Originally Posted by Anonymous
Originally Posted by Anonymous
Originally Posted by Anonymous
Good hands? Loyola does so little with the talent they have. That’s a coaching issue.

LB had a weak face off game and an often disappearing team defense. All four teams in the semis had both better FOGOs and keepers. LBs settled offense, when they got the ball, was generally anemic and out moded. They didn't generate enough transition offense out of some great individual defenders to bridge the gap on settled offense.

One of their top LSMs could have easily insisted on being inserted at the X to stop the bleeding in the face off game. I've seen the individuals on their D play during the Summer and they know how to play proper team D. Sliding fast to a shorty or an overmatched or picked opponent is defensive lacrosse 101. The same applies to desgning game plans and finalizing match ups. Kids these days watch a ton of film, go to a ton of college level clinics, know how to play the proper way and have awareness of themselves as a unit. If the HC or coordinators don't do it, the team's leaders need to step forward and have the units self correct. Part of becoming a leader is learning how and when to build consensus to challenge the status quo if it isn't working.


Loyola lacks in leadership from the administration, coaches, captains and players. I would not send my kid to that school until they get it together. Otherwise you will end up transferring like so many kids have.

Best academic Catholic school in the region hands down. The administration is strong. You can criticize the coaches, but captains and players? You don't have any clue what you are talking about.[/quote]

If you have fundamental or schematic shortcomings, its up to the senior leadership to address it quickly and get the problem fixed. These young men (18 and 19 year olds) know how to play the game correctly. Watch the LB game film. One or two games of poor offensive and defensive fundamentals can be attributed to poor preparation by the coaching staff. When poor play extends for two full seasons the onus for poor fundamentals and not addressing schematic failures shifts from the staff soley to the players and staff collectively. Ultimately, the players "own" the team experience (especially the seniors) for that year. Giving the captains and players a pass does not prepare them to be leaders on collegiate teams or in life. Effective team leaders aka top players and captains take action (as a group generally after building consensus) for positive change. If that means additional team film sessions, calling the staff and their teammates out (in a constructive way) to play the game the "right" way, etc. so be it. Intelligent coaching staffs will welcome properly channeled and respectful leadership group input. Teams only reach their potential when everyone on the squad takes ownership for the team's performance.