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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Quick Facts ...... 1 Message from Coach Shirk ...... 2 Coaching Staff ...... 3-5 2009 Roster Information ...... 6 2009 Season Preview ...... 7-8 2008 Results ...... 9 Player Profiles ...... 10-17 Facilities/Foster Stadium ...... 18 2008 Statistics ...... 19 About the MAAC ...... 20 2009 Opponents ...... 21-24 All-Time Results ...... 25-27 VMI Record Book ...... 28-29 VMI Lacrosse Honorees ...... 30 About VMI ...... 31-34 2009 LAX Sponsors ...... 35
GENERAL INFORMATION: TEAM INFORMATION:
Name of School ...... Virginia Military Institute 2008 Record ...... 6-10 City/Zip ...... Lexington, Va./24450 MAAC RS Record/Finish ...... 4-4/4th Founded ...... 1839 Postseason ...... Defeated #1 Providence. 9-8 (OT) Enrollment ...... 1,400 Lost to #2 Canisius in MAAC Championship, 5-14 Nickname ...... “Keydets” Mascot ...... Kangaroo Starters Returning/Lost ...... 6/5 School Colors ...... Red, White, and Yellow Letterwinners Returning/Lost ...... 11/9 Affiliation ...... NCAA Division I Newcomers ...... 19 Conference ...... Metro Atlantic Athletic Conf. (MAAC) Superintendent ...... Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III (VMI ‘62) Program History ...... 26 Seasons Athletics Director ...... Donny White (VMI ‘65) Home Field ...... Foster Stadium (Natural Grass) Athletic Dept. Phone ...... (540) 464-7251 Capacity ...... 10,000
COACHING STAFF ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS:
Head Coach ...... Jeff Shirk Lacrosse Contact ...... Brad Salois Alma Mater (Year) ...... Maryland (‘01) Office Phone ...... (540) 464-7015 Record at VMI, Years ...... 8-22, Two years Cell Phone ...... (940) 642-9865 Overall Record, Years ...... Same E-mail Address ...... [email protected] Email ...... [email protected] Phone ...... (540) 464-7512 Assoc. AD/Athletic Communciations ...... Wade Branner Office Phone ...... (540) 464-7515 Assistant Coach ...... Chris Feifs Cell Phone ...... (540) 319-1271 Alma Mater (Year) ...... Maryland (‘07) E-mail Address ...... [email protected] Email ...... [email protected] Phone ...... (540) 464-7789 Asst. AD/Media Relations ...... Christian Hoffman Office Phone ...... (540) 464-7514 Assistant Coach ...... Chris Miller Cell Phone ...... (540) 460-6920 Alma Mater (Year) ...... Wesley College (‘05) E-mail Address ...... [email protected] Email ...... [email protected] SID Office Phone ...... (540) 464-7253 Volunteer Assistant Coach ...... Ryne Adolph SID Fax ...... (540) 464-7583 Alma Mater (Year) ...... Maryland (‘08) SID Mailing Address ...... VMI Sports Information 116 Smith Hall Lexington, Va. 24450
MEDIA GUIDE CREDITS:: The 2009 VMI Lacrosse media guide is a publication of the VMI Athletic Media Relations Office. Compiled, written & edited by Brad Salois, Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director. Layout & cover design by Joel Balthaser, consultant. Special assistance by Wade Branner, Assoc. AD/Athletic Communications and Christian Hoffman, Asst. AD/Media Relations. Photography: Chuck Steenburgh ‘86, Jeremy Ledbetter of Andre Studios, VMI Communications & Marketing and Brad Salois. Printing: Collinsville Printing - Martinsville, Va. The 2009 Virginia Military Institute lacrosse media guide was compiled for the benefit of all interested in learning detailed information regarding the Institute, coaches, staff, and student-athletes of the Keydet lacrosse program. There are decisions made in every young man’s life that make everlasting changes in how he is perceived by those around him and how he perceives himself. None can be more telling than what he pursues after high school. There are many fine colleges and universities from which to choose but none tells more of a young man’s character and drive than VMI.
The Virginia Military Institute is one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country that sets itself apart from other universities with its military element of discipline. VMI students not only graduate with a highly respected degree, but one that is highly sought after in the workforce because of its focus and training in the area of leadership. I have the distinct pleasure of working at a school that truly makes a positive impact on a young man’s life.
I believe that VMI and all of its challenges are ideal for a college lacrosse player with a burning desire to be more than he once thought possible. The climate at VMI for lacrosse has never been better and the education is second-to-none.
