Welcome to the official Fort Lewis College Lacrosse website - member of the RMLC(Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference)

You have to go back to 1995 for the last time Fort Lewis hosted the "King of the Mountain"  fall ball tournament. That year Utah State, Western State College, and the Air Force Academy descended upon Durango's "Campus in the Sky" to lay claim upon the King of the Mountain title. The cadets ended up winning the event that fall, and went on to NCAA Division I Varsity Status shortly there after. Twelve years later, The Skyhawks go 5-0 over the weekend to win the 2007 tournament, though varsity status for the FLC program does not appear to be in the near future.

Three RMLC Division II West Region teams, Western State, University of New Mexico, and Northern Arizona University traveled to Durango to join the Skyhawks for a friendly fall tournament. Saturday each team played one another in a round robin format to seed them 1-4 for Sunday's semi finals and championship games. Fort Lewis went 3-0 Saturday to claim the #1 seed, while Northern Arizona finished 2-1, good enough for the #2 seed.  Western state defeated UNM, while losing to FLC and NAU. The team finished 1-2 and the #3 seed. The UNM Lobos, much improved from their inaugural MCLA season in 07, finished 0-3 and the #4 seed. Sunday's games saw Western State take NAU to overtime before eventually falling 7-6. NAU captain Troy Elliot found the back of the net two minutes into the sudden victory period to seal the win. Fort Lewis turned back the Lobos by a score of 8-6 in the second semi final to set up the championship game. Tom Ross led the Hawks over the Lumberjacks in the championship game with four goals to win the King of the Mountain Tournament with a score of 9-2.

In FLC's first game, a 11-3 victory over UNM, Senior Tom Ross paced the team with 3 goals and one assist. Chad Murphy (2G, 1A), Herkimer transfer Matt Lindsley (2G) and Danny Lowry (1G, 1A) contributed offensively. In game two, a 5-3 victory over NAU, the Lumberjacks proved to be a formidable opponent and one to watch out for in 08. Tyler Pousson and Tom Ross scored for the Hawks to give them a 2-1 halftime lead. Three more goals in the second half, two by Ross and one by  Lindsley sealed the victory. Dan Riecks was the star of FLC's third game, a 7-4 victory over Western State. Riecks finished with 4 points (3 G, 1A) and a solid performance.

Sunday's semi finals saw NAU vs Western and FLC vs UNM. NAU's Overtime win against Western and the Skyhawks 8-6 victory over the Lobos set the stage for the championship game. Fort jumped out to an early lead and went into halftime up 5-1. Four more goals in the second half while allowing only one gave Fort Lewis the 9-2 win and the Title of King of the Mountain for 2007.

Westminster holds on to edge out Fort Lewis

updated - 2007-03-31

Salt Lake City, UT: In what could be one preview of the RMLC Division B Championship game, Westminster College hosted Fort Lewis College as the two teams played for the first time ever. In a game that lived up to the hype, it was the Griffins who were able to capitalize on four goals in the fourth to hold onto and preserve a two goal victory 15-13 over the Skyhawks. 
	Westminster got on the board first 13:49 in, but was quickly answered by Danny Lowry (Littleton, CO/ Littleton, 1G) of Fort Lewis tying it at one. One minute later FLC’s Chad Murphy (Middlebury, VT/ Middlebury Union, 5G, 3A) took a pass from Erik Johnson and scored his first of five goals on the day, giving the Hawks the 2-1 lead. As would be the theme all quarter, Westminny answered back two minutes later tying it at 2. Two more times Fort Lewis went up, only to have Westminster tie the score. The Griffins ended the first quarter with two goals and a two point lead 6-4.
	FLC’s Chad Murphy, showing the form that made him a 2006 All American and top Division B scorer last year, pumped in two goals to even things up at 6 a piece. Then on the next possession, Murphy dislodged the ball from the Westminster keeper and found a wide open Andy Grenhart (Centennial, CO/Eaglecrest, 1G) in front for the empty netter and the 7-6 lead with 11:03 left in the half. This would be the last goal scored by FLC in the half as the Griffin defense tightened things up. The Westminster offense scored two goals one minute apart at the 10:31 mark and the 9:41 mark taking the lead 8-7. The Hawk’s defense of Ryan Stolley, Kevin Burns, and Dan Riecks allowed only one more goal by the opposition with, 3 minutes left in the half, sending the teams into the locker room with FLC down 9-7. 
	Not allowing the game to slip away from them as has happened some in the third quarter this year, Fort Lewis was determined to play there best ball, and it showed. The Hawks came out on fire, outscoring the Griffins 4-2 in the quarter. Defenseman Ryan Stolley scooped up a loose ball from the defensive half of the field three minutes in, ran the length of the field and hit a streaking Pousson in front who buried the shot, giving the defender his second assist of the year and closing the gap to one. On yet another successful ride, Erik Johnson stripped a Griffen Defender and found Pousson on the crease to tie the game. An EMO goal by Johnson with 7:01 left, and an unassisted goal a minute later by Murphy gave FLC a two point lead. Westminster brought the score within one just under five to play in the third, and then with 14 seconds left capitalized on an FLC unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, setting the stage for another classic RMLC Division B finish and a 11-11 tie. 
	FLC’s Pat McGrath (Cincinnati, OH/ Seven Hills) won the ensuing faceoff, however the Hawks missed a golden opportunity when Pousson’s shot ricocheted off the top cross bar  and down at the goalie’s feet. The Griffins showed poise and with 12:51 left in the game went ahead on a JT Nebeker goal. Westminster added two more goals, to stretch their lead to 14-11 before FLC’s Tom Ross got his first goal of the game, bringing the Hawks within 2. The Griffins answered right back 45 seconds later going up 15-12. Both teams battled until the end, with Ross netting his second of the day, and the teams last, making the score 15-13 with 3:03 left to play. Westminster was able to successfully run out the clock despite the double teaming pressure of the Hawks. The loss was the first in Division for Fort Lewis, and their fourth overall. Despite the loss, the Fort Lewis players and coaching staff were proud of their effort and feel confident in their abilities to play with the top B teams in the nation. Up next for the Fort is CSU-Pueblo at home April 7.

