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Conference Champs Ranked 7th Nationally

May. 2, 2007

Life has been sweet lately for the Emory Eagles Men's Lacrosse team. Since winning their first ever SELC title on April 22nd, the Birds have been very pleased with themselves. Players are starting to realize what an amazing thing they have become a part of and how they led this program to such an amazing turning point.

Back in early October, Alex Leung emailed the Emory Wheel Newspaper while studying abroad in Spain. In the email, Leung spoke about how upsetting the 2006 season was, while also vocalizing the team's ultimate goal for 2007. "Anything but making it to nationals could be considered a step backwards for the program", stated Leung.

With the brutal competition that awaited them on their schedule this season it was hard for the team to not take things one game at a time. However, efforts were made to remind themselves to keep their eagles eyes on the prize for the end of the year. More often then not, team practices ended by everyone putting their hands in the middle of the huddle and chanting "Dallas." Not only did the team accomplish what it had set out to do, but did so with style.

Early on in the year, the team was doubted. Apparently the only ones who thought that Emory Lax was destined for greatness were the three coaches and the 29 players on roster. The doubt was expressed in the pre-season polls which placed Emory as No. 6 in the conference and 26th nationally. Regardless, a display of determination and character surprised poll voters when EU finished the regular season with an 8-2 record, undefeated in conference play. Additionally, it should be noted that the only two losses suffered by the "Dirty Birds" were to Georgia Tech and Stonehill College; both division A programs.

Going into the playoffs the Eagles were disapointed when the number one seed in the SELC tournament was awarded to UNC-Charlotte. Statistically taking on the two best teams in the conference, Emory shined by beating both SCAD and Charlotte convincingly. By finally being crowned the undisputed regional champions, a bid to compete for MCLA gold in Texas was earned.

As of late members of Emory Men's Lacrosse team have been studying for finals, practicing, and finalizing their travel arrangements to the Lone Star State. The team's seniors have been doing all of this while also preparing to graduate on the day of departure for nationals.

The only question left was where would Emory be ranked nationally in the last two Shamrock polls before Texas? The answer for today is 7th, the highest ranking the Emory Men's Lacrosse program has ever earned. Although this is the highest ranking the blue and gold has ever gotten in lacrosse, this is not the first time they have found themselves as the 7th best lacrosse team in the country. Emory did manage come into the No. 7 slot in national polls on both December 1st, 2004 and March 24th, 2005.

Other SELC teams that could be found in the polls are SCAD at 14, Charlotte at 15, and Elon at 21. Eckerd, who was ranked in the pre-season polls as top dog in the conference and fifth in the country now finds themselves in the same place that Emory was in during the pre-season; an unofficial 26th.

The next poll will be released on Sunday, May 6th.

To view the Shamrock MCLA-B poll click here.