It is clearly our objective to attract the top lacrosse players from the state of Virginia and across the country, but we look for even more in a young man. VMI lacrosse embraces the missions of the Institute and seeks to draw from the challenges a strength that we will carry on the field, helping lead us to victory. Sincerely,
Jeff Shirk Head Lacrosse Coach A MESSAGE FROM COACH SHIRK FROM COACH A MESSAGE
Go Keydets! Log on to vmikeydets.com to get all the latest news on the VMI Lacrosse team.
2 2009 MEDIA GUIDE www.vmikeydets.com JeffJeff ShirkShirk HEAD COACH JEFF SHIRK
Head Lacrosse Coach - Third Season _ Univ. of Maryland (2001)
Coach Jeff Shirk begins his third year as the head lacrosse coach at VMI. The former University of Associate Director of Athletics, holding additional Maryland midfielder was named head coach of responsibilities that adapted him to the military the VMI men’s lacrosse team in July 2006, and in environment. his second season, led the Keydets to their initial postseason berth and first-ever postseason victo- In his playing days, he was a standout letterman in ry. the Maryland Terrapins’ defensive unit for four seasons under coaching legend Dick Edell from Shirk came to the Institute with an impressive 1997 through the 2000 season. Throughout his background in lacrosse, having played at the col- career, he was known for his tough style of legiate and professional level for eight seasons, defense, and was even coined the “Nastiest followed by six years of coaching experience. Hitter” in the nation by the Baltimore Sun. Prior to the 2001 season, Shirk was also selected First “Lacrosse is a great sport for VMI, and I am very Team Preseason All-American by Face-Off happy that Jeff Shirk will lead our program,” said Magazine, as well as Third Team Preseason All- VMI athletic director Donny White. “I am American by College Lacrosse USA. impressed with his background, both as a player and as a coach. I am confident that he will build In his four seasons at Maryland, the Terps reached and coach our team to be a contender for the the NCAA championship game twice (1997-98), MAAC championship.” and the quarterfinals in his senior season (2000). He graduated from Maryland in May 2001 with a Shirk, 30, who took over the reins of the program Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. from 21-year head coach Doug Bartlett, came to VMI after serving the 2006 campaign as an assis- Shirk is also the founder and director of the Jeff tant coach at Brown University in the Ivy League. Shirk Lacrosse Camps, providing instuctional camps to young lacrosse players throughout the Shirk’s Coaching Career Highlights While at Brown, Shirk was the team’s defensive year, and played in the National Lacrosse League Fall 2001: Named NAPS head coach coordinator, while also working with the face-off for the Philadelphia Wings (2001), Washington July 2006: Named VMI head coach unit and assisting with the recruiting efforts of the Power (2002) and the New York Saints (2003) April 2008: VMI clinches first postseason berth program. Prior to his position at Brown, Shirk while he began his coaching career. spent the 2004-05 season with his alma mater, ever May 2008: VMI wins first postseason game, Maryland, as an assistant coach where he helped Shirk, a Mountain Lakes, N.J. native, boasts an the team reach the NCAA Final Four and win an defeating Providence 9-8 in overtime at Siena impressive background that will help in leading College ACC Championship. the VMI lacrosse program, and he can also turn to his father for some professional advice. His dad, In the first head coaching role of his young career, Gary Shirk, was a tight end in the NFL for over a Shirk took over the lacrosse program at the Naval decade, including seven years with the N.Y. Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in the fall of Giants. 2001. He spent three seasons with the team, lead- ing them to a 22-11 record, and was responsible Shirk is married to the former Elizabeth Love, and for overseeing all aspects of the program. While at the couple currently lives in Lexington with their NAPS, Shirk also served as the Institution’s daughter Emily and their yellow lab, Maggie.
www.vmikeydets.com 2009 MEDIA GUIDE 3 ChrisChris FeifsFeifs
Asst. Coach/Off. Coord. - Second Season _ Univ. of Maryland (2007) OFF. COORDINATOR CHRIS FEIFS COORDINATOR OFF.
On July 2, 2007, Head Lacrosse Coach Jeff VMI lacrosse has a great deal of potential Shirk announced the addition of former and I am motivated to help them reach Maryland Terrapins middie Chris Feifs to that high standard of excellence." his staff as an assistant coach. Feifs helped VMI to its first-ever postseason berth in "As a player Chris was tough, hard work- 2008, on the strength of a strong offense ing, and led by example," commented led by two first-team All-MAAC players. Shirk. "As a person, he is well spoken, motivated, and passionate.” Feifs recently rounded out his playing career at Maryland where he served as co- In addition, Feifs was drafted in the 2007 captain of the 2007 team. "I am extreme- Major League Lacrosse Supplemental ly excited to have Chris join the VMI Draft. Taken by the Boston Cannons in the lacrosse family," said Shirk. "I had the draft’s third round, the former Terrapin opportunity to coach him at both the became the first VMI player or coach Naval Academy Prep School (NAPS) and drafted by an MLL team. the University of Maryland, and he is a great addition to our program." In May 2007, Feifs received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the "I couldn't have asked for a better oppor- University of Maryland. He posted a 3.5 tunity to work with Coach Shirk at such a GPA, and was a three-time member of the highly respected institution," said Feifs. All-ACC Academic Honor Roll. Feifs has "I'm really looking forward to helping also spent the past four summer's as a build this program and taking on the camp instructor for several top lacrosse challenge of a coaching a Division camps on the east coast. 1lacrosse program.