Skyhawks Hang Tough Against Top Division A Team

updated - 2007-03-30

Salt Lake City, UT: Coming off an upset win at home vs #4 ranked Utah Valley State College, The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks took on The University of Utah Utes on the road. On paper this game, featuring the #13 ranked Division A team against the #11 ranked Division B team, should have been over before it started, but someone forgot to tell that to the Skyhawks. Up against a team whose bench more than doubled the seven reserves FLC sported, the Skyhawks played like a team capable of competing with some of the top Division A teams in the country,… for a half.

FLC drew first blood 13:26 into the contest when Tyler Pousson (Littleton, CO/ Columbine 5G, 1A) rolled inside and slipped one past the Utah keeper. Utah answered back less than a minute later tying the score, then going ahead 2-1 just under 3 minutes played. Danny Lowry (Littleton, CO/ Littleton, 3G, 1A) evened things up for the Fort driving one on one from the top and bouncing one in. The teams would trade possessions several times before Utah’s Tom Fernandez broke the stalemate with 7:51 left in the first. Twenty seconds later Erik Johnson (Chicago, IL/ Greenbrook South, 3A) found a wide open Chad Murphy (Middlebury, VT/ Middlebury Union, 2G) on the crease for the lay up to even the score. A minute and a half later, Pousson found the back of the net to once again give the Skyhawks the lead. Both teams defenses would be tested for the next  six minutes not giving up anything, until Fernandez once again tied the score 4-4 with :28 left in the first.

The Skyhawks jumped up 5-4 three and half minutes into the second on another Pousson goal, holding the lead for three minutes until Walker Hewlett of the Ute’s rifled one past FLC’s Peter Gavinski (Madison, WI/Madison LaFollette, 23 Svs). Once again both defenses clamped down allowing a total of three goals the rest of the quarter. Utah held the Skyhawks scoreless until with :17 seconds left, Johnson found Pousson for his fourth goal of the half, capitalizing on their first extra man opportunity. The Utes outscored the Hawks 3-2 in the quarter and went into halftime up 7-6.

The second half was another story for the Hawks. Utah’s depth played a key roll in there ability to roll off 5 unanswered goals in a six minute span to start the third quarter, putting them up 12-6, allowing them to pull away. A relentless ride gave the Utes numerous opportunities for scoring, while limiting FLC in their transition game. Not to go down without a fight, the Skyhawks mounted a comeback with two EMO goals, one from Lowry with 4:45 left and one from Murphy at  the 2:53 mark.  The Hawks added two more goals, one from Cade Carlson (Centennial, CO/ Green Mountain, 1G, 1A) and another from Lowry. The Utes tagged on two more at the end of the quarter and went into the fourth up 14-10. Being able to draw from their bench, Utah outran and outscored FLC 8-3 in the fourth going on to the 22-13 win.

Notes:

-This was FLC’s second game against a Division A team this year, both losses. The previous game was against Texas Tech to start the season

- Fort Lewis College’s first RMILL (now RMLC) win was vs Utah in 1997 in the “bubble”. an 12-8 victory.

