Oct. 3rd, 2003 - BYU Faces National Lacrosse Powers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Rueckert
(801)422-3316

October 3, 2003

BYU Faces National Lacrosse Powers

BYU's first invitation to the Pumpkin Stick-Out pits them against three programs on Saturday, October 4, each having earned varying national recognition in past years. Head coach Jason Lamb said BYU's success won't only be found in the Cougar's ability to score, but in the frame of mind the BYU team might come away with from the tournament.

"We can walk away with a gift of understanding as to why we need to work hard and what we need to do better," Lamb said.

BYU's first game Saturday against 2003 National JUCO Champion Herkimer CC will introduce the Cougars to energy on the field Lamb said he hopes his team will learn from. Scott Barnard becomes the new head coach after working as assistant coach since '97. The Generals finished their 2003 season 18-0 and ranked #1 nationally. (http://www.hccc.ntcnet.com/athletics/teams/lacrosse_mens/index.htm)

BYU faces Rochester Institute of Technology in the second game of the day. RIT finished 7-8 overall in 2003 and fourth place in the elite Empire League. Head coach Gene Peluso is going into his third season as the Tigers head coach. (http://www.ritathletics.com/index.asp?path=mlax )

The Cougar's third game of the day is against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who earned a #18 national ranking and finished with a 10-3 record in 2003. RPI narrowly missed qualifying for the NCAA tournament last year, losing by one goal to Skidmore. Syracuse graduate Tom Korrie begins his first year coaching RPI. (http://www.rpi.edu/dept/athletics/m_lax/m-lacrosse.htm)

Lamb said he knows there's interest within the lacrosse community about the outcomes of the three games, but stresses that fall-ball is a time for evaluation and team growth.

"This isn't about bragging rights," Lamb said. "These teams are working out their rosters and we're trying to take a step in the right direction. We have to establish a tradition of being able to compete with top programs."

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