Feifs Snapshot
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Maryland ‘07) Three-time member of All-ACC Academic Honor Roll Named Assistant Coach at VMI on July 2, 2007 Co-captain of 2007 Maryland Squad Team made Four Straight Trips to NCAA Tournament during playing career Durham, N.C. native
4 2009 MEDIA GUIDE www.vmikeydets.com ChrisChris MillerMiller COACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF
Assistant Coach - First Season _ Wesley College (2005)
Chris Miller's hiring as VMI Lacrosse's assistant coach was announced June 3, the growth and development of this program, and I believe that this is a great 2008. opportunity to work with a tremendous program and institution.”
“I could not be more excited to have Chris join the VMI Lacrosse family,” Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Miller was a standout player at Wesley, offered VMI Head Coach Jeff Shirk about the new hire. “He excelled on the as he currently ranks fourth on the school’s all-time points list, was the 2005 field as a player and has been an instrumental part in the success of Wesley team captain, and was named all-conference for three consecutive seasons. College as a coach. Chris is a great addition to the direction our program is moving.” Prior to entering the coaching ranks, the new VMI assistant was a standout player at Wesley, as he currently ranks fourth on the school’s all-time points Miller comes to Lexington fresh off a nearly three-year stint at Wesley College, list, was the 2005 team captain, and was named all-conference for three con- his alma mater, where he acted as the Offensive Coordinator for the program. secutive seasons. He also aided with recruiting, game preparation, and was the goalie coach, among other duties. The former Rehoboth Beach, Del., resident graduated from Wesley in 2005 with a B.S. in Physical Education. “I am very excited about coming to work at VMI,” stated the newest VMI assis- tant coach. “I am looking forward to helping Coach Shirk and Coach Feifs in RyneRyne EmilyEmily AdolphAdolph StrobinoStrobino
Volunteer Assistant Coach - Athletic Trainer 1st Season _ Univ. of Maryland (2008)
VMI lacrosse announced the hiring of Adolph is a 2008 graduate of Maryland alum Ryne Adolph to the Maryland, the alma mater of VMI head position of volunteer assistant coach man Shirk and top assistant Chris on Nov. 20, 2008. Feifs. The newest Keydet assistant BradBrad served as a team captain for the “We couldn’t be more excited to have Terrapins this past season, as he Ryne join the VMI lacrosse family,” played in all 16 games for Maryland, SaloisSalois offered VMI head coach Jeff Shirk starting 14 of those contests as regarding his program’s new hire, Maryland advanced to the NCAA who will work primarily with the quarterfinals, where the Terrapins lost Media Relations Contact defensive side of the Keydet squad. an 8-7 heartbreaker to then second- “He is a hardworking, intense individ- ranked Virginia. ual who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience on the During his time at Maryland, Adolph defensive side of the ball. We truly was a four-year defensive player, and believe that he is a great addition to also saw time as a long-stick midfield- the program.” er.