-Fort Lewis beat Utah in 1996 to win the Utah Invitational Tournament (Prior to MCLA)

-Tyler Pousson had 4 goals in the first half, 5 total, and 6 points to lead the team.

-The game was played on Judge Memorial’s (UT Highschool) new turf field, a great facility over looking Salt Lake City.

-FLC’s man up offense was 4 for 6 on the day

-With depletions to the Skyhawk defense, Dan Riecks moved from starting middie and played the whole game at close Defense for the first time all season, playing well.

Fort Lewis Takes Down No. 4 Utah Valley State College

updated - 2007-03-24

Durango, CO (3/23/07): The #11 Fort Lewis College Skyhawks took down the #4 Utah Valley State College Wolverines in an epic back and forth battle Friday in Durango, Colorado. In a game that saw seven lead changes, including five in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t until Tom Ross picked up a loose ball 10 yards out and bounced in the game winner putting the Hawks up for good. This was a key match for playoff seeding in the highly competitive RMLC Division B West Region.

UVSC opened up the scoring just under three minutes in when Steve Matt’s cross field clearing pass went directly to the Wolverine attack who scored the lay up. Three minutes later UV made it a 2-0 lead off a fast break goal. The Hawks got on the board at 8:12 in the first when leading scorer and starting attackman Tyler Pousson (Littleton, CO/ Columbine) scored unassisted. Four minutes later Chad Murphy put in his only goal of the day to tie it up at 2. While FLC dominated the time of possession in the first quarter, it was the Wolverines who added two more goals, including one with 19 seconds left, to go up 4-2 after one.

The Hawk’s Pat McGrath (Cincinnati, OH/ Seven Hills) who absolutely dominated the face off X winning 25-31 draws on the day, won the ensuing face and quickly fed one to Cade Carlson (Lakewood, CO/ Green Mountain) scoring 6 seconds into the second making it a one goal game. FLC would score three more unanswered goals from Austin Mickel (Centennial, CO/ Cherry Creek), Tyler Pousson, and Tom Ross (Louisville, CO/ Monarch) to take the lead and then go up by two. The Skyhawk defense of Ryan Stolley (Denver, CO/ Smokey Hill), Kevin Burns (Reston, VA/ Reston), and Steve Matt (Centennial, CO/Regis) were stellar the second quarter holding UVSC scoreless for nearly 14 minutes, until the Wolverines were able to slip one past goalie Pete Gavinski (Madison, WI/Madison LaFollette) with 1:18 left in the half. This made the halftime score FLC 6 UVSC 5.

The rain began to fall in the third, but did not slow down the Fort offense, which came out and rolled off three goals in two minutes. Goals by Dan Riecks (Littleton, CO/ Columbine), Danny Lowry (Littleton, CO/ Littleton), and Tom Ross pushed FLC’s lead to 9-5. UVSC quickly countered and scored ten seconds later to make it a 9-6 game. Both teams’ defenses stepped up for the next seven minutes holding each other scoreless, while UVSC’s goalie Cory Heward made multiple saves to keep his team in it. The Wolverines then showed why they are the defending RMLC Div B champs by charging back and rolling off three unanswered goals in a minute and a half to tie the score at 9-9, setting up a classic fourth quarter finish.

UVSC took the lead 12:58 into the fourth when Rich Morrey ripped on past Gavinski (7 Svs, 13 GAA). Freshman Andy Grenhart countered for FLC one minute later on an assist from Austin Mickel to pull it even at 10. The Hawks went back on top a minute thirty later on a Pousson goal. Once again, not to be out done, Morrey tied the game with 8:11 to play, and then UV went on top 25 seconds later on a goal by Ryan Cantwell. FLC continued to put pressure on the Wolverine defense, eventually able to capitalize when Pat McGrath fed Cade Carlson just under five minutes to tie the score at 12. Two minutes later Tyler Pousson found the back of the net to once again give the Skyhawks the lead. But just like a good heavyweight fight, UVSC, down but not out, countered less than a minute later with 1:55 left tying it at 13. As he had done all game, Pat McGrath won the crucial ensuing face off giving FLC an opportunity for the win. After several key saves by Heward, FLC’s Tom Ross scooped up a loose ball ten yards out and bounced in his third, and most important, goal of the day, putting the Hawks up for good. McGrath once again won the next face off and Fort Lewis successfully ran out the clock despite the heavy pressure and double teaming of the Wolverines.

