19 57 0 0 0 0
3 Tyler Pace M Fr Port Coquitlam, BC 25 11 36 0 0 0 0
22 Max Planning M Fr Alexandria, VA 4 3 7 0 0 0 0
27 Dallas Bridle A Fr Orangeville, ON 6 0 6 0 0 0 0

[cherrylax]

Have to point out the glaring elephant in the room. Why has the school not named Matt Brown the next Head Men's lacrosse coach of the University of Denver? As a new AD I understand wanting to make a splash and do you due diligence, but do it already. You can't tell me that anyone in the division one lacrosse community would recommend any one other than Matt Brown. And in todays recruiting climate you better believe coaches are calling our guys pointing out the face that they may be going to a school where they won't know the head coach. Look at what just happened up the road with CU football, Coach Prime cut about half of there recruiting class and guys were left to scramble for spots.

If someone can play devils advocate and explain how delaying until the end of the season to perform a coaching search makes since I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

[FCCTlaxFan]

Have to point out the glaring elephant in the room. Why has the school not named Matt Brown the next Head Men's lacrosse coach of the University of Denver? As a new AD I understand wanting to make a splash and do you due diligence, but do it already. You can't tell me that anyone in the division one lacrosse community would recommend any one other than Matt Brown. And in todays recruiting climate you better believe coaches are calling our guys pointing out the face that they may be going to a school where they won't know the head coach. Look at what just happened up the road with CU football, Coach Prime cut about half of there recruiting class and guys were left to scramble for spots.

If someone can play devils advocate and explain how delaying until the end of the season to perform a coaching search makes since I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

I guess it is possible DU has a process they are required to follow - post the job, set up a hiring committee, minimum number of candidates interviewed, etc. Just a guess.

[Farfromgeneva]

Have to point out the glaring elephant in the room. Why has the school not named Matt Brown the next Head Men's lacrosse coach of the University of Denver? As a new AD I understand wanting to make a splash and do you due diligence, but do it already. You can't tell me that anyone in the division one lacrosse community would recommend any one other than Matt Brown. And in todays recruiting climate you better believe coaches are calling our guys pointing out the face that they may be going to a school where they won't know the head coach. Look at what just happened up the road with CU football, Coach Prime cut about half of there recruiting class and guys were left to scramble for spots.

If someone can play devils advocate and explain how delaying until the end of the season to perform a coaching search makes since I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

We can take Tye Scott off your hands no problem. Will send some CNY seedy weed back in exchange. That work for you guys?

(Seriously though id love to hear if he’s healthy and competing for PT, he’s in my and my sons fantasy team)

[DU-fan]

Have to point out the glaring elephant in the room. Why has the school not named Matt Brown the next Head Men's lacrosse coach of the University of Denver? As a new AD I understand wanting to make a splash and do you due diligence, but do it already. You can't tell me that anyone in the division one lacrosse community would recommend any one other than Matt Brown. And in todays recruiting climate you better believe coaches are calling our guys pointing out the face that they may be going to a school where they won't know the head coach. Look at what just happened up the road with CU football, Coach Prime cut about half of there recruiting class and guys were left to scramble for spots.

If someone can play devils advocate and explain how delaying until the end of the season to perform a coaching search makes since I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

We can take Tye Scott off your hands no problem. Will send some CNY seedy weed back in exchange. That work for you guys?

(Seriously though id love to hear if he’s healthy and competing for PT, he’s in my and my sons fantasy team)

I think you should drop Tye or trade him to me

[DU-fan]

Have to point out the glaring elephant in the room. Why has the school not named Matt Brown the next Head Men's lacrosse coach of the University of Denver? As a new AD I understand wanting to make a splash and do you due diligence, but do it already. You can't tell me that anyone in the division one lacrosse community would recommend any one other than Matt Brown. And in todays recruiting climate you better believe coaches are calling our guys pointing out the face that they may be going to a school where they won't know the head coach. Look at what just happened up the road with CU football, Coach Prime cut about half of there recruiting class and guys were left to scramble for spots.

If someone can play devils advocate and explain how delaying until the end of the season to perform a coaching search makes since I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

I guess it is possible DU has a process they are required to follow - post the job, set up a hiring committee, minimum number of candidates interviewed, etc. Just a guess.

I think the job is clearly going to Matt Brown. I am sure the AD is having discussions and not everything needs to be in a press announcement before the season starts.

Coach T is still the head coach for the entire season. I think it is more appropriate keep the focus on Coach T's last season, and name Matt Brown the head coach at the end of the season. I think the announcements have been planned and the PR schedule has been set, and Denver will try to stick to it.