www.vmikeydets.com 2009 MEDIA GUIDE 5 No. Name Class Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/Previous School Alphabetical Roster 1 John Collier Sr. G/M 5-10 180 Centreville, Va./Woodberry Forest 2 Shane Wilkinson So. D 6-0 180 Williamsburg, Va./Jamestown No. First Last Position 3 Sean McCoy Jr. G 6-2 195 Hudson, Ohio/Hudson 12 Alex Benedick G 4 Colin Bosse Fr. A 5-10 160 Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Catholic 24 David Black D 5 Jimmy Luckino Fr. A 5-8 140 Columbus, Ohio/Worthington 4 Colin Bosse A 6 Brennan Buell Fr. D 6-0 180 Skaneateles, N.Y./Skaneateles 6 Brennan Buell D 7 Keith Long Fr. A 6-3 195 Falls Church, Va./Falls Church 42 Anderson Caldwell A 8 Hayden Cox Jr. A 6-1 175 Great Falls, Va./Langley 28 Will Carlton D 9 Matt Piazza So. A/M 5-9 155 Tully, N.Y./Tully 1 John Collier G/M 10 Brett Leonard Jr. A/M 5-11 170 Laurel, Md./St. Vincent Pallotti 8 Hayden Cox M 11 Tim Moran Jr. M 5-9 175 Florence, N.J./Holy Cross 17 Ryan Crean A 12 Alex Benedick Fr. G 5-10 175 Upper Arlington, Ohio/Upper Arlington 43 TJ Fischer D 13 Dan Perestock Jr. M 6-1 200 Gibsonia, Pa./Hampton 35 Chris Fraser M 25 Tyler Griffith M 14 Steve Lindley Jr. M 5-8 160 Pottstown, Pa./Pottsgrove 26 Zach Henke M 15 Lowell Patterson Jr. M/F-O 5-11 185 Bethesda, Md./Heights School 23 Kyle Hofstetter D 16 Chris Kenney So. D 6-1 211 Fredericksburg, Va./Mt. St. Joseph 39 Sean Kennedy D/LSM 17 Ryan Crean Jr. A 5-10 160 Danbury, Conn./Immaculate 16 Chris Kenney D 19 Justin Ong Jr. M 6-0 170 Potomac Falls, Va./Potomac Falls 41 Chris Kitchen A 20 Chris Rossie Fr. M 5-10 163 Leesburg, Va./Heritage 10 Brett Leonard M 22 Dave Padgett Jr. M 5-11 185 Rye, N.Y./Rye 34 Drew Leonard A
2009 ROSTER BREAKDOWN 23 Kyle Hofstetter Fr. D 6-2 180 Glenelg, Md./Glenelg 14 Steve Lindley M 24 David Black Fr. D 6-2 190 Annapolis, Md./Annapolis Senior 7 Keith Long M 25 Tyler Griffith Fr. M 5-10 165 Bel Air, Md./Calvert Hall 5 Jimmy Luckino A 26 Zach Henke So. DM 6-0 172 Gardiner, N.Y./Wallkill 32 Stephen Magee D 27 Dallas Wiggins Fr. M 5-7 165 Fairfax, Va./WT Woodson 40 Patrick Maloney D 28 Will Carlton Sr. D 5-11 195 Winston-Salem, N.C./RJ Reynolds 3 Sean McCoy G 29 Jesse Newman Jr. M 5-10 155 Baltimore, Md./Parkville 38 Kelly McMinn G 30 Leonard Weschler Jr. M/F-O 6-1 195 Vienna, Va./James Madison 11 Tim Moran M 31 Andrew Nieminski Fr. M 6-1 200 Verplanck, N.Y./Hendrick Hudson 29 Jesse Newman M 32 Stephen Magee Fr. D 5-10 175 The Woodlands, Texas/Woodlands 31 Andrew Nieminski M 19 Justin Ong M 33 Jacob Weimer Jr. A 5-10 160 Bear, Del./Christiana 22 Dave Padgett M 34 Drew Leonard Fr. A 6-2 170 Laurel, Md./St. Vincent Palotti 15 Lowell Patterson M-F/O 35 Chris Fraser Fr. M 6-3 225 Richmond, Va./FUMA 13 Dan Perestock D 37 Stephen Robarge Fr. M/F-O 5-10 160 Lorton, Va./Hayfield HS 9 Matt Piazza A 38 Kelly McMinn Fr. G 5-10 195 Mission Viejo, Calif./JSerra Catholic 37 Stephen Robarge M/F-O 39 Sean Kennedy Jr. D/LSM 6-0 185 Floral Park, N.Y./Floral Park 20 Chris Rossie M 40 Patrick Maloney Sr. G 5-9 180 Silver Spring, Md./James Hubert Blake 44 Ben Schaefer D 41 Chris Kitchen Fr. A 5-11 175 Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman 33 Jacob Weimer A 42 Anderson Caldwell Fr. A 6-1 180 Fairfax Station, Va./Lake Braddock 30 Leonard Weschler M/F-O 43 TJ Fischer Fr. M 5-10 165 Fairfax, Va./WT Woodson 27 Dallas Wiggins M 44 Ben Schaefer So. D 5-10 165 Montgomery Village, Md./Our Lady of Good 2 Shane Wilkinson D
Head Coach: Jeff Shirk (Maryland '01) Assistant Coaches: Chris Feifs (Maryland ‘07), Chris Miller (Wesley ‘05) Volunteer Assistant: Ryne Adolph (Maryland ‘08) By Position Attack (7): Roster Breakdown Colin Bosse, Anderson Caldwell, Ryan Crean, Drew Leonard, Jimmy Luckino, Matt Piazza, By Class: Jacob Weimer Freshman - 19, Sophomore - 5, Junior - 14, Senior - 3 Middie (17): Hayden Cox, Chris Fraser, Tyler Griffith, Zach By State: Henke, Brett Leonard, Steve Lindley, Keith Virginia - 14, Maryland - 9, New York - 6, Ohio - 3, Pennsylvania - 2, N. Carolina - 2, New Jersey - Long, Tim Moran, Jesse Newman, Andrew Nieminski, Justin Ong, Dave Padgett, Lowell 1, Delaware - 1, N. Carolina - 1, Texas - 1, California - 1, Connecticut - 1 Patterson, Stephen Robarge, Chris Rossie, Leonard Weschler, Dallas Wiggins Top Returners Defense (12): Offense: David Black, Brennan Buell, Will Carlton, T.J. Name GP-GS G A Pts Sh Shot% GW Fischer, Kyle Hofstetter, Sean Kennedy, Chris Leonard, Brett 16-9 21 11 32 56 .375 1 Kenney, Stephen Magee, Patrick Maloney, Moran, Tim 15-15 25 18 43 101 .248 3 Dan Perestock, Ben Schaefer, Shane Wilkinson Defense: Name GP-GS GB Goalie (4): Will Carlton 16-16 36 Alex Benedick, John Collier, Sean McCoy, Goalie: Kelly McMinn Name GP-GS Min. GA GAAvg Saves Pct W L McCoy, Sean 16-16 957:32 173 10.84 151 .466 6 10
