Photos From Mile High Lacrosse vs Duke


Denver Post Profiles Kerry Cremeans

(above) Kerry Cremeans is hard at work after a week on the job
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has an article about the new women's basketball head coach Kerry Cremeans.  Its an excellent article so check it out.

Kerry was at the lacrosse game on Friday night and was being introduced around by DU Athletics brass.  She has an amazing personality and infectious energy and there is absolutely no doubt that she is going to take women's hoops to the next level.

Classic Embroidered Boone Hoodies Online


Click on photo to enlarge
The prototypes arrived yesterday and now you can purchase a piece of history.  The first embroidered Boone hoodies ever produced.  There are countless combinations; grey, red, gold or black hoodies - lightweight or heavy duty - Boone with "DENVER" or "PIONEERS."  Plus they are available in six sizes from Small to XXXL.

The company can also sew names and numbers on your hoodie to give it that extra customized look.

Allow 4 to 7 days for your hoodie to be custom manufactured and 3 to 5 business days for the items to be delivered by UPS.

DU Thumps Duke At Mile High Stadium


University of Denver senior Mark Matthews tallied five goals and added two assists and freshman goalie Ryan LaPlante made 16 saves to lead the 16th-ranked Pioneers to a 15-9 win over No. 3 Duke in men's lacrosse action this evening in front of 12,282 fans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver outscored the Blue Devils 9-4 in the second half to secure the victory. 

The loss snapped Duke's win streak at 10 games and is the Blue Devils' first loss since March 10. Duke is now 13-4 overall, while Denver improves to 8-5 for the season. Duke twice attempted to mount a comeback, but could never take the lead against the Pioneers. 

"We knew it was going to be difficult to come out here and play," head coach John Danowski said. "We've traveled for the past three weekends now and classes ended this week and we understood it was going to be a challenge. With that being said, Denver was great today and deserved to win. They were the better team. It was great for our guys to play in a hostile environment and this was a good one for us. You don't always win with a win and hopefully we learn from this one."

Photos: Tailgating At Mile High

(above) JoJo The War Drummer fires up the crowd at the Tailgate
(above) The pregame tailgating lasted five hours
(above) Rocking the Red Bull Hummer
(above) LetsGoDU support staff hoists Boone onto the RV
(above) Getting an early start in front of the LetsGoDU Express
(above) Unloading 25 cases of soft drinks, water & beverages
(above) Boone DJing in the Red Bull Hummer

Upcoming Events @ DU

DU Tailgating At Mile High Stadium - FRIDAY 2-8 PM .... DU vs. DUKE Lacrosse FRIDAY @ 8 PM .... GO DU


DU vs. Duke Friday 8 PM MT - ESPNU

Photos: Lacrosse Pep Rally & Move Night

(above) Boone flexes at the Pep Rally
(above) DU Lacrosse team, coaches and staff met students at dusk on the Driscoll Lawn
(above) Students & players watched DU lacrosse highlights on the 21' big screen
(above) Coach Tierney and the team captains addressed the crowd

Denver Post: DU Lax Goalie A Keeper

(above) Freshman goalie Ryan LaPlante will lead the Pioneers today against Duke
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

The redshirt was removed in frantic fashion. University of Denver freshman Ryan LaPlante was on his couch March 18, watching the DU Lacrosse team go into a third overtime at Notre Dame, when sophomore goalie Jamie Faus suffered a torn Achilles tendon in what ended as a 10-9 loss.

"I was flying to New York four hours later," LaPlante said. "I was really excited. I just want to play."

LaPlante, who made his NCAA debut March 20 against Cornell in Ithaca, N.Y., competed with Faus for DU's starting goaltending job since last fall [read entire article].

Duke Hoops Student Attendance Declining

(above) The Duke Lacrosse team is going to get a taste of PioNation today at Mile High Stadium
The student section at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium is legendary for its raucous fans. But a report in the school's student newspaper, indicates that undergraduate interest has dropped off. 

Screaming fans. Body-surfing mascots. The most wild and intense student atmosphere in college basketball has long-belonged to Duke. Right? Perhaps not. 

A report in Duke's student-run newspaper, the Duke Chronicle, reveals that attendance in the famed student section at Cameron Indoor Stadium has declined in recent years. So much so, in fact, that the sections which are home to the "Cameron Crazies" have seen an increase in general admission tickets being made available. 

The Chronicle reports that 650 undergraduates have attended the 10 Duke home games this season — a drop-off of 150 from the 2008-09 season. 

 "It has nothing to do with the revenue. We just want it to be full," Director of Marketing and Relations Mike Forman told the paper."If there were 1,200 students every game we would love it." 

