2008 Poets Men's Lacrosse Preview

The 2008 Whittier College men's lacrosse team has very lofty expectations for the 2008 season.  Last year was a season of heartbreak, as four of the seven total losses came in overtime.  In 2008, the Poets are working to erase the memory of the past few years and make a run in the NCAA playoffs.

Under second year Head Coach Nate Watkins, the Poets are hungry and seeking redemption.  The have brought in some very talented freshman, while losing only three seniors.  Of the eighteen returning players -- seven of them seniors -- eight were starters in 2007. This year's off-season has already been full of intensity in the weight room and on the field, a sign of the team's determination. The non-traditional season begins the second week of November.

Lead by talented senior, four-year starter, and two-time team captain Daniel Aas and Coach Brian Kelly, the Poets return a solid defense that lost no players to graduation.  Aas will rely on his strength and smarts as he looks to prove himself as one of the top Divison III defenseman in the nation.  Juniors Dustin Kramer, Connor Schryver, and David Barr all look poised to have stand-out seasons. Todd Drotleff is another four-year starter who will continue to be productive as a long-stick midfielder, and freshman Riley Myrick's size and speed will be useful.  Junior Goalie Ben Brown will continue his dominance in cage, coming back from an excellent season where he posted 104 saves in just eleven games.

Offensively, the Poets return a potent group of scorers after only graduating two.  Anthony Lackey is the real deal, leading the team in points, goals, and tied for assists in 2007.  Sophomore Christian Wright is Lackey's counterpart at attack, coming off of a very productive rookie season.  Talent at the midfield for the Poets is thick.  Kevin McCarroll is a key offensive weapon and face-off man.  Chuck Wagner brings the heat from the midfield, and both will be a huge part of the offense in 2008.  Alex Chaudry looks to make an immediate impact with his quickness after missing all of 2007.  Ben Barchey is a versatile player who will be useful at both the midfield and attack positions.

As the Whittier College Poets enter the 2008 lacrosse season, it is clear that a return to Division III glory is inevitable.  Join the Poets as they kick off the season at home on February 16 against Notre Dame de Namur in the first of two NCAA Calfiornia showdowns.