6 2009 MEDIA GUIDE www.vmikeydets.com 2009 PRESEASON OUTLOOK Hofstetter’s size (6’2, 225 lbs.) could prove an asset as VMI faces such attackers Keydets Look to Answer Questions in ‘09 as Virginia’s Danny Glading and Canisius’ Adam Jones. Normally when a team is coming off a storybook season that includes a postseason win, is returning its starting netminder, and two of its top three Midfield offensive performers, there are not a great deal of questions. That is, unless The strength of this year’s Keydets lies in their midfield. The first line is led by you are the 2009 VMI lacrosse team. junior Moran, who was named to the All-MAAC first team last season and was second on the Keydets in both goals (25) and assists (18). The Florence, N.J. This year’s incarnation of Keydet lacrosse will have a great deal of those native had a seven-point game and a six-goal contest last year, and his quick- questions, the first of which concerns the program’s freshmen. This year, ness will be looked to as a tone-setter for the VMI offense. This year, Moran head coach Jeff Shirk and his staff have added 20 talented newcomers to will serve as one of VMI’s three captains. the roster, of which no less than 10 could see significant playing time dur- ing the ’09 campaign. Observers may be concerned about the youth of this Despite Moran’s leadership, the would-be quarterback of the VMI midfield team, but Coach Shirk isn’t. may very well be fellow junior Brett Leonard. Leonard, who ranked third on the team in both goals (21) and assists (11) last season, has shown a great “These freshmen have made us more athletic. They’re all good players and deal of improvement in each of his two seasons at the Institute, and will be great athletes,” stated the VMI head man. “While it may take them some expected to continue his upswing in 2009. time to adjust to the college game, once they do, we look for great things from them.” As with the attackers, the third midfield position is up for grabs. Freshmen Keith Long is the early frontrunner, as the 6-3 Falls Church, Va., native has The Keydets come into 2009 riding high, having made their first postseason shown a great deal of potential early on. Long’s size and deft passing touch appearance ever, and then have defeated the MAAC Tournament’s top (32 assists in his final high school season) could help set up Moran and seed, Providence in the opening round of the conference tournament. The Leonard for scoring chances. team was then tied with eventual champion Canisius after the opening period of the title game, but the Golden Griffins pulled away for the victo- On the defensive side, junior Dave Padgett is VMI’s top option. Padgett ry. VMI was led throughout the tournament by graduated senior, and 2008 played a critical role in last season’s tournament run with his energy and hus- MAAC Offensive Player of the Year, Kevin Hill. tle, and will be expected to do the same this year as he continues to mature. “We certainly lost a lot of goals this past season, with the graduation of At the short stick defensive midfield spot, junior Dan Perestock appears to Kevin and others,” said Coach Shirk. “However, we’re returning Tim Moran, have the inside track. “We’ve been impressed with Dan since we first saw him who was First-Team All-MAAC, as well as his linemate Brett Leonard and at short stick. He’s the leader at the battle for that spot,” said Coach Shirk. starting attack Jacob Weimer. With those guys and the newcomers we’ve brought in, we think we can score more than enough to win.” Others who could see time on the midfield include junior Justin Ong and his classmate Lowell Patterson, who was VMI’s face-off specialist each of the last two seasons. Sophomore Zach Henke and a cast of freshmen will also com- Attack: pete for playing time in both the offensive and defensive midfield rotations. The