Before head coach Bill Tierney was hired in August 2009, the University of Denver men’s lacrosse program was composed of a mere 12 players.
In only two seasons, Tierney’s presence on the field has caused players nationwide to flock to Denver, bolstering the program to an elite level in recruitment.
It’s undeniable that the team’s postseason run to the Final Four, where DU lost to the University of Virginia, helped the program gain national exposure and now has Tierney fending off players from his roster, which has blossomed over the past three summers.
“This year was the most competitive tryout process we have had in my three years at DU,” said Tierney. “Out of the 10 walk-ons that tried out for the team, five would have made it in previous years. That says a lot of the competition and skill we have in our players.”
From last season’s roster only eight players graduated, increasing competition amongst walk-ons, recruits and transfers this fall.
While it has been a selective process, Tierney will welcome 10 recruits and three transfers to the 2012 roster. Inside Lacrosse ranked the incoming class No. 20 in the country, for the third time in the last seven years.
In 2006, the Pioneer recruit class was ranked no. 10, while in 2008 the Pioneers recruit class was ranked No. 8.
Included in the 2015 recruit class is Fort Collins native Ryan LaPlante. LaPlante, a goaltender, received national attention when he was named a Colorado All-American lacrosse player, adding appearances in both the ESPN Rise Top-20 Rising Senior Goalies list and the Lax.com Class of 2011 Top Goalies list.
“It’ll be interesting to see how LaPlante finds his way onto the field,” said Tierney. “He is a wonderful young man, he is going to be a collegiate All-American and everybody loves him.”
Another freshman to keep an eye out for during the 2012 season is Minnesota native Carson Cannon, according to Tierney.
“Carson comes to us from Minnesota, where lacrosse is just beginning to get better,” said Tierney. “We weren’t too sure on how he would compete against better competition, but so far we like his game a lot.”
Senior Mark Matthews has survived the tryout process four times and has been a major part of the recent success DU lacrosse has experienced.
Last season, Matthews was the Pioneers’ offensive producer, tallying 46 goals and 24 assists in 18 games. This year, Matthews will be needed for his scoring but will also be called upon to step up as a leader.
“I need to help the guys learn what to expect from coach,” said Matthews. “When coach goes on one of his rants, I need to keep the guys going along.”
While the regular season does not start until March, the Pioneers will hold practices throughout the offseason to prepare for the 2012 season. The Pioneers will face Harvard on Oct. 8 in San Fransisco as part of an exhibition tournament.