Notes:
- The win was FLC’s second in the realigned highly competitive RMLC Division B west region.
- The win brought FLC’s record to 2-0, 3-2 overall. The top four teams in the region will advance to the RMLC playoffs, as well as the top four teams from the East region. Rounding out the West Region is new comer and #3 ranked Westminster College, Northern Arizona, Western State, New Mexico, #4 Utah Valley, and #11 Fort Lewis.
- Pat McGrath took every face off for the Hawks winning 25 of 31 (80.6%)
- Pete Gavinski had 7 saves allowing 13 goals for FLC.
- This was Fort Lewis’s first victory over UVSC since 2004 when they defeated them 15-14 in the RMLC Div B Championship in Provo, UT.
- FLC has yet to have their starting defensive unit play a game together. Freshman Matt Cawley (Centennial, CO/ Mullen) missed his fourth game, and starter Al Green was out with a high ankle sprain.

Skyhawks Fall to Bears

updated - 2007-03-23

Greeley, CO 3/17/07- The Skyhawks lost to the Northern Colorado Bears 13-7 in Greeley on Saturday in a game between two top nationally ranked MCLA Division B teams. This was the first game in nearly a month for the Skyhawks who last played  February 23 against New Mexico. The game was a tale of two halves for FLC. The first half Fort Lewis controlled time of possession, face offs, and extra man opportunities, but was not able to pull away from the pesky Bears, going into halftime 4-4. It appeared spring break caught up with the Hawks the second half who spent five minutes in the penalty box in the third period alone, and got out scored 9-3 in the half.

FLC’s Pat McGrath won the opening face off, but it would be nearly ten minutes before the Hawks would open the scoring on a Erik Johnson (1G, 1A) feed to Tyler Pousson (2G, 2A). Cade Carlson (2G) added another putting FLC up 2-0. UNC slid one past Pete Gavinski (15 svs, 13 GA) finishing the quarter 2-1. Both teams defenses played tough in the second, with FLC giving up three and the Bears letting up 2. Pousson hooked up with Chad Murphy (1G) for one score, and scored unassisted on the other. The teams went into halftime 4-4.

The second half started out strong for the Hawks when Cade Carlson ripped one top shelf to put FLC up 5-4. UNC answered right back less than a minute later tying it at 5. The two teams would trade goals again, first with an extra man goal by Tom Ross (1G), and then the Bears answered right back, 6-6. Then the Skyhawks found themselves in penalty trouble, twice playing two men down, and surrendering 3 extra man goals finishing the third down 8-6. UNC, led by some solid defense and stellar goalie play of Grantt Platt, continued to put the pressure on the Hawks forcing some key turnovers and scoring in transition. The loss evened up FLC’s record at 2-2. Up next for Fort Lewis is the #4 nationally ranked Utah Valley State College Wolverines  Friday afternoon in Durango.

Skyhawks Victorious in Albuquerque

updated - 2007-02-24

After a season opening weekend in Texas, where the Hawks finished 1-1, losing big to Texas Tech and wining big against St Edwards, it was time to take on a RMLC opponent. Up first in RMLC Division B play was fellow West Region, and longtime FLC foe, the University of New Mexico Lobos. The Skyhawks and Lobos, FLC�s geographically closest game located three and half hours from Durango, have been playing each other since the early 80�s when both teams were basically Men�s Clubs. The Lobos have never beaten Fort Lewis, at least since 1993 when current coach John Robinette took over the program. Saturdays meeting would be the first time that both teams would meet on the field as purely college teams. Unfortunately for UNM, the outcome would be the same, with Fort Lewis putting up a convincing 20-3 victory, earning their first RMLC win of the early season.

The game, played in blustery conditions in Albuquerque, NM, saw FLC jump out to an early 3-0 lead on goals by Eric Johnson (2G, 4A), Dan Riecks (2G), and Chad Murphy (4G, 3A). UNM answered back, scoring two of their own in the first quarter off of extra man opportunities. Murphy would add a fourth goal for FLC, ending the half with a 4-2 lead, a very respectable score for the young UNM team coached by John Westfall.

The second and third quarter would be a different story however, with the Skyhawk defense lead by Captain Ryan Stolley, Steve �Cheese� Matt, Andrew Ramsey, Adam Allen, and Goalie Peter Gavinski (6 Svs, 3 GA) shutting the Lobos out for over 35 minutes. Meanwhile the FLC offense started to click on all cylinders with ten different players picking up points. Cade Carlson (2G, 4A) got things going 55 seconds into the 2nd when he scooped up a loose ball at the top of the box and fed Johnson for a layup in front. Two minutes later Austin Mickel (4G) rifled one past the Lobo keeper. Two more goals by Murphy, one by Tyler Pousson (2G, 2A) and one by Danny Lowry (1G, 1A) made the score 10-2 going into the half.