[Farfromgeneva]

Have to point out the glaring elephant in the room. Why has the school not named Matt Brown the next Head Men's lacrosse coach of the University of Denver? As a new AD I understand wanting to make a splash and do you due diligence, but do it already. You can't tell me that anyone in the division one lacrosse community would recommend any one other than Matt Brown. And in todays recruiting climate you better believe coaches are calling our guys pointing out the face that they may be going to a school where they won't know the head coach. Look at what just happened up the road with CU football, Coach Prime cut about half of there recruiting class and guys were left to scramble for spots.

If someone can play devils advocate and explain how delaying until the end of the season to perform a coaching search makes since I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

We can take Tye Scott off your hands no problem. Will send some CNY seedy weed back in exchange. That work for you guys?

(Seriously though id love to hear if he’s healthy and competing for PT, he’s in my and my sons fantasy team)

I think you should drop Tye or trade him to me

For your top returning midfielder and next years first round pick.

[DU-fan]

USA Lax Magazine

https://usalaxmagazine.com/college/men/ ... denver-men

2023 NCAA Lacrosse Rankings: No. 13 Denver (Men)
WED JAN 18 2023 | PATRICK STEVENS | COLLEGE
Alec Stathakis owns a lifetime mark of 59.9 percent over three seasons.

The 2023 college lacrosse season is almost here. As is our annual tradition, we’re featuring every team ranked in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Preseason Top 20.
Check back to USALaxMagazine.com each weekday this month for new previews, scouting reports and rival analysis.

NO. 13 DENVER
2022 Record: 9-6 (4-1 Big East)
Final Ranking (2022): Unranked
Coach: Bill Tierney

TOP RETURNERS
Jack DiBenedetto, D, Sr.

A first-team all-Big East selection a year ago, DiBenedetto has started all 38 games for Denver since arriving on campus before the 2020 season. He’s the most proven of the Pioneers’ veteran poles and will be a key figure on a defense that has more established answers than the offense.

JJ Sillstrop, A, Sr.

The Pioneers’ only returning starter on offense also led the team in points (48) and assists (18) last season. The big question? Can he remain healthy after getting dinged up the last two seasons. “He’s strong, and he’s our top dog,” Tierney said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Alec Stathakis, FO, Sr.

When was the last time Denver didn’t have an ace on faceoffs? It’s been a decade since its top specialist wasn’t above 55 percent, and Stathakis owns a lifetime mark of 59.9 percent over three seasons. Tierney describes him as “the main cog in the whole big wheel,” and his continued proficiency can tilt the field in favor of the Pioneers.

KEY ADDITIONS
Dan Anderson, SSDM, Fr.

The Syracuse-area product impressed the Pioneers in the fall, and he’s set to immediately factor in as the team’s third or fourth short stick defensive midfielder.

Russell Overly, LSM, Fr.

Tierney has little question the Atlanta product will be a variable on defense, even one with as many entrenched options as Denver has. “This guy is an animal,” Tierney said. “We have seven or eight other guys with poles who might seem to be in front of him, but this guy breathes down every one of their necks every day. Overly will play. We will find a way for this guy to be on the field, even if we have to throw a short stick in his hand once in a while.”

Tye Scott, A, Fr.

One of two Canadian lefties (along with Cody Malawsky) set to debut for the Pioneers this season, Scott could work his way into the mix on attack early in his career.

KEY DEPARTURES
Graduations: Riley Curtis, M; Jack Hannah, M; Johnny Marrocco, A; Ted Sullivan, M
Transfers: Alex Simmons, A (Syracuse)

STORYLINES TO WATCH
Can the Pioneers re-establish themselves?

Tierney acknowledged there were internal team issues last season — nothing major, but significant enough to require offseason attention.

Such intangibles aren’t the only reason Denver wasn’t in the conversation for an at-large berth last May, but it’s striking how the Pioneers have leveled off from national title contender to a program that hasn’t won a league tournament since 2015 or won an NCAA tournament game since 2018.

“We have not lived up to what we established in 2015,” Tierney said. “We’ve been losing Big East tournaments five years in a row. Other than last year, we’ve won the regular season every year. We haven’t lived up to our hype.”

Last year’s up-and-down ride, which featured a victory over Ohio State but also a Big East semifinal ouster, provides a gift to Tierney, who announced on January 5 that this will be his last season. The wily old coach can credibly claim to be a (somewhat) overlooked underdog, a role he has always relished.

Who will man a reconstructed offense?

The early favorites to join JJ Sillstrop on attack are senior Richie Connell (14 G) and sophomore Noah Manning (8 G, 3 A), and Tierney professes comfort with what that group could produce.

“I think we’ll be — depending on whether you’re playing with us or against us — pleasantly surprised by what our attack can do,” Tierney said.

There are fewer proven options in the midfield, where junior Michael Lampert (7 G, 9 A) and sophomore Mic Kelly (3 G) appear set to make a jump from the second line.