Declined undergraduate interest in home games, has forced the school's atheltic department to offer approximately 300 tickets per game this season. The tickets for the 1,200-seat section of bleachers that run along the sidelines of the court, have been priced at $65 a piece. Meanwhile attendance at DU's sporting event has seen a rise in interest during the same period.

Twitter: PioNation Travels In Style


NY Times: Scoring Woes Plague DU Lacrosse

“I don’t believe in luck. I just believe in preparation. So we’ll keep preparing these guys the best we can.”
-Bill Tierney
From: NY Times Blog
by Anna Gauldin

Despite an 8-7 lead with only 19 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the #10 Pioneers lost 9-8 in overtime to then #17 Fairfield on Saturday afternoon at Lessing Field in Connecticut. With the loss, Denver dropped to 7-5 over all and 3-3 in the E.C.A.C., clinching the No. 4 seed in the conference tournament thanks to Air Force’s 14-4 loss to Ohio State over the weekend.

The Pioneers fell to No. 16 the national rankings after posting their third one-goal, overtime loss of the season, logging a 0-3 record outside of regulation play [read entire article].

On Campus Lacrosse Pep Rally Tonight

(above) DU Lacrosse highlights, extreme skiing videos and a movie will be shown on the 21' big screen tonight on Kappa Sigma Lawn
Lacrosse Pep Rally & Outdoor Movie Night

Thursday, April 26th 8-11 PM

There will be a Pep Rally tonight at 8 PM to promote the University of Denver Lacrosse game against Duke at Sports Authority Field tomorrow night [Friday, April 27th].
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This FREE event will be held on the Kappa Sigma lawn [2201 East Evans] from 8-11 PM and the University of Denver community [fans, alumni, students, faculty, staff, children] are invited.  A 21' movie screen will be set up and DU lacrosse highlights, extreme skiing videos and a movie will be shown at 9:30 PM

The University of Denver lacrosse team and coaches will be attend the event at 8 PM.

Pop corn, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided free of charge. There will be various items given away including several pairs of free lacrosse tickets, including two sideline seats, Boone Posters & Boone shirts. 

DU Lacrosse highlight videos will be shown on the 21' big screen as well as music, video games and a movie [TBD]. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, tents and or lawn chairs. 

Come out and support this event and meet the players and coaches. 

The event is hosted by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and all functions involved with erecting, maintaining and dissembling the equipment will be performed by Fun Flicks employees.

Denver Post: Cremeans Hits Recruiting Trail

(above) New Women's basketball coach Kerry Cremeans has built her staff and hit the road to bring top recruits to the University of Denver
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Any thought that Kerry Cremeans was coming out to Colorado to enjoy the mountains was quickly dispelled after a frantic paced first week on the job.  She quickly nailed down one of the most most high profile female basketball personalty in the country, Abby Waner, as an assistant coach.  Next she hired Ashley Langford as another assistant.  Then it was off to build relationships with high school coaches across the state.

Mike Chambers details the action in the Denver Post.

Twitter: Black Market Boone Hoodies

(above) Expect a call from DU's crack Legal Counsel staff

Chicago Arena Alums To Watch Lax On Friday


Chicago area alums will be watching the DU vs. Duke lacrossse game on ESPNU. There will be appetizers, specials, and giveaways in a private section of the bar. Please wear your DU gear and show your school spirit.

AD Discusses DU's Present & Future Plans

From: DU Clarion
by Anna Gauldin

There's a very good and comprehensive interview in the DU Clarion with University of Denver Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes. She has done a sensational job hiring and retaining some of the best coaches in their respective sports.  Multiple National Championship's litter the resumes of several of the coaches & coaching staffs.

The next challenge is getting butts in the seats and matching the attendance successes of lacrosse and hockey.  Men's basketball attendance has been in rapid accent in recent seasons, but still has a way to go.

The challenges that face the hockey program as it transitions to the NCHC will be a daunting task.  Check out the article, its very well written and informative.

Video: Mile High Classic Lacrosse Promo

NCHC Announcements On The Way

From: USCHO.com

The new National Collegiate Hockey Conference expects to make “two pretty big announcements by Wednesday of next week,” commissioner Jim Scherr said on Tuesday. 

Details were few, but Scherr will be in Minneapolis next Tuesday after spending the weekend in Naples, Fla., where he will talk with league officials and coaches attending the American Hockey Coaches Association’s annual meetings. An announcement on Tuesday likely concerns the new league’s postseason venue or the hire of the conference’s first director of hockey operations. 

More than 160 people applied for the hockey operations job, making for a lengthy and detailed interview process for the former United States Olympic Committee chief executive officer, who is working to establish a league office.