Keydet starting attack will be led by junior Jacob Weimer. Weimer, who started 12 games last year, comes off a 2008 in which he tallied 12 goals. Those Face-off: 12 goals placed him fifth on the team, despite missing four games with a leg injury. The Bear, Del. native had an impressive streak during 2008, as he scored While the 2008 VMI face-off stats were not overly impressive, both Lowell at least one goal in seven consecutive games, a run which spanned two full Patterson and Leonard Weschler showed big-play ability last season, rising to months due to injury. He scored two goals in each of the first three games of the occasion when needed. The Keydets will look for that to continue from that streak, and also showed he could handle a bigger stage, scoring a pair of their 2009 face-off specialist, freshman Stephen Robarge. goals in the MAAC title game. “Stephen is incredibly talented,” said Coach Shirk. “He has good technique, but Matt Piazza also enjoyed success on the postseason stage in 2008, as he scored also a burning desire to constantly learn more and to continue to improve. We two of his three goals in the MAAC Tournament. This year, Piazza returns to his look for big things from him during his stay at VMI.” natural position as an attackman, and coach Shirk seems pleased with the results. Robarge will not be the only freshman to see time in the face-off X, as Shirk also recruited Chris Rossie to come to the Institute, and the two could switch off “We’ve moved Matt Piazza back to attack, as we think that’s a more natural depending on matchups. Robarge and Rossie will be backed up by a large cast, position for him,” offered Coach Shirk. “He seems to really understand the posi- including Weschler, Patterson, Dave Padgett and others. tion, his role in the offense, and how to create movement within an offensive scheme.” On the wings of face-offs, junior Sean Kennedy appears to have the inside track to be this year’s long-stick midfielder. “We’ve been very impressed with Sean Piazza and Weimer will be joined by a cast of freshmen. Columbus, Ohio’s since we put a long pole in his hands,” offered Coach Shirk. “He’s shown a great Jimmy Luckino appears to have the inside track on the final starting spot, but deal of improvement, and we’ve always liked his energy and potential. He’ll be Colin Bosse will be looked to as a contributor as well. Several freshmen, includ- a key player for us this year.” ing Drew Leonard, brother of midfielder Brett Leonard, could also see time dur- ing the upcoming campaign. On the other side, there will be a rotating cast. Both Moran and Leonard could see time, as could Padgett and many others. Defense: Goalie: The Keydet defense will be led by one of VMI’s three captains, Will Carlton. Last year, Carlton was the only non-senior starter for the team’s back line; now, he VMI stalwart Sean McCoy, who has started every game since coming to the is its leader. In 2008, he started every game and grabbed 36 groundballs, and Institute, will return in 2009 as the incumbent starter and one of this year’s this year, he will be counted on to not only provide leadership, but to shadow Keydet captains. talented attackers from some of the elite teams VMI will see this season. “Sean’s got a great deal of competitive drive,” said Coach Shirk. “He believes, Carlton will be joined by a large cast, but one with two clear frontrunners. and so do we, that he’s one of the better goalies in this league, and he’ll be out Sophomore Shane Wilkinson showed a great deal of versatility during his fresh- to prove it this year.” man year, and is expected to join Carlton as a starter during the upcoming year. Another frontrunner is freshman Kyle Hofstetter, who has emerged from the McCoy had a pair of key games last year in conference play. In the MAAC open- pack to lead the battle among several talented freshman defenders. er versus Marist, he made a season-high 17 saves to preserve a 9-7 victory,
www.vmikeydets.com 2009 MEDIA GUIDE 7 beginning a stretch during which VMI won four-of-five in conference to set itself up for its eventual postseason berth. The junior from Hudson, Ohio also made several key stops in the final period against Siena, a game the Keydets won 9-8 on the road, and a contest which proved to be crucial later in the year.