Fort started the third quarter with a new attack unit of Austin Mickel, Tom Ross (2G) and Cade Carlson, while Chad Murphy and his 7 points moved to defense. FLC showed no sign of slowing down, capitalizing four more times on goals from Ross, Riecks, Ross again, and Carlson, while holding UNM scoreless.

The fourth quarter belonged to Mickel, who scored 3 of his four goals in the period. The first one unassisted 35 seconds in, and then less than a minute later, taking a feed from Eric Johnson and burying his shot past the Lobo keeper. Not to be discouraged, the UNM squad continued to fight hard with a never say die attitude. This determination paid off when they were able to slip another past Gavinski giving them a three for the day. FLC would close out the contest with goals by Andy Grenhart (1G, 1A), Pousson, and Mickel, bringing home the victory 20-3. All Skyhawks saw significant action, including freshman rookies Travis �Tex� Downing, Cash �Money� Kiser, and Sophomore Brian Christopherson. Pat McGrath played a stellar game at the mid field, winning over 80% of his draws and scooping up 6 GB�s.

The #12 Skyhawks, bringing their record to 2-1 overall, do not play again until March 17 in Greeley, CO when they take on the #9 UNC Bears. FLC will be on spring break March 5-9, and will return to the practice field to prepare for this much anticipated RMLC Division B match up march 12. FLC beat UNC last year at home by one.

Texas Lacrosse Trip

updated - 2007-02-19

Skyhawks Open Season in Texas, Finish Weekend 1-1. Fort Lewis Falls 21-8 to Division A Foe Texas Tech, Wins Big 12-1 vs St Edwards University a LSA Division B opponent.

Lubbock, TX Friday 2/16- The Fort Lewis College Lacrosse team made the 10 hour bus drive from Durango to Lubbock to take on the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. This rivalry dates back to 2000 when the two teams met for the first time. Prior to this meeting the Skyhawks and Raiders have played a total of four times, with FLC winning the first two, but not posting a victory since 2002. Unfortunately for the Skyhawks, this season would not be the year for their next victory, falling to the Lone Star Alliance Division A foe 21-8.

The Friday night game would be the first of the season for Fort Lewis, while it was Tech’s fourth. The lack of games, and the fact that the Hawks have been forced to practice mainly indoors due to snow, definitely showed as they looked sloppy and were beat in many facets of the game. Texas Tech, led by the 7 goal 1 assist performance of their starting midfielder Clayton, were able to hold back the potent FLC attack and keep the Hawks to 8 goals.

FLCs defense, missing starters Matt Cawley and Kevin Burns, and middies struggled to contain Tech’s transition game. The Skyhawks new starting goalie, Peter Gavinski, made 17 saves in his lacrosse debut. Tyler Pousson led the scoring for the Fort with 4 goals 1 assist, while fellow attackmen Erik Johnson (2G, 1A), Cade Carlson (1G, 1A), and Tom Ross (1G) had points.

Saturday 2/17- Fort Lewis posted their first win of the season Saturday with a 12-1 victory over St Edwards University of Austin, TX. The game started out slow with both teams having some opportunities until Tyler Pousson (2G, 1A) hooked up with Chad  Murphy (1G, 4A) on a extra man goal and a 1-0 first quarter lead. The Hawks would roll off 5 more unanswered goals in the second by Erik Johnson (2G, 1A), Austin Mickel (3G), and Danny Lowry (2G, 1A), entering halftime with a 6-0 lead.

The Skyhawk defense of Ryan Stolley, Al Green, Steve Matt (1A), Andrew Ramsey and Adam Allen played a much improved game from the previous night, holding St Ed’s to one goal, scored in the third quarter. Peter Gavinski made 9 saves while allowing one. FLC finished strong, scoring 5 goals in the fourth quarter by Cade Carlson (1G, 1A), Dan Riecks (1G), and Tom Ross (3A). Up next for the Skyhawks is RMLC Division B West Region foe the University of New Mexico Lobos in Albuquerque, NM next Saturday February 24.

Skyhawks dominate St Edwards

updated - 2007-02-17

Skyhawks lose to Texas Tech

updated - 2007-02-16

Skyhawks Stumble in Denver. FLC Lacrosse loses 9-8 in overtime of Semi Finals to Men's Club Team.

updated - 2006-11-15

The Fort Lewis College Men's lacrosse team traveled to Denver, CO taking part in the First Annual Trick or Treat Tournament hosted by Mountain Range Highschool and their new head coach Dave Leach. The Skyhawks came up short, suffering their first loss of the fall, in overtime of the semi finals, to the Cry Babies, a Denver based men's club team. FLC began the tournament with a convincing 14-2 win over RMLC division B foe Regis, then the semi final loss, and the Hawks ended the tournament with another overtime loss 6-5 to Northern Colorado.