Photos: DU's 1989 Team

(above)  Dave Shields, Marc Rousseau, Daryn McBride, Eric Murano
Rod Summers, Dan Brooks, Don McLennan, Jim Hau
(above) Eric Murano, Scott Mathais
Dan Brooks, Ken MacArthur, Daryn McBride
Former DU Defenseman Dan Brooks posted these photos on Facebook of some of the guys from the 1989 Team.

DU Clarion: New Ice Chillers For Magness

(above) Magness Arena often resembled a lake on nights when DU's old chillers couldn't keep up with the heat in the building
From: DU Clarion
by Emma McKay

The Ritchie Center will replace its 12-year-old ice rink chiller this summer with a $900,000 more efficient one. The new chiller will save the university approximately $40,000 in annual operating costs, according to Allan Wilson, director of Facilities Services at the Ritchie Center.

The ice rink currently uses a cooling component called glycol, which must reach zero degrees Fahrenheit to chill the ice rink to its typical temperature of 11-16 degrees, according to Wilson.
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The current machine lasted 12 years, and he predicts the new chiller will last about the same. According to him, the last chiller ran 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“You would hope that a machine like that would last longer than 12 years,” said Wilson. “But we have to remember that it was running all the time. It actually did pretty well.”

The new chiller will be built next to the existing plant.

“We’ll keep it so there will be redundancy in the future,” said Wilson.  “If one machine breaks down, then we would always be able to produce a hockey game” [read entire article].

Outdoor Movie Night & Lax Pep Rally

Outdoor Movie Night & Lacrosse Pep Rally 
Thursday, April 26th 8-11 PM 

Several University of Denver alumni have donated a Fun Flicks movie night to promote school spirit on campus and highlight the University of Denver Lacrosse game against Duke at Sports Authority Field the following evening [8 PM Friday, April 27th]. 

This FREE event will be held, weather permitting, on the Kappa Sigma lawn from 8-11 PM and the University of Denver community [fans, alumni, students, faculty, staff, children] are invited. 

The University of Denver lacrosse team and coaches have accepted an invitation to attend the event.

Pop corn, movie munchies and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided free of charge. There will be various items given away including several pairs of free lacrosse tickets, including two sideline seats, and several other prizes. 

DU Lacrosse highlight videos will be shown on the 21' big screen as well as music, video games and a movie [TBD]. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, tents and or lawn chairs. 

Come out and support this event and let's continue to build school spirit on campus. 

The event is hosted by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and all functions involved with erecting, maintaining and dissembling the equipment will be performed by Fun Flicks employees.

DU Pregame BBQ At Mile High Stadium

(above) Look for the LetsGoDU RV around campus on Thursday and at the Tailgating Event on Friday
Register Online For DU BBQ

The DU Men’s Lacrosse team will compete in the Mile High Classic presented by Whitman’s Sampler on Friday, April 27 at Mile High Stadium.

Get to the stadium early for a 4-hour pre-game tailgate party (3:30-7:30 p.m.) located at “The Barn,” adjacent to Lot B at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.  Your package includes food and a doubleheader game ticket to watch top-ranked Virginia vs. Penn (5 p.m.) and your Pioneers battle Duke (8 p.m.).

HURRY … ONLY 100 PACKAGES ARE FOR SALE! Game tickets will be available for pick-up at the pre-game tailgate; tickets will not be mailed in advance.

For more information on this event, please contact Ryan Peck at ryan.peck@du.edu or 303.871.2785.

Fairfield 9 - DU Lacrosse 8 OT

From: DenverPioneers.com

#10 University of Denver men's lacrosse team fell 9-8 in an overtime thriller to #17 Fairfield University Stags on Saturday afternoon in Fairfield, Conn. The loss drops the Pioneers to 7-5, 3-3 in the ECAC, while the win puts the Stags up 11-2 overall, 4-1 in conference play.

"It's always tough to lose in overtime, especially when leading the whole game," said head coach Bill Tierney. "Fairfield played well when it counted and took advantage of its opportunities. You never know why so many one-goal games go against you, but as in the earlier situations, we will work hard this week to try to improve. We look forward to the challenge that a great Duke team presents us next Friday night."

Paul Phillips To Captain Pioneers


Head coach George Gwozdecky announced at the University of Denver Hockey Banquet last night that junior defenseman Paul Phillips would be team captain for the 2012-13 Pioneers. Nick Shore, Chris Knowlton and Shawn Ostrow will serve as the alternate captains.

Phillips has 1 goal and 16 assists in 109 career games for the Pioneers.

