Bayhawks' first week a soggy success
Published on May 2, 2005 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
Baltimore, MD (May 2, 2005) - Under grey skies, and in a steady and sometimes torrential downpour, the Baltimore Bayhawks opened their 2005 preseason training camp on Saturday.
But handshakes and high spirits set the tone from the first arrivals at St. Paul's School. And when all the straps were strapped and snaps were snapped, those high spirits turned into high intensity play as the squad split into two teams and ran a full-field scrimmage.
"We played well, rain or no rain," said player-coach Gary Gait. "A lot of guys are either coming off of an indoor season or haven't played competitively since last season, so the weather was a little bit of a challenge, but everybody came ready to play and played hard. It was a good first week."
"This was probably the best opening weekend of training camp I've seen from this team," GM Jay Pivec remarked. "And I know it only get better as the team gets back into its groove."
For those that didn't brave the soggy conditions to come check out the Bayhawks in action, there was quite a show to be missed. Newly acquired midfielder David Curry put on a shooting clinic, evidencing how he managed to come away from the 2004 season with 21 goals. Veteran attackman Tom Marechek dropped in a couple of his own, including an incredible no-angle, behind-the-back goal from on the crease. Mikey Powell showed what made him 2004's number one draft pick with his fantastic ability to change direction helping him to create offense. Attackman Matt Alrich also showed his value, scoring a total of 5 goals in the session on Sunday.
Not all of the highlights belonged to offensive players, though. Tough defense from both midfielders and longpoles kept the offense earning their money, and brutal displays of dominance made the inside of the defensive set a dangerous place to be.
Defenseman Dave Daniecki made a particular impression on several players, including a bone-crunching check to Gary Gait. Brian Reese and Shawn Nadelen did some damage of their own, highlighted by a take away check from Nadelen that sent the stick of Mikey Powell whiling into the air.
"It's great to be out on the field and back together as a team," said defenseman Kevin Kaiser. "The intensity that everyone came out with as a team, along with the individual talent that guys are bringing to the mix, is going to make us a tough team this year."
The Bayhawks will reconvene this coming Saturday at St. Paul's School at 9am. Practice will be open to the public, and the players will be available to the media for comments.
About the Baltimore Bayhawks
The Baltimore Bayhawks were founded 1999 by Dave Pivec, owner of Pivec Advertising; Chris Hutchins, owner of Bacharach Raisin; Ray Schulmeyer, owner of Schulmeyer Animal Hospital in Baltimore, MD; and Gordon Boone of Ryan Commercial Real Estate. The Bayhawks were the MLL Champions in 2002 and have made the MLL playoffs in every season of the League's operation. The Bayhawks play their home games at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University in Towson, MD. The Bayhawks 2005 season begins in Seattle, Washington on May 28th against the New Jersey Pride; the 2005 home schedule will consist of 6 games beginning on June 5th against the New Jersey Pride. For more information about the Bayhawks, visit www.baltimorebayhawks.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 2, 2005
- Bayhawks' first week a soggy success - Chesapeake Bayhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
