2010 Alumni Game
Following the KUA varsity’s 14-6 victory over New Hampton, 24 KUA Alumni limped onto the field for what turned out to be a late afternoon thriller. Two teams were somehow carved evenly by coach Mike Cloutman. While most considered themselves attackmen, a few were coaxed to run midfield and play a bit of defense. As we all know, most of the action in lacrosse happens in transition, and this battle did not disappoint the many fans that stayed around after the varsity game. Highlights during the game included a rusty gate check by Chris Webber (’01) on brother Peter Webber (’05) and a hard hit by Jay Hayes (’96) on Cody Danforth (’08). Danforth, after realigning his spine, gathered to his feet and assured the multitude that he was OK. Coach Russman took away Justin Wright’s (’09) right (and his game) but evidently Justin has been working on his left and sniped 8 hole on Justin Zoney (’06). Zonay, often times left alone with 1-0, 2-0, and the occasional 3-0, nonetheless held his ground and recorded numerous saves on the afternoon. At the other end, Jake Gray (’09) turned in an equally impressive performance until he abandoned his post at the half to try his hand at attack. Jon Romero (’96) Ben Fisher (’96) and Evan Thompson (’96) were just getting their timing down on attack as time expired at the end of the 4th quarter. Had the game gone to overtime, they would have been lethal. Steve Kontos (’09) dominated the face-off circle and Kyle Curry (’09) ripped a few lefties for old time’s sake. PJ Davey (’00) was not afraid to rip a few of his own and brothers Robin Liston (’01) and Scott Liston (‘00) both played with spirit and deft, each probably racking up goals and a few assists. Denning Coates (’00) displayed many graceful, yet futile attempts to drive to the goal and Peter Schieffelin’s (’96), reminiscent of his days as a Wildcat, displayed his stork-like strides on the fast break. Converted Rugby player Rob Grant made his way back to the hilltop and showed much potential and Gabe Stein (’95) showed hustle and determination with multiple end to end runs of his own in the midfield.
Former middie Andrew Morgan (’08) and goalie Nate Cook (’01) both jumped in to play D-pole and showed they have not lost a step. Scott Schachter (’08), as much as my memory can recall, sniped at least one, probably two highlight goals, at least one a diving effort with nobody really on him but it looked sweet. Matt Parker (’08) threatened to hit a few men dodging into the crease area but controlled himself and merely smiled and grinned, leaving no doubt that he still owned the crease. The final score, an 11-10 victory by the “black” pinnies over the “white” team, actually took on a bit of suspense as the score progressed from 8-8, 9-8, 9-9, 10-9, 10-10, and then finally 11-10 in the final 15 minutes.
All together, it was a great time for all. Coach Cloutman proposed forming a possible KUA alumni team, or two, to compete in the Lake Placid Summit Lacrosse Classic in the summer of 2011. There are open, masters, and grand masters division. The tournament takes place annually in the first week of August. Please email Mike Cloutman at mcloutman@kua.org if you have any interest.
It was great to see so many of you on Saturday and equally nice to hear from many KUA alumni, many of whom continue to play at the college level. We will be adding some sleek features to the KUA website next year and there is certain to be an “Alumni in Action” page. In the meantime, best of luck to Zach Dayno and his Middlebury Panthers as they take on the Tufts Jumbos for a rematch of the NESCAC finals in the quarterfinals of the NCAA DIII tournament this Saturday.
Best to all,
Coach Russman