With an early season snow storm dropping as much as a foot of snow on the Denver Metro area Wednesday night, tournament organizers had to do some scrambling to secure the needed field space, and juggling around the schedule . What was to be a centralized event held at Five Star Stadium in Thornton, CO, ended up taking place at two locations, the second one North Glenn Highschool.

The Skyhawks outmatched their first opponent Regis University, winning 14-2. The attack unit of Chad Murphy (5G, 1A), Tyler Pousson (2A), and Eric Johnson (2G, 4A) seemed to be clicking, despite playing two hours earlier than previously scheduled. The middies also got in on the scoring action led by freshman Andy Grenhart (2G), Austin Mickel (2G), Pat Mcgrath (1A), Alex Gudim (1G), and Danny Lowry (1G). Peter Gavinski (1SV, 1GAA), who was a  junior hockey goalie for three years before coming to Durango, saw his first ever action in a lacrosse goal, turning back one and allowing one on two shots, only playing the first half. The FLC defense of Al Green, Ryan Stolley, and Matt Cawley did not give Regis many opportunities to touch the ball. Zack Young made three saves and allowed one goal the second half.

FLC's next opponent was Cry Baby Sally's, a Denver based men's club team. They were a last minute replacement for CSU-Pueblo who had to back out of the tournament suddenly. This was a good test for the Hawks who had yet to be really challenged this fall. The game was nip and tuck the entire time with several lead changes. It game down to the wire and went to overtime, with the Cry Babies winning the first face off and finishing with a nice shot in the corner. Scoring for FLC was Tyler Pousson (4G), Eric Johnson (2G, 1A), Chad Murphy (1G, 1A), Tom Ross (1G), Matt Alfano (1A), and Danny Lowry (1A).

Immediately following that game, FLC had to load up and drive over to Five Star Stadium where the University of Northern Colorado was waiting. This game was shortened to 20 minute running halves to try and accommodate the changed schedule and venue. The Fort went up 5-3, but the Bears came roaring back and tied the game 5-5 with a minute to go. This one would also have to be decided in OT, with UNC getting that first goal, winning 6-5. Tom Ross (2G) and Tyler Pouson (2G, 1A) led the team in scoring, with Danny Lowry (1G) and Chad Murphy (1A) chipping in. This brought the Skyhawks fall record to 6-2, and gave them a nice perspective on what to work on in order to be ready for the spring schedule and a run at a RMLC division B title.

Fort Lewis Wins Western State Fall Classic

updated - 2006-11-13

Skyhawks Outscore Opponents 47-21 to finish 4 & 0 at First Fall Ball Tournament in Gunnison.

Gunnison, CO - The Fort Lewis College lacrosse team started their early Fall season off right with four wins, including a five-goal victory over the host Western State Mountaineers in the championship game of the 3rd annual Western State Fall Classic.

In preliminary rounds of the tournament Saturday the Skyhawks posted wins over Metro State 12-2 and Colorado School of Mines 10-4. On Sunday, Fort Lewis took out the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 13-8 in the semifinals, and went on to win the championship game with a score of 12-7 over Western State.

Under gorgeous blue skies Saturday in Gunnison, Colorado, the Skyhawks were pitted against the Metro State Road Runners from Denver for their first game. Metro State, recently denied admittance as a full member of the RMLC for 2007, will be competing as an independent club this upcoming year in hopes of showing the conference they are a well run, competitive team.

FLC started the scoring early and often in this one, with Tyler Pousson (6A) quickly picking up where he left off two years ago after taking a semester to study abroad, assisting to All American Chad Murphy (5G), for one of his six assists on the day. Tyler would get the first three assists of the game, two to Murphy and one to freshman Andy Grenhart (1G).

The Skyhawks would go up 6-0 before Metro would slip one past the FLC net minder, 2nd year started Zack Young (Boulder, CO). All 24 members of the FLC squad who made the trip would see playing time this game, including Cash Kiser, Travis Downing, Max McCulloch, and Peter Gavinski all playing in their first ever lacrosse game. Rounding out the scoring for the Hawks was Cade Carlson (2G, 1A), Pat Mcgrath (1G), Tom Ross (1G), and Danny Lowry (2G, 2A). Defenders Ryan Stolley (1A), Kevin Burns, and freshman Matt Cawley (1A) played very solid games.