The difference in the goalkeeping contingent is not at the top, where McCoy remains the clear-cut starter, but in reserve. Two talented freshmen, Alex 2009 SCHEDULE:: Benedick and high school All-American Kelly McMinn will provide quality, if unproven, backups to McCoy. Feb. 7 at Navy Annapolis, Md. Noon The Schedule: Feb. 14 at Army West Point, N.Y. Noon
2009 OUTLOOK VMI’s 2009 schedule has a distinctly familiar feel. In fact, the Keydets will Feb. 21 at Presbyterian Clinton, S.C. 1 p.m. play the same opponents they did in 2008, with the venues changing for the majority of the contests. Feb. 28 Bellarmine SprintTurf Field 1 p.m. The season will open Feb. 7 at No. 11 Navy, a game which is expected to be the first to begin at the NCAA Division I level this season. It earned Mar. 3 Virginia Foster Stadium 3:30 p.m. that distinction last year, a game Navy won 10-2 despite 11 McCoy saves, several of which were of the spectacular variety. Following Navy, the Mar. 7 at Robert Morris Moon Township, Pa. 1 p.m. Keydets will go further north to West Point, N.Y., to battle No. 22 Army on Feb. 14. Moran scored three goals when the teams battled last year, Mar. 14 Providence* Foster Stadium Noon but Army won handily, 16-3.
“I think this year, the team is more ready and feels like they belong,” said Mar. 21 Manhattan* Foster Stadium 1 p.m. Coach Shirk regarding his team’s tough schedule. “Last year, they might have felt a bit overwhelmed at some of these venues, but I look for bet- Mar. 28 at Saint Joseph’s* Philadelphia, Pa. 1 p.m. ter results this season.” Apr. 4 at Marist* Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1 p.m. VMI then travels to Clinton, S.C. to face the Presbyterian Blue Hose on Feb. 21, before the home opener is contested on Saturday, Feb. 28 ver- Apr. 11 Siena (Sr. Day)* Foster Stadium 1 p.m. sus the Knights of Bellarmine University. Last season, the two games were reversed, as VMI’s third contest was against Bellarmine, an 8-5 loss in Louisville, Ky., in a game that turned on a third-period illegal stick Apr. 18 at Wagner* Staten Island, N.Y. 1 p.m. penalty. The Keydets’ 2008 home opener was against the Blue Hose, a game the home squad won handily, 15-4 behind seven points from Apr. 22 Mount St. Mary’s* Foster Stadium 4 p.m. Moran. Apr. 25 at Canisius* Buffalo, N.Y. Noon On March 3, VMI hosts perhaps the most prominent opponent to ever come to Lexington, preseason #1 Virginia. The game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m., and will feature the Keydets facing a lineup of All- May 1-3 MAAC Championships - Buffalo, N.Y. Americans and otherwise honored players from the visiting Cavaliers. Home Games in Bold Following that tilt, the Keydets travel to the Keystone State, heading to * = Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference Game Moon Township, Pa. to face Robert Morris on March 7. That game is VMI’s final non-conference game of the season, as the following week- end, the Keydets open MAAC action by taking on the Providence College Friars and 2008 conference Coach of the Year Chris Burdick.
The Friars will be followed into Foster Stadium by the Manhattan Jaspers, who will face-off with VMI on March 21. The Keydets then hit the road for two straight weekends, facing Saint Joseph’s and Marist, two teams they defeated at home last year, before returning to Lexington for April 11’s Senior Day versus Siena.
Coach Shirk’s squad then closes out the year with three games in the season’s final week, as it faces Wagner in a road matchup April 18, Mount St. Mary’s in Lexington on April 22, and then closes out the year with a MAAC Championship rematch against Canisius. The Keydets and Golden Griffins will do battle April 25 in Buffalo, N.Y.
Despite the numerous questions facing this team, it goes into the year with a great deal of confidence, and Coach Shirk and his staff believe that can continue.
“We know we have some things to figure out, but we’re proud of what we accomplished last year,” said the VMI coach. “We’ve made a lot of strides forward in practice, our returning players are ready to go, and they’re ready to show the freshmen what to expect. We truly believe that we’re talented, athletic and ready to compete with anyone and any- thing the MAAC has to offer this season.”
Senior Will Carlton will be the leader of a young VMI defense, as he serves as one of VMI’s three captains.