Phillips was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the seventh round (195th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Twitter: Abby Waner Will Coach At DU

(above) Mike Chambers (red) interviews Abby Waner at Magness Arena in 2007 after Duke defeated DU

Women's Hoops Adds Big Name Asst. Coach

(above) Abby Waner has covered a variety of sports at ESPN & ESPNU
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Multiple reports have new DU basketball coach Kerry Cremeans adding Colorado-native Abby Waner as an assistant coach on her staff.

Waner was a former national player of the year at Thunder Ridge High School [Colorado], set several records while playing at Duke, played professionally for the New York Liberty [WNBA] and is currently a college basketball analyst for ESPN.

DU Hockey Banquet Tonight

(above) Jesse Martin speaking last year at the DU Hockey Banquet
The University of Denver will host the 56th Annual Pioneer Hockey Awards Evening Presented by Mac and Maria Slingerlend on Friday, April 20 at The Cable Center on the DU Campus. Fans are invited to attend as the Pioneers celebrate the senior class of 2012 and the 2011-12 hockey season. 
 
A reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and silent auction begins at 6 PM and the awards program with dessert begins at 7 PM. The Pioneers will celebrate their 11th consecutive season with 21 or more wins and their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

The cost of the program is $50 for adults and $40 for children 12 and under. Please contact Katie Robertson at katie.robertson@du.edu or (303) 871-3397 for registration information.

Help Us Spread The Word Via Social Media

For the past several weeks DU Alums, students and fans have been working behind the scenes on a project to build attendance at the Mile High Tailgate Event and DU Lacrosse game against Duke.  Now you can help us as well.

Post the link to the Mile High Classic Website and encourage your friends, co-workers and acquaintances to attend the events on Friday, April 27th.  Use Facebook, Twitter, texting and other social media forums to spread the word.

Lets work together and make this event the largest attended DU sporting event in the past 50 years.


Denver Post: DU Lax Player Mike Babb Profiled

(above) Drew Babb is profiled in the Denver Post today
DU Men's Lacrosse defenseman Drew Babb is featured on the front cover of today's Denver Post Sports' Section in an article written by Mike Chambers.  Check out the article, its a pretty amazing story.

Mile High Classic Website


Friday, April 27, 2012
 
Virginia vs Penn
5:30 PM MT

Duke vs Denver
8:00 PM MT

Mile High Classic Website

$12 Tickets @ Groupon

Thanks to an alert reader, we found out about $12 General Admission tickets available from Groupon.com. Important to note that these tickets will not be available after midnight on Saturday, so you have less than three days to complete the purchase.

Buy a fistfull before then and invite some friends to the game. You will have to pick up the tickets on the day of the game, there is a maximum of 8 tickets  and your entire group will have to be present to enter the stadium together.

Kerry Cremeans Named Women's Hoops Coach

Kerry Cremeans
Former Auburn University Associate Head Coach Kerry Cremeans has been named Head Coach of the University of Denver women’s basketball team, DU AD Peg Bradley-Doppes announced today. 

"I am very honored and humbled to become the new head coach at the University of Denver,” Cremeans said. “There is a strong foundation already in place, and I am ready to continue building on that with these incredible young ladies that represent DU. I want to especially thank Peg Bradley-Doppes and Pam Wettig for this unbelievable opportunity. They are the best-of-the-best in college athletics, and I look forward to working alongside them."

Cremeans succeeds newly-hired Boston College Head Coach Erik Johnson and becomes the ninth head coach in DU women’s basketball history since the program’s inception in 1974. Cremeans spent eight seasons at Auburn, including the last two as the program’s associate head coach, and is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country.

CREMEANS’ COACHING SUCCESSES
·         1998 NCAA Elite Eight, Purdue University
·         1999 National Champions, Purdue University
·         2001 National Runners-Up, Purdue University
·         10 NCAA Tournament Appearances (Purdue, Florida, Auburn)
·         Five-Time Conference Champions (Big Ten and SEC)
·         Four-Time Conference Tournament Champions (Big Ten)
·         Coached one Wade Trophy Winner (Purdue)
·         Coached five Conference Players of the Year (Purdue and Auburn)
·         Coached four Kodak/State Farm All-Americans (Purdue and Auburn)
·         Coached five Conference Players of the Year (Purdue and Auburn)
·         Coached 21 First Team All-Conference Players (Purdue, Florida and Auburn)
·         Coached three First Team Academic All-Americans (Purdue)
·         Coached one Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year (Auburn)
·         Coached 12 players that went on to the WNBA (Kentucky, Purdue, Florida and Auburn)
·         Coached 27 players that went on to play overseas (Kentucky, Purdue, Florida and Auburn)
·         Two teams recognized by the NCAA for a Top-10 Percentile APR Score (08-09, 09-10)