Next up for Fort Lewis was RMLC Division B foe Colorado School of Mines. Coach Dan Hunter, making the most out of the talent he had, established a solid game plan that had the Ore Diggers keeping this one close for the first half.

Mines actually scored first, before FLC would regain the lead for good going up 2-1. A Tom Ross (1A) feed to Tyler Pousson (3G, 3A) wide open on the crease and a Chad Murphy (5G) take started the scoring. This game could have been much more one sided if not for the stellar play of Mines All American goalie Mike Stone. Stone came up big for the Ore Diggers making several acrobatic saves against numerous FLC shots.

Once again the Hawks opened the bench and everyone got to play. Long stick middies Steve Matt (Regis, CO), Andrew Ramsey (Broomfield, CO), and defenseman Al Green (Grand Rapids, MI) came up big in this one. Pat McGrath (1G, 1A) and Andy Grenhart were solid at the face off X, while Danny Lowry (1A), and Cade Carlson (1A) got in on the scoring. This win gave FLC a 2-0 mark for the day and assured them the #1 seed from pool B for Sunday's semi finals.

Under cloudy skies and a soggy field, Fort Lewis would face RMLC newcomer Northern Arizona at 1:00 for semi final number 1. On Saturday, the Lumberjacks posted a win over CSU-Pueblo and lost a close contest to host Western to earn the 2nd seed for Pool A.

The Skyhawks didn't waste much time in this game, jumping out to an early 1-0 lead on a Chad Murphy (4G, 2A) feed from behind to a streaking Cade Carlson (2G, 2A) down the left side. Tyler Pousson (3G) would make a nice inside role and bury his first goal of the day moments later. A Pat McGrath (1A) assist to Tom Ross (1G) in front, and another by Chad Murphy would give the Hawks a 4-0 lead and force the Lumberjacks to call time out and regroup.

The time out seemed to help, with NAU winning the next face off and notching their first tally of the day off a nice individual effort by Attackman Troy Elliott. NAU would play hard, but the five subs they were sporting compared to the fourteen of FLC was no match.

Fort Lewis was up 13-5 before pulling all starters, giving valuable playing time to the less experienced guys. A Western State victory in overtime versus Mines team in the other semifinal set the stage for the championship game.

Western State, who has beaten FLC two out of the last three years in the regular season, won the opening face off and went up 1-0. WSU won the next face off as well and could have gone up by two if not for a spectacular save by Young.

The teams would trade a few possessions before Cade Carlson (1G, 1A) would find twine behind Western's goalie Kurt Guzman. Pat Mcgrath (1G, 1A) would give the Hawks the lead for good with a nice split dodge from the top and a well placed bounce shot over Guzman's left shoulder.

FLC went on a 5-0 goal run the first quarter with Murphy (4G, 2A) assisting to Matt Alfano (1G), Murphy ripping one up high, and Tyler Pousson taking his defender from behind and rolling around the left side. The Mountaineers answered back bringing the score to 5-2 after one. WSU, lead by scrappy team president Kurt Dzaman, battled hard and made a game of it.

Two more goals and it was a one point game. McGrath to Murphy gave the Hawks their sixth goal of the day, but Western would not be denied on their home turf, and quickly countered to go into the half trailing by one 6-5.

The third quarter was a battle on both ends, until Murphy found Pousson open in front, putting the Hawks up by one. Once again the Mountaineers answered back keeping it a one goal game 7-6. The Skyhawks were looking for a break to put this one away, when a slashing penalty against Western seemed to be the fit.

Sensing the next goal was critical; Coach Robinette called a timeout and drew up an extra man play. The play worked to perfection, once again it was Murphy to Pousson giving FLC an 8-6 lead. Western would manage only one more goal for the game with the Hawk D of Stolley, Burns, Cawley, Steve Matt, and Al Green holding strong. Zack Young came up big in the net making the saves that needed to be made and then some.

FLC's next goal after the EMO was a laser feed from 30 yards out by Pat McGrath just over the midfield line, to Pousson who slipped past the D and ran in one on one against Guzman, burying his shot. The Fort went on to win 12-7, going 4-0 for the weekend taking home the title of Champions.

Next up for the Skyhawks is a home scrimmage in Durango against New Mexico on Sunday October 22 at noon. Finishing out the fall season Fort Lewis will compete against Northern Colorado, Western, Regis, UNM, Mines, and Metro in the Stick or Treat Tournament in Thornton, Colorado on October 28.

