University of Tennessee head men’s lacrosse coach Matt Synowiez announced today that the 2012 team captains are seniors Mike Kinsey, Jordan Blazer, Matt Cooper and Tyler “Woody” Kidd. “The four young men have done a phenomenal job of representing the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee men’s lacrosse program since they each arrived on this campus. Each individual brings a different leadership style to the program and I think that is essential for great leadership in a team environment. I am proud to have gotten to know each one of them and look forward to seeing them lead our program in 2012."

Mike Kinsey (Franklin, Tenn.—Ravenwood HS/ Air Force) has been an anchor for the Vols defense the past two seasons since he transferred from the Air Force Academy in 2010. Kinsey’s aggressive play allows him to be successful in extending pressure on opponents in order to cause turnovers. His athletic ability is also apparent with his ability to carry the ball in transition and set up Tennessee’s fast break transition plays. Kinsey was a 2010 and 2011 SELC Division 1 all conference honorable mention at his position.

Jordan Blazer (Libertyville, Ill.—Libertyville HS) is a second year captain entering his fourth year as a starting goalie for Tennessee. One of UT’s two senior goalies Blazer is undoubtedly one of the team’s fastest and most athletic players. His speed allows him to be a “one-man” clearing machine, but also possesses the skill to accurately hit his open teammates with lead passes during fast breaks or clears. He also has consistently held one of the highest save percentages in the MCLA. Blazer was an honorable mention SELC Division 1 all conference goalie as a sophomore in the spring 2010 season.

Matt Cooper (Brentwood, Tenn.—Brentwood HS) looks to finish his career at Tennessee on a high note after spending some of last season injured due to offseason knee surgery. Cooper returns to the team feeling 100% once again and hopes to display his talents once more as one of the team’s top face off specialists and defensive midfielders. Built with runner’s speed, Cooper has the ability to move the ball up the field and his vision allows him to make successful passes or go in for the goal. Cooper also has been more vocal since returning from a semester abroad as he makes every effort to know everyone new to the Tennessee lacrosse program. Cooper is also the Tennessee lacrosse program’s Community Service Coordinator and is in his second season in that role.

Woody Kidd (Burke, VA—Lake Braddock Secondary) is Tennessee’s most experienced offensive midfielder with three seasons of starting experience. A natural lefty, Kidd has the ability to be an effective scorer with either hand, and his versatility and creativity is a tremendous asset for the Tennessee program. At 6’0, 185 lbs. Kidd has improved his defensive skills during his time at Tennessee and will be asked to take more of a role on the defensive side of the field in 2012. As one of the most vocal players on the team, Kidd will represent the pulse of this year’s class of captains as they look to lead their team to a successful 2012 season.

When a lacrosse team takes the field three attackmen walk to their offensive side, three midfielders line up across the midfield line, three defensemen lug their d-poles towards their own crease, but there is always only one man that steps between the pipes; the goalie.

                As is common the goalie spot is a singular position during play which increases the competition for the starting role. However on the University of Tennessee Men's Club Lacrosse team there is a noticeable camaraderie between three individuals all carrying giant, tennis racquet like sticks wearing next to nothing for padding. Those three individuals are seniors David Catterton, Jordan Blazer and junior David Sapala; UT’s goal stoppers.

                Blazer and Catterton have each played three seasons for the Vols, trading off games played because both have been that good. Both were actually thrust into the mix to start after the incumbent at the time decided not to return to the program. Blazer, a Libertyville, Il. native, recalled how it felt to hear he’d be competing for the top spot. “I was stoked; I was looking forward to the competition. I was the starter my junior and senior year, but coming to a completely new team and not knowing his abilities I was pumped to compete,” said Blazer.

                “When you looked at us both freshmen year you couldn’t tell the difference, I mean we’ve got the same style and stature with a few differences to our game at the time. But I had come in thinking I was going to wait my turn, but now I got this other freshman who’s just as good if not better and it was hard at first because I didn’t know if I had put enough into it, but in the long run its been awesome,” said Catterton of Brentwood, TN.

                Not to be seen as a third wheel, junior David Sapala has taken a different path in earning his time between the pipes. A native of Chattanooga, TN, Sapala joined the Tennessee program with a much less refined skill set, but with the strong desire to earn minutes while learning from two of the South Eastern Lacrosse Conference’s best.

                “It was tough coming in because they’re a year above me and they’re both really good, so it was going to be an uphill battle my first three years here. I took the time to really learn the position, get my fundamentals down and learn a lot from them because they had a lot to teach me,” said Sapala.

                All three players will admit how their games have improved through learning and mentoring one another on a variety of skill sets needed to play the goalie position. Common compliments in regards to one another are summed up as so: Blazer is the speedster, he loves the open field, Catterton has precision passing when it comes to deep clears and would rather toss dimes than run and Sapala is the scrapper who has taken on both his counterparts unique levels of swagger and risen his game simply through a stronger confidence.

                Tennessee lacrosse is vying for a conference title as they prepare to field their most veteran team yet in the past five seasons. Ask any one of the three how UT Lax will reach its 2012 season goals and all three have the same response; strong goalie play.

                Blazer and Catterton intend to enjoy their final season in Orange and White as they mentor Sapala for one more season. Don’t be fooled, each desires to start as there is no lack of competitive fire, however the strength of their bond is what has given the Vols three lights-out goalies.

Click to see:

University of Tennessee Men's Club Lacrosse Goalies Audio Slideshow

               The University of Tennessee Men’s Lacrosse team walked off the field last April having endured yet another overtime loss. Missed opportunities and one goal losses seemed to define the Vols’ 2011 season as they finished well below preseason expectations.

               Tennessee intends to put its 5-9 record behind them immediately this fall as they work on bringing together a new freshmen class that adds even more depth to a team that lost one senior. As fall ball practice begins coaches and upperclassmen are harping on the miscues that put Tennessee in early game holes or allowed their opponents to come back to win. Head Coach Matt Synowiez had the following thoughts on last season. “Last year was the most frustrating season we had been through since I took over the program in 2005. We had to be the best 5-9 team in the nation which sounds funny to say but we lost 4 games in OT, 1 other by a goal and 1 other by 2 goals. That is 6 losses by a total of 7 goals, that’s a fine line between a 5-9 record and 11-3. Last season made our returners a tough group of players that understand the value of competing at a high level from the first whistle.”

                Senior offensive midfielder Woody Kidd (Burke,VA-Lake Braddock Secondary) agreed that expectations are high for Tennessee for good reason. “We have all but one returning starter on offense and have some great freshmen that can play and add depth. It is a critical year for us to make a run at the playoffs and I like what I’ve seen so far,” said Kidd.

                The playoffs are something that have eluded these Tennessee seniors; having made them only once in the last three seasons. Fellow senior and defensive midfielder John Honan (Memphis,TN-Houston) knows this class expects big things and this year is their last chance to exceed those expectations. “The goal is to be a top 25 team and make it to Atlanta for the SELC playoffs. We have a great group who are all ready to make that push for the program,” saidHonan.

                Goals have been set by Tennessee’s seniors and with their leadership they should be accomplished. Junior close defenseman Mike Middleton (Baltimore,MD-Boys Latin) doesn’t doubt that, “It’s playoffs or bust for us, no question about it. If our defense stays tight and lets the offense score like they can then we have no reason not to win our division.”

Both Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC are close to Knoxville, TN which is perfect travel wise for the Tennessee Volunteers. However work done in the fall and leading up to their first game in 2012 will help determine if these Vols are ready to take the next step to becoming a top MCLA program.