For further answers, Denver is likely to look to a junior class and options who arrived on campus late during the pandemic season and then was stuck behind older players last season.

Among the names to keep an eye one: Jack Tortolani (one goal in five games), Jack Tuttle (one goal in four games) and Ty Hussey (did not play in 2022).

How does the goalie situation look?

Jack Thompson (.523 save percentage in 2022) is the favorite to maintain the starting job for a fourth season, though there is at least a little intrigue in the competition.

Tierney said junior Malcolm Kleban, who did not appear in any games last season, has continued to improve. There’s also the addition of freshman Tim McNamara, a well-regarded Wrentham, Mass., native whose arrival also ratchets up the competition.

“If Jack wins the starting job, that’ll make him a lot better,” Tierney said.

Whoever is in cage will work with a tested group in front of him. Among the long sticks with extensive experience are Jack DiBenedetto, Adam Hangland, AJ Mercurio and Malik Sparrow. Tierney is also bullish about the collective ability of short sticks Jake Edinger, Luke Tollefson and Casey Wilson.

ENEMY LINES
WHAT RIVALS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE PIONEERS
“Veteran defensively. They’re an elite defensive group who know who they are and play well together. Offensively, it may take time to figure themselves out, but with Matt Brown coordinating that unit, I’m sure they’re going to be a different team at the end of the season than the beginning.”

“Very, very strong defensively. Who is going to be the guy on the offensive end now that Hannah, Sullivan and those guys are all gone? When they’re quiet and you don’t hear about them, that’s when they’re dangerous. There is no way that Coach Tierney and Matt Brown are just sitting there. They’re figuring things out. Those guys are really smart guys, and they’re going to be really good.”

BEYOND THE BASICS
POWERED BY LACROSSE REFERENCE
50%

There is no doubt that the Pios have a tough challenge ahead in replacing Jack Hannah, Alex Simmons and Ted Sullivan. If you look at the percentage of the points scored by Denver last year, just 39% of that point production is back for 2023. But if you look at overall production (in the form of expected goals), the story is not quite as bleak; as measured by returning EGA (expected-goals-added), 50% of their production is back this year.

[Farfromgeneva]

WoW
That 1972 team...
Emmer, Werhum, Glenz, Rostan, McGetrick - all great coaches coaches ( I think G. Walsh coached as well ) and probably a few more ... and B. Tierney what a great Cortland legacy

I think Urick was gone before 72 but Dave might’ve been there as well.

Now Cortland is best known for the guy who punched Snookie in the Jersey Shore!

[DU-fan]

Thoughts / predictions for the Johns Hopkins scrimmage?

[DU-fan]

https://hopkinssports.com/news/2023/1/2 ... ceoff.aspx

[HillsLax]

Copied from a post from someone who was at the scrimmage, so somewhat Hopkins' oriented.

Scoring:
Q1
Bauer feeds Degnon 12:46 JHU 1-0
DU player crease dancing 2:42 2:42 1-1
Q2
Mcdermott to Bauer for a rip from up top 10:49 JHU 2-1
DU #5 on fast break 10:06 2-2
DU #23 from #5 on fast break 7:54 DU 3-2
Angelus alley dodge-ish 6:09 3-3
DU #14 completely lost by defense two fake doorstep 5:12 DU 4-3
Degnon unassisted 2:32 4-4
Q3
Degnon cleaning up rebound 11:30 JHU 5-4
Collison unassisted top of key 5:25 JHU 6-4
Melendez from Mccdermot back and forth behind net 4:50 JHU 7-4
DU #9 on fast break 3:44 JHU 7-5
DU cleaning up garbage 0:15 JHU 7-6
Q4
Collison unassisted 12:39 JHU 8-6
Chauvette unassisted 11:20 JHU 9-6
Degnon from Phillips emo 10:48 JHU 10-6
Du goal 9:51 JHU 10-7
Running Time Q5
Marquis from collison behind 7:50 JHU 11-7
Marquis from collison 3:00 JHU 12-7
DU #35 crease dive 0:20 JHU 12-8

Face-Offs
It looked like Denver ran #37 out for the faceoff pretty much every time, wasn't paying too close attention come Q5 though
Q1
Dunn loss
Dunn loss on jump violation
Dunn loss
Q2
Callahan win
Callahan win on violation
Callahan loss on violation
Callahan loss
Callahan win then immediate TO
Dunn win
Dunn win but lost his feet running away from trouble -> TO
Q3
Dunn win
Dunn loss
Callahan win
Callahan win
Callahan win then swim
Callahan loss
Q4
Callahan win on violation
Callahan win
Callahan win
Callahan win
Lane loss
Q5
Lane loss
Lane loss
Lane loss