Robinette Back at the Helm of Fort Lewis Lacrosse

updated - 2006-11-12

The Fort Lewis College Lacrosse team has hired former Skyhawk coach John Robinette to help them in their quest for a RMLC Division B Championship and a shot at a National title. Coach Robinette makes his triumphant return after a four year hiatus. Although removed from the Skayhawk's sideline, Robinette was not far from lacrosse or the MDIA. He has served as president of the RMLC since 2002, and successfully started youth lacrosse in Durango, which now boasts of elementary and middle school age programs. His most recent lacrosse project was establishing the Durango high school lacrosse team (www.durangolacrosse.com), which posted a 29-9 record over two seasons, culminating with a 2006 Colorado Jamboree Championship beating CHSAA powerhouse Golden High in the title game. Robinette will not be alone on the sideline this year getting assistance from two men who played for him. Pat McCauley (Springfield, VA; FLC '02, Team Captain '02) will be overseeing the defense, and Phil Jones (DEver, CO; FLC '05; 2004 RMLC 1st team Midfield) will work mainly with the middies.

Coach Robinette, a Baltimore native, took over the lacrosse team in the fall of 1993 three months after graduating from Salisbury University, and since that time has built a nationally respected program by becoming a sanctioned USLIA team and a member of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC). Robinette's teams have posted a 57-39 (.625%) win loss record over the years. They have finished 4th in the RMLC for 4 straight years from 1998-2001, trailing only behind national powerhouse programs BYU, CSU, and CU. In 1998, the team received their highest national ranking, finishing the season #16 in the country, posting wins over the University of Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Utah Valley. Robinette has coached six 1st team All RMLC, four 2nd team All RMLC, 8 honorable mentions, and 4 USLIA All Americans during his tenure. He has served as the RMLC administrative assistant in 1998-99, and as the RMLC president from 2000-02. He is the founder and tournament director of the Four Corners Lacrosse Cup, and serves on the USLacrosse Strategic Planning Committee.

The Skyhawks are poised to make a legitimate run for a RMLC Division B Championship with eight starters from last years squad back, including RMLC first team Attack and 2006 All American Honorable Mention Chad Murphy (Middlebury, VT). Tyler Pousson (2004 2nd Team Attack, 2005 1st team Attack) is back after taking the 2006 season off to study abroad, and will be joined by Danny Lowery (2006 2nd team Middie), Ryan Stolley (2004 Honorable mention Defense), Kevin Burns (2006 2nd team Defense), Eric Johnson (2nd team Attack) and Pat McGrath (2006 Honorable mention face-off).

Skyhawks Tame Lobos. Fort Wins 22-01 at Home

updated - 2006-11-11

In a tune up for next weekends tournament in Denver, the Skyhawks played host to RMLC newcomer the University of New Mexico. Fort Lewis welcomed UNM into the conference with a 22-1 victory. The Skyhawks delighted the home crowd, many of whom stuck around after participating in a youth lacrosse clinic conducted by the team earlier in the day. Fifteen different players scored for the Fort, with everyone getting plenty of playing time.

FLC wasted no time with Chad Murphey (3G, 2A) scoring off an inbounds play from Eric Johnson (4G, 2A) twenty seconds into the contest. Tyler Pousson (2G, 4A) hooked up with Johnson thirty seconds later, and the route was on. At the end of the 1st quarter, goals by Matt Alfano (2G), Travis Downing (1G), and three more by Johnson pushed the score to 8-0 and sent FLC's first attack unit to the bench. The second attack unit of Tom Ross (1G, 1A), Austin Mickel (1G), and Cade Carlson (1G, 1A) picked up right where the first unit left off, helping propel the Fort to a 14-0 halftime lead. Cash Kiser (1A) and Pat Mcgrath (5-0 faceoffs, 1G, 1A) also got in on the scoring. Zack Young (4 svs, 1 GA) was solid in cage behind the defense of Ryan Stolley (1G), Al Green, and Matt Cawley.

New Mexico, playing their first game as a true college team, played hard throughout. Many of the Lobo players were playing in their first ever lacrosse game. Coach John Westfall had his team ready for action and the New Mexico guys never quit.

In the third quarter, goals by LSM Steve "Cheese" Matt (1G), Danny Lowry (1G, 3A), Pat Mcgrath, and Andy Grenhart (1G, 1A) pushed the score to 19-0, before the Lobos converted on an extra man opportunity scoring their only goal of the game. The Skyhawks would tack on three more in the fourth with only the reserves finishing out them game. The win gives Fort Lewis a 5-0 fall ball record with one more tournament on the schedule. Up next is the Stick or Treat tournament in Denver Saturday October 28.