Men's Lacrosse Opens 2009 With Annual Media Day

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Orange men's lacrosse team hit the field today for the start of the 2009 season. Syracuse practiced at the Carrier Dome in the morning and then held its annual Media Day. Head coach John Desko previewed the upcoming campaign in his introductory news conference and the student-athletes participated in interviews and posed for pictures.

The morning practice consisted of fitness tests followed by shooting drills and some instructional work. The Orange also practiced again in the afternoon.

During his news conference, Desko fielded questions from reporters about a number of topics, including what it will be like to defend the national championship, who will replace Danny Brennan (last year’s NCAA leader in faceoff winning percentage) and what freshmen he believes will make an immediate impact this season.

The Orange won its NCAA-record 10th national championship in 2008 with a 16-2 overall record. SU’s 16 victories tied the school record and it was the fourth NCAA title for the Orange in Desko’s first 10 seasons as head coach.

Syracuse is ranked No. 2 in the 2009 Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Yearbook preseason poll and boasts seven preseason All-Americans. A host of core players return from last year’s NCAA title-winning squad, including captain and leading returning scorer Kenny Nims (Watertown, N.Y.). Nims was second on the club last season in points (58), goals (34) and assists (24).

The Orange faces its first test of 2009 on Thursday, Jan. 29 when it hosts Hofstra and Le Moyne in a three-way scrimmage at the Dome. Syracuse will also host Harvard in an exhibition (Feb. 7) before beginning the regular season on Sunday, Feb. 15 against Providence.

Syracuse University Athletics

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