8 2009 MEDIA GUIDE www.vmikeydets.com 2008 SUMMARY 2008 Summary
Overall: 6-10 Conf: 5-5-0 Home: 4-2 Away: 1-7 Neut: 1-1
Date Opponent Score Overall Conf. Attend Goalie Site Feb. 9, 2008 at Navy L, 2-10 0- 1- 0 N/A 2133 McCoy, Sean (0-1) Annapolis, Md. Feb. 16, 2008 at Army L, 3-16 0- 2- 0 N/A 728 McCoy, Sean (0-2) West Point, N.Y. Feb. 23, 2008 at Bellarmine L, 5-8 0- 3- 0 N/A 301 McCoy, Sean (0-3) Louisville, Ky. Feb. 27, 2008 Presbyterian W, 15-4 1- 3- 0 N/A 76 McCoy, Sean (1-3) Lexington, Va. Mar. 4, 2008 at Virginia L, 5-24 1- 4- 0 N/A 393 McCoy, Sean (1-4) Charlottesville, Va. Mar. 11, 2008 Robert Morris L, 4-15 1- 5- 0 N/A 99 McCoy, Sean (1-5) Lexington, Va. Mar. 15, 2008 Marist* W, 9-7 2- 5- 0 1-0-0 143 McCoy, Sean (2-5) Lexington, Va. Mar. 22, 2008 at Providence* L, 5-12 2-6- 0 1-1-0 472 McCoy, Sean (2-6) Providence, R.I. Mar. 29, 2008 Wagner* W, 13-6 3- 6- 0 2-1-0 224 McCoy, Sean (3-6) Lexington, Va. Apr. 5, 2008 Saint Joseph’s* W, 14-12 4- 6- 0 3-1-0 201 McCoy, Sean (4-6) Lexington, Va. Apr. 12, 2008 at Siena* W, 9-8 5-6- 0 4-1-0 907 McCoy, Sean (5-6) Loudonville, N.Y. Apr. 19, 2008 Canisius* L, 8-12 5-7- 0 4-2-0 207 McCoy, Sean (5-7) Lexington, Va. Apr. 23, 2008 at Mount St. Mary’s* L, 8-11 5-8- 0 4-3-0 259 McCoy, Sean (5-8) Emmitsburg, Md. Apr. 26, 2008 at Manhattan* L, 7-8 (2OT) 5-9- 0 4-4-0 348 McCoy, Sean (5-9) Riverdale, N.Y. May 2, 2008 Providence - 1st Round++ W, 9-8 (OT) 6-9-0 5-4-0 400 McCoy, Sean (6-9) Loudonville, N.Y. May 4, 2008 Canisius -Championship++ L, 5-14 6-10-0 5-5-0 607 McCoy, Sean (6-10) Loudonville, N.Y.
* - Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Game ++ - MAAC Tournament Team Statistics
CATEGORY: VMI OPP VMI - TEAM GAME HIGHS SHOT STATISTICS: Goals-Shot attempts ...... 121-465 175-552 Goals scored average ...... 7.52 10.88 POINTS ...... 25 vs Presbyterian (2/27/08) Shot pct ...... 260 .317 ...... 22 vs Saint Joseph’s (4/5/08) Shots/Game ...... 29.1 34.5 GOALS ...... 15 vs Presbyterian (2/27/08) Assists ...... 70 108 MAN-UP OPPORTUNITIES ...... 14 vs Saint Joseph’s (4/5/08) Goals-Opportunities ...... 18-69 22-53 ASSISTS ...... 10 vs Presbyterian (2/27/08) Conversion Percent ...... 261 .415 GOAL BREAKDOWN ...... 8 vs Saint Joseph’s (4/5/08) Total Goals ...... 121 175 SHOTS ...... 48 vs Presbyterian (2/27/08) Man-up ...... 18 22 Man-down ...... 0 1 ...... 38 vs Providence (5/2/08) Unassisted ...... 51 67 SHOTS ON GOAL ...... 28 vs Presbyterian (2/27/08) GROUND BALLS ...... 466 494 FACEOFFS (W-L) ...... 153-182 182-153 ...... 23 vs Saint Joseph’s (4/5/08) Faceoff W-L Pct ...... 457 .543 SAVES ...... 17 vs Marist (3/15/08) CLEARS ...... 232-315 234-321 ...... 16 at Bellarmine (2/23/08) Clear Pct...... 737 .729 PENALTIES GROUND BALLS ...... 46 vs Saint Joseph’s (4/5/08) Number ...... 57 72 ...... 38 vs Presbyterian (2/27/08) Minutes ...... 50:00 64:00
GOALS BY PERIOD 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT Total VMI - GAME LOWS VMI 28 29 28 35 1 121 Opponents 33 46 48 47 1 175 POINTS ...... 3 at Navy (2/9/08) SHOTS BY PERIOD 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT Total ...... 3 at Army (2/16/08) VMI 103 131 114 115 2 465 GOALS ...... 2 at Navy (2/9/08) Opponents 137 136 141 135 3 552 ASSISTS ...... 0 at Army (2/16/08)
SAVES BY PERIOD 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT Total SHOTS ...... 19 at Army (2/16/08) SHOTS ON GOAL ...... 8 at Army (2/16/08) VMI 40 32 39 40 0 151 Opponents 26 37 35 32 0 130 SAVES ...... 3 vs Providence (5/2/08)
www.vmikeydets.com 2009 MEDIA GUIDE 9 Alex Benedick Freshman Goalie