Penalties
DU interference 4:30 Q1
JHU push Ince 3:29 Q1
DU hold 11:00 Q4
JHU push Deans 4:00 Q5

JHU Depth Chart
Attack
Melendez
Angelus
Degnon

Bauer and Melendez switched spots for a run or two in Q4
Q5 lineup was
Marquis
Krampf
Charboneau

Midfield
Bauer
Grimes
Mcdermott

Peshko
Phillips
Chauvette/Collison <- Collison basically got all the runs after Q1 here

SSDM
Martin
Jaronski
Ince
Raposo

41 Arteaga? Injured Q5 6:00 remaining concussion maybe?

Reen
Handsor
Billings

LSM
Mazzone
Brown
Kauffman

Bowler

Defense
Ruddy
Smith
Deans

Brown
Kaufman

Todaro
Tripetta

Goal
Marcille played Q1 + Q2
Versfeld played Q3 and into Q4
Carraciolo played Q4 4:00 to end of Q5

Man Up
Degnon
Melendez
Phillips
Angelus
Grimes
Peshko

Etc:
Not dressed
Narewski
Evans I think (helped warm up goalies)
A decent amount of other folks, if there was a name you might have been expecting to see up above they likely just weren't dressed

Started subbing down the bench a bit defensively with 4 mins left in Q3
Q4 more subs defensively brown, deans, kaufman at close

[Farfromgeneva]

Copied from a post from someone who was at the scrimmage, so somewhat Hopkins' oriented.

Scoring:
Q1
Bauer feeds Degnon 12:46 JHU 1-0
DU player crease dancing 2:42 2:42 1-1
Q2
Mcdermott to Bauer for a rip from up top 10:49 JHU 2-1
DU #5 on fast break 10:06 2-2
DU #23 from #5 on fast break 7:54 DU 3-2
Angelus alley dodge-ish 6:09 3-3
DU #14 completely lost by defense two fake doorstep 5:12 DU 4-3
Degnon unassisted 2:32 4-4
Q3
Degnon cleaning up rebound 11:30 JHU 5-4
Collison unassisted top of key 5:25 JHU 6-4
Melendez from Mccdermot back and forth behind net 4:50 JHU 7-4
DU #9 on fast break 3:44 JHU 7-5
DU cleaning up garbage 0:15 JHU 7-6
Q4
Collison unassisted 12:39 JHU 8-6
Chauvette unassisted 11:20 JHU 9-6
Degnon from Phillips emo 10:48 JHU 10-6
Du goal 9:51 JHU 10-7
Running Time Q5
Marquis from collison behind 7:50 JHU 11-7
Marquis from collison 3:00 JHU 12-7
DU #35 crease dive 0:20 JHU 12-8

Face-Offs
It looked like Denver ran #37 out for the faceoff pretty much every time, wasn't paying too close attention come Q5 though
Q1
Dunn loss
Dunn loss on jump violation
Dunn loss
Q2
Callahan win
Callahan win on violation
Callahan loss on violation
Callahan loss
Callahan win then immediate TO
Dunn win
Dunn win but lost his feet running away from trouble -> TO
Q3
Dunn win
Dunn loss
Callahan win
Callahan win
Callahan win then swim
Callahan loss
Q4
Callahan win on violation
Callahan win
Callahan win
Callahan win
Lane loss
Q5
Lane loss
Lane loss
Lane loss

Penalties
DU interference 4:30 Q1
JHU push Ince 3:29 Q1
DU hold 11:00 Q4
JHU push Deans 4:00 Q5

JHU Depth Chart
Attack
Melendez
Angelus
Degnon

Bauer and Melendez switched spots for a run or two in Q4
Q5 lineup was
Marquis
Krampf
Charboneau

Midfield
Bauer
Grimes
Mcdermott

Peshko
Phillips
Chauvette/Collison <- Collison basically got all the runs after Q1 here

SSDM
Martin
Jaronski
Ince
Raposo

41 Arteaga? Injured Q5 6:00 remaining concussion maybe?

Reen
Handsor
Billings

LSM
Mazzone
Brown
Kauffman

Bowler

Defense
Ruddy
Smith
Deans

Brown
Kaufman

Todaro
Tripetta

Goal
Marcille played Q1 + Q2
Versfeld played Q3 and into Q4
Carraciolo played Q4 4:00 to end of Q5

Man Up
Degnon
Melendez
Phillips
Angelus
Grimes
Peshko

Etc:
Not dressed
Narewski
Evans I think (helped warm up goalies)
A decent amount of other folks, if there was a name you might have been expecting to see up above they likely just weren't dressed

Started subbing down the bench a bit defensively with 4 mins left in Q3
Q4 more subs defensively brown, deans, kaufman at close

"Somewhat" Hop oriented?