Cassese checks in upon return from tryouts
9/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
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Friday PM:
Touched down at the Comfort Suites in Nanuet, NY at 6:40. After checking in, picking up my equipment bag (some pretty nice gear - Warrior/Brine/New Balance) and dropping my things in my room, I made a quick trip to pick up some provisions at Path Mark. Some Gatorade, water, Power Bars, pretzels, fruit, and the all important Swedish Fish should do the trick for the next few days. Initial team meeting was at 8 pm. It lasted about two hours as there were a lot of logistics to cover. We heard from Jody Martin, US Lacrosse Men's Division Director, Billy Rebman, 2010 team general manager, Jimmy Butler, master of equipment operations, Anthony Ortolano, sports med director, and last but not least Mike Pressler, 2010 team head coach. All in all, it was a great meeting. A lot of positive energy from the staff and the players as well. The total number of ball players for this weekend and subsequent tryout weekends will be 41. Two players were added to the roster and one dropped out since the tryouts took place back in June. It is great to see everyone...catching up with old teammates, old coaches, and having the chance to put a face with the names of some of the younger players. All signs point to an incredible lacrosse experience this weekend and throughout the fall.
Saturday AM:
Nice early wake-up call - 6:30am. Quick stretch and out to the main restaurant area for breakfast at 7:00am. Once again, a lot of excitement and energy...anticipation for the events of the day. It is going to be a fun day... A long day... But a fun one. We kick things off with a team practice from 9:30-12:00. Break for Lunch. Come back for a youth clinic from 1:00-4:00. Quick Break, followed by an intrasquad scrimmage at 6:00 pm, and a team dinner to follow on base at West Point at Assistant Coach Joe Alberici's house (Joe is the head coach at Army - and was the assistant coach as Duke during my days as a student-athlete. I look forward to spending time with his wife and kids. They are some of my favorite people of all time).
Right now:
Sitting on the bus from Nanuet to West Point. I am sitting with my buddy Ryan McClay (Cornell '03) who is an upstate native. He tells me the trip is approx 45 mins. The bus is BUZZING this morning. The fellas are amped up. I've seen this before and I recognize the feeling. Excitement is a good thing. Butterflies are natural. It is going to be important to set the tone early, but not fly out of the gates too hard. For the individual and for the team, it is important to recognize this is a marathon, not a sprint. But, everyone wants to make a great first impression. Regardless, I promise you that after the events of today, the bus ride home at 10 pm tonight will be a little more quiet and a little more reserved.
Almost there... Almost go time... Will check back later.
Saturday PM:
Bus ride home... As I suspected... A little more subdued on the way home. That was an action packed day. It was highlighted by the blue/white intrasquad scrimmage under the lights at Michie Stadium. (Which, oh by the way, brought back some great memories from the huge Lehigh at Army OT win in '09. Especially, when I scored a second half goal on the same net that then freshman Cameron Lao-Gosney scored the game-winner on). The blue/white game was AWESOME. The level of play was incredible. The speed of the game was as fast as I have ever seen as a player or coach. I was selected as the game captain for the blue squad and I enjoyed the extra responsibilities. I was proud of our squad... I thought we fought hard, especially after we took a 7-4 deficit into the locker room at half time. We out scored the white squad 6-3 in the 3rd quarter and found ourselves all tied at 10 headed into the fourth. Unfortunately, I think we expended the majority of our energy during the 3rd quarter comeback, as we fell in the end by the score of 14-13. I will say this... I am not sure I have had more fun on the lacrosse field in my entire playing career as I did tonight. I do not envy the coaching staff as they begin to figure out who they are going to select for the final 23 man roster. Everyone is good, really good. But, the reality is that 17 guys will not move on. Regardless of all that, this is one incredible lacrosse experience and I am proud to be a part of it. 11pm - Bed time. I am exhausted... Talk to you tomorrow.
Sunday AM:
Another 6:30am wake-up call. I will admit... I hit the snooze once. Figured I earned it. Wow... I knew I would be sore, I just didn't realize I would be THIS sore. My hammys are screaming! I guess that means I worked hard yesterday. Time for a little breakfast with the fellas and then off to our final practice of the weekend. We will be helmets and gloves (AKA Q-tips) this morning, and Coach Pressler has informed us we will be doing some stick work, some O/D walk-thru, some ride/clear, and we're out. Time for me to go, as it takes me about 20 extra minutes to get my body prepared for practice. They certainly don't make me like they used to!!!
Sunday PM:
2:00…Just arrived back home in Bethlehem. Greeted by a hug and kiss from both my wife and my 11 week old Golden Doodle Puppy. Had to stop for a Dunkin' Donuts coffee on the way home. Considered going for a turbo hot (extra shot of espresso) but decided against the high test. The unleaded blend did the trick. On the drive home I had the chance to reflect of the entire weekend. What an unbelievable experience this is. Great teammates, outstanding coaches, hard-working support staff, and one collective goal... To win a World Championship... To go across the pond and lay it all on the line... And, to come back to the States with a gold medal. We are off to a good start, but I realize there is a lot of work to do. I am already counting the days to tryout weekend number two. Annapolis, Maryland here we come - October 16-18. Should be